Searching for the Little Mountain Gallery
GO TO: http://littlemountaingallery.ca/

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For a number of years this was the official website for the Little Mountain Gallery.
Content is from the site's 2010 -2012 archived pages offering a glimpse of the type of events the venue offered as well as from other outside sources.

If you have inadvertently ended up here searching for the Little Mountain Gallery, go to their slick current website at: http://littlemountaingallery.ca/ where they note that in 2020 Little Mountain Gallery is booked exclusively with comedy programming and not available for theatre runs, music shows or private parties.
Check out their monthly calendar for events.

 

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Editor's Comment: Little Mountain Gallery has nothing to do with AI, SEO, or TNG/Earthling. Yet when people searched Google using our name, they were shown content from OneLocalNews.com featuring a news item about what appears to be an SEO service TNG/Earthling. We immediately contacted Google to correct this error, but received no response. We then contacted TNG/Earthling who responded immediately - they told us that this was not an uncommon issue with Google. They also helped us file a complaint that likely contributed to the correction. But this error lasted for over 3 months before finally reverting to show our gallery. We have no idea why this happened or why it was corrected but are furious at Google for mishandling the search for our website. We're now in agreement with those who want Google to be regulated.

 

 

LOOKING BACK TO 2010 - 2012 EVENTS

Little Mountain Gallery
195 EAST 26th AVENUE
VANCOUVER, B.C.
V5V 2G8

All art exhibition applications and submissions will be reviewed by the LMG arts commitee.

LMG aims to present two art openings a month.

All art submissions for consideration must include an artist statement, 3-5 examples of work, and additional previous work(s).
A clear vision of the intended exhibit should also be presented.

 

About

Little Mountain Gallery was established April 7th, 2006. Built in 1930, 195 east 26th Avenue was home to Curly’s Garage. In the decades to follow it has been a sheet metal shop, a plumbing and heating outlet, a soda pop bottle depot, and lastly, South Seas Meats Ltd. Over the past nine years however it has been home to the Arts. Located just west off of Main Street, Little Mountain Gallery strives to survive in a city that has seen too many Art spaces disappear. LMG has pushed forward to improve upon what had already been established by the Butchershop Collective (2001-2006). LMG is dedicated to its neighborhood, and to keeping the dream alive.

Booking with us

Little Mountain Gallery is a multi use space. We host art exhibits, theatre, dance, community events, lectures, films, and select musical performances. If you've got an idea for a event chances are we can accommodate! We have both partial and full space rental to accommodate different needs and budgets. For a booking guide, or if you have any questions or need further info please contact us at

August 2011

 

DRAWN FEST - new works by Sol Sallee, Charles Keillor, & EC Salazar

DRAWN

New Works by:
Sol Sallee http://www.soltroncreative.com/
Charles Keillor http://www.charleskeillorart.com/
& EC Salazar http://www.monsterdinosaur.com/

GALLERY HOURS - OPEN DAILY 1-4PM
JULY 28 - AUGUST 16.
CLOSED AUG. 4th - 8th, and 13th.
In Conjunction with The DRAWN festival, City wide in Vancouver.

 

OPEN 1-4PM DAILY

Wednesday, July 27, 2011 - 7:00pm
Thursday, July 28, 2011 - 1:00pm
Friday, July 29, 2011 - 1:00pm
Saturday, July 30, 2011 - 1:00pm
Sunday, July 31, 2011 - 1:00pm
Monday, August 1, 2011 - 1:00pm
Wednesday, August 3, 2011 - 1:00pm
Tuesday, August 9, 2011 - 1:00pm
Wednesday, August 10, 2011 - 1:00pm
Thursday, August 11, 2011 - 1:00pm
Friday, August 12, 2011 - 1:00pm
Sunday, August 14, 2011 - 1:00pm
Monday, August 15, 2011 - 1:00pm
Tuesday, August 16, 2011 - 1:00pm

 

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YELP REVIEWS

**** Robin M. Vancouver, BC
4/28/2012
Holy hell, where has this little gallery been all of my Vancouver-living life? Minimal because it has to be, cool because they care, fun because of their opposition, Little Mountain is *such* a breath of happiness and relief in a what is a long string of pseudo-art spaces in the city.

With what I'm sure are plywood walls, it's not much to look at, and the seating situation is painfully uncomfortable (plastic fold up chairs from Ikea, methinks), but the people who run this bad boy know what's up. Reminiscent of one-off art shows in Montreal, Little Mountain puts the emphasis on the art, the show, the performers -- not on making the place look "cool."

A rad little music space; a perfect gallery to drink bad wine out of plastic cups in; a good venue to watch a Beckett classic. Much respect, Little Mountain -- especially in a city where the exact minimal, DIY, put-your-attention-on-the-art feel they've achieved (on what I'm sure is a less than zero budget) is what every new Portand-esque shop attempts to attain. Money, it would seem, really can't buy everything.

~~~

Emma L. Vancouver, BC
6/3/2010
Great little art venue just off Main. Rad concerts and cool plays and there's just always awesome shit happening here. Check it out!

 

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2012 Calendar

•Wednesday January 18th
8:00pm
CINEMARTWORK
Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005)
 
•Saturday January 21st
1:00pm
STUDIO SALE!

• Saturday January 28th
7:00pm
Colliding Passions
Back for the 3rd time @ LMG!
Welcome to the 3rd Colliding Passions!
A night of art, music, poetry, dance, film, jewelry, & photography
Tickets are $20 IN ADVANCE
Featuring:
Music performed by: Young James
Art created by: Ilana Danzig & Judy Villett
Jewelry made by: Robin Miller
Dance/Poetry/Music Creation by: Andrea Pena & Tanille Geib & Granolabear
Performance by: Danielle Wilson
A short film by Brett Ferster
Photography captured by: Hiiro Prince

• Sunday January 29th
7:30pm
PETUNIA, THE MINIMALIST JUG BAND, & SKYE WALLACE
An amazing night of music TICKETS AVAILABLE @ RED CAT RECORDS
PETUNIA, THE MINIMALIST JUG BAND, & SKYE WALLACE
TICKETS AVAILABLE @ RED CAT RECORDS
$10
show begins at 8PM
doors at 7:30pm

• Saturday February 9th
Little Mountain Gallery 2nd Annual Art Auction

• Saturday February 11th
12:00pm
LMG ART CRAFTFAIR
LOCAL CRAFTERS AND ARTISTS WORKS AVAILABLE

• Sunday February 121th
12:00pm
LMG ART CRAFTFAIR

• Wednesday February 15th
8:00pm
cinemArtWork

PROLOGUE

Drawings and Prints by Jonathan Reid Sevigny
Friday, August 26, 2011 - 7:00pm
Saturday, August 27, 2011 - 1:00pm
Sunday, August 28, 2011 - 1:00pm
Monday, August 29, 2011 - 1:00pm
Tuesday, August 30, 2011 - 1:00pm
Wednesday, August 31, 2011 - 1:00pm
Thursday, September 1, 2011 - 1:00pm
Friday, September 2, 2011 - 1:00pm
Saturday, September 3, 2011 - 1:00pm
Sunday, September 4, 2011 - 1:00pm
Monday, September 5, 2011 - 1:00pm

PROLOGUE.
Drawings and Prints by Jonathan Reid Sevigny
http://joreid.blogspot.com/
OPENING RECEPTION FRIDAY AUG. 26th
Exhibit runs from AUGUST 26 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2011
Open daily from 1-4pm

 

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2011 Calendar

All designated Community Events at L.M.G. are open to the public
Pay what you can - cover charge by donation.

• Wednesday February 2nd

  (All day)

  Black Thumb. New Works by Jessica Jang

  LMG is proud to have Jessica Jang back and exhibiting her amazing work on our walls.

  

• Thursday February 3rd

  (All day)

  Black Thumb. New Works by Jessica Jang

  LMG is proud to have Jessica Jang back and exhibiting her amazing work on our walls.

  

• Friday February 4th

  (All day)

  Black Thumb. New Works by Jessica Jang

  LMG is proud to have Jessica Jang back and exhibiting her amazing work on our walls.

  

• Saturday February 5th

  (All day)

  Black Thumb. New Works by Jessica Jang

  LMG is proud to have Jessica Jang back and exhibiting her amazing work on our walls.

  

• Sunday February 6th

  (All day)

  Black Thumb. New Works by Jessica Jang

  LMG is proud to have Jessica Jang back and exhibiting her amazing work on our walls.

  

 

Little Mtn Craft

Craft, Design, Art, & Food! Saturday, July 23, 2011 - 11:00am

Saturday, August 20, 2011 - 11:00am
Saturday, September 3, 2011 - 11:00am
Saturday, September 24, 2011 - 11:00am

DRAWFORTH! A monthly drawing social 6-10PM:
August 16
September 20
October 30
November 15

Tables and chairs provided, some paper and pencils/pens will be available to use as well, all are encouraged to bring your own supplies. We have a record player and ghetto blaster for background tunes, DRAWFORTH! is intended to be a monthly night for people to gather and work individually or collaboratively in a peaceful fun environment.

HIDDEN AGENDA Acoustic Variety Show 8-10PM:
September 2
September 16
October 14
November 18

Sunday October 30th
6:40pm
DRAWFORTH
A MONTHLY DRAWING SOCIAL

Wednesday November 2nd
7:00pm
The Summer I spent On EI
Art by JASON GOWANS

Wednesday November 2nd
7:00pm
The Summer I spent On EI
Art by JASON GOWANS

Thursday November 3rd
(All day)
The Summer I spent On EI
Art by JASON GOWANS

Thursday November 3rd
(All day)
The Summer I spent On EI
Art by JASON GOWANS

•Friday November 25th
7:30pm
SAM SHEPARD'S TRUE WEST
MAIN STREET THEATRE
 
•Saturday November 26th
7:30pm
SAM SHEPARD'S TRUE WEST
MAIN STREET THEATRE
 
•Sunday November 27th
7:30pm
SAM SHEPARD'S TRUE WEST
MAIN STREET THEATRE
 
•Tuesday November 29th
7:30pm
SAM SHEPARD'S TRUE WEST
MAIN STREET THEATRE
 
•Wednesday November 30th
7:30pm
SAM SHEPARD'S TRUE WEST
MAIN STREET THEATRE
 

 

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2010 Calendar

 

April, 2010

Friday, April 2, 2010 - 7:30pm

SARAH WHEELER and The Campfire Synthesizers
feat, Dave Phillips, Sarah Wheeler The Campfire Synthesizers, and Way To Go Einstein

/// A wonderful rocking night of music ///
FEATURING.....
SARAH WHEELER and The Campfire Synthesizers
DAVE PHILLIPS &

SLEEPY HOLIDAY
Sleep Holiday The Magician & The Gates of Love Shane Turner Overdrive
Hornby Island Free Store and Recycling Depot
island photo exhibit on the mainland / PHOTOS by Graeme Fisher
THE CREAKING PLANKS AND RAGHU LOKANATHAN TRIO
TRY SAYING THE RAGHU LOKANATHAN TRIO THREE TIMES FAST
APOLLO GHOST
MOUNT BENSON 12" LP RELEASE
MATTHEW BARBER
TRUE BELIEVER tour. Matthew Barber, Adaline and Laura Smith. An intimate evening of solo performances not to be missed
PAWNSHOP DIAMOND
with David Newberry and James Lamb
THE PROJEKTOR, by Ryen Frogatt
film debut screening of THE PROJEKTOR
OH MY DARLING
on tour

Tuesday April 6th
7:00pm
Hornby Island Free Store and Recycling Depot
Photographs by Graeme Fisher

Friday March 26th
7:00pm
GONE BABY GONE
new works by Edward McKeever

Friday March 19th
7:00pm
MUSIC FROM A PINE & A PINECONE
Kate Maki and Brent Randall Record Release Tour

Saturday March 6th
7:30pm
Corbin Murdoch and the Nautical Miles release party for A Year in Song
12 months. 12 songs. 12 works of art.

Sunday February 28th
7:30pm
ANOTHER NIGHT OF PLEASING SQUEEZING
Accordion Noir radio show / podcast LIVE!

Sunday February 21st
6:00pm
EARLY SUNDAY CONCERT SERIES w/ DAVE PHILLIPS
LITTLE MOUNTAINS SUNDAY MAESTRO DAVE PHILLIPS

Friday February 19th
7:30pm
SARAH WHEELER & FRIENDS
with EL DORADO and DAVE PHILLIPS

Jan 29, 2010
7:00pm
Collapsing Opposites

 Jan 23, 2010
8:00pm
AMERICAN BUFFALO
by David Mamet. Brought to you by the Main Street Theatre Equity Co-op

 Jan 22, 2010
8:00pm
AMERICAN BUFFALO
by David Mamet. Brought to you by the Main Street Theatre Equity Co-op

Jan 21, 2010
8:00pm
AMERICAN BUFFALO
by David Mamet. Brought to you by the Main Street Theatre Equity Co-op

Jan 20, 2010
8:00pm
AMERICAN BUFFALO
by David Mamet. Brought to you by the Main Street Theatre Equity Co-op

Jan 19, 2010
8:00pm
AMERICAN BUFFALO
by David Mamet. Brought to you by the Main Street Theatre Equity Co-op

Jan 18, 2010
8:00pm
AMERICAN BUFFALO
by David Mamet. Brought to you by the Main Street Theatre Equity Co-op

Jan 17, 2010
8:00pm
AMERICAN BUFFALO
by David Mamet. Brought to you by the Main Street Theatre Equity Co-op

Jan 16, 2010
8:00pm
AMERICAN BUFFALO
by David Mamet. Brought to you by the Main Street Theatre Equity Co-op

Jan 15, 2010
8:00pm
AMERICAN BUFFALO
by David Mamet. Brought to you by the Main Street Theatre Equity Co-op

Thursday January 14th
8:00pm
AMERICAN BUFFALO
by David Mamet. Brought to you by the Main Street Theatre Equity Co-op

Wednesday January 13th
8:00pm
AMERICAN BUFFALO
by David Mamet. Brought to you by the Main Street Theatre Equity Co-op

Sunday January 10th
6:00pm
Dave Phillips
Guitarist Singer Songwriter

Saturday January 9th
7:30pm
SAFE AMP FUNDRAISER
a night of music by S.A.S.S.

 

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More Background On Little Mountain Gallery

 

Little Mountain Gallery, often abbreviated locally as LMG, occupies a singular place in Vancouver’s independent arts history. Situated at 195 East 26th Avenue just off Main Street, the venue emerged from a lineage of adaptive reuse common to the city’s creative underground. The modest orange-fronted building dates to around 1930 and has lived many lives: automotive garage, metal shop, plumbing and heating supplier, bottle depot, seafood outlet. By the early 2000s, however, the industrial economy that once animated the space had receded, and artists began reshaping it into a cultural incubator.

Before the gallery formally took its current name, the address was associated with the Butchershop Collective, a group that ran programming from roughly 2001 to 2006. When Little Mountain Gallery officially established itself on April 7, 2006, it inherited not just a lease but a philosophy: art should be accessible, participatory, and allowed to develop outside commercial pressure. That principle would guide everything from the pay-what-you-can door policies to the willingness to let emerging artists experiment in front of small, forgiving audiences.

The Building and the Neighbourhood

The gallery sits in the Riley Park–Little Mountain area, a district that bridges residential streets with the busy commercial spine of Main Street. This corridor has long been a magnet for independent retail, music venues, cafes, and artist studios. Its relative affordability—at least compared with downtown—made it attractive to cultural producers seeking room to try things without massive overhead.

LMG’s physical plant was never luxurious. Visitors frequently described plywood walls, improvised lighting, and folding chairs. Yet that sparseness became a virtue. Without architectural spectacle competing for attention, audiences focused on performers and artwork. Many patrons later remarked that the room felt honest, intimate, and unpretentious—a contrast to more polished institutions.

A Multi-Use Mandate

From its earliest years, Little Mountain Gallery resisted being pigeonholed. It was not only a visual art gallery, nor strictly a theatre, nor simply a music club. Instead, it functioned as a hybrid community platform.

Programming regularly included:

• visual art exhibitions and openings

• independent theatre productions

• stand-up, sketch, and improv comedy

• craft fairs and markets

• film screenings

• drawing socials

• workshops and lectures

• small touring concerts

The organization reviewed exhibition proposals through an arts committee, typically asking for an artist statement and work samples. The aim was to mount two art openings each month while leaving room in the calendar for performance.

Early 2010s Programming: A Snapshot of Activity

Archival calendars from 2010 through 2012 show an almost relentless rhythm. On any given week one might encounter a touring folk musician, a fringe theatre troupe, a DIY craft market, or an experimental film night.

A good example is the period around the summer of 2011. During that time the gallery hosted the city-wide DRAWN festival, presenting new work by Sol Sallee, Charles Keillor, and EC Salazar. The exhibition maintained regular daytime hours while evenings filled with theatrical runs like Troika! & The Troubles. Within the same month, visitors could attend a drawing social called DRAWFORTH, browse a craft market under the banner Little Mtn Craft, or catch the opening of Jonathan Reid Sevigny’s print show Prologue.

This layering of uses maximized a small footprint and created cross-pollination between audiences. Someone arriving for comedy might discover visual art; a craft shopper might return for theatre.

Theatre on a Shoestring

LMG became known as a reliable refuge for independent producers staging work that might struggle to find space elsewhere. Companies mounted contemporary pieces alongside classics by writers such as Samuel Beckett and David Mamet.

In January 2010, for instance, a lengthy run of Mamet’s American Buffalo filled the calendar night after night. Later seasons saw presentations like Sam Shepard’s True West. These productions benefited from low rental costs and flexible arrangements, allowing artists to take risks.

A Music Room with Character

Despite minimal technical infrastructure, musicians often praised the listening atmosphere. The gallery welcomed indie rock, folk, experimental ensembles, and touring singer-songwriters. Performers such as Matthew Barber appeared in intimate settings that contrasted sharply with larger clubs.

Record release parties, one-off collaborations, and benefit concerts added to the sense that almost anything could happen on the stage.

Cinematic and Cross-Disciplinary Experiments

LMG also dabbled in film culture. A recurring program titled Cinemartwork blended screenings with discussion, sometimes highlighting unconventional selections such as Me and You and Everyone We Know. These evenings emphasized the gallery’s broader mission: not just presentation but conversation.

Community Rituals

Several recurring events became beloved fixtures:

DRAWFORTH invited artists to gather with pencils and paper, encouraging quiet collaboration while records spun in the background.
Hidden Agenda offered acoustic variety bills.
Craft fairs provided affordable entry points for makers to meet buyers face-to-face.

These rituals fostered continuity. Even as individual shows changed, the community knew certain nights would bring familiar energy.

Audience Experience

Reviews from the period frequently emphasized warmth over comfort. Seating might be hard; wine might be cheap; sightlines could be imperfect. Yet patrons appreciated the sincerity. Many compared the vibe to warehouse art scenes in Montreal or Portland, noting that LMG prioritized substance over style.

The modest scale meant artists and viewers mingled easily. Conversations at the bar could lead to future collaborations.

Role in Vancouver’s Comedy Ecosystem

By the late 2010s, Little Mountain Gallery had become especially important for comedy. Before graduating to national or international prominence, performers often honed material in the room. Alumni include figures such as Ivan Decker, Graham Clark, and Brent Butt.

The gallery’s flexibility allowed producers to try unconventional formats, late-night experiments, and festival previews. In an expensive city, that freedom was rare.

Financial Realities

Affordability defined the model. Rent was widely described as below market, made possible by a landlord willing to support cultural use. Ticket prices stayed low, and many events operated by donation. Grants and small civic supports supplemented income; in 2019 the venue received funding from the municipality to assist with space planning.

Such economics made the organization fragile but also deeply valued.

Threat of Redevelopment

In early 2020, news emerged that the property might be replaced by a mixed residential and commercial building. The prospect galvanized supporters who feared losing one of the last inexpensive arts rooms in the area. Management publicly acknowledged the owner’s legal right to redevelop while urging fans to communicate with city officials about the cultural stakes.

The debate mirrored broader anxieties across Vancouver, where rapid growth has often displaced grassroots venues.

Cultural Significance

Why did the potential loss resonate so strongly? Because LMG represented more than bricks and mortar. It functioned as an entry portal into artistic life. Many creators staged first exhibitions there. Comedians tested early jokes. Organizers learned how to run lights, sell tickets, and promote events.

These skills ripple outward. When artists later succeed on larger stages, they carry with them habits formed in rooms like Little Mountain.

Adaptation and Change

As the decade turned, the gallery increasingly concentrated on comedy programming. By 2020, its public messaging indicated bookings were dedicated almost exclusively to that discipline, with theatre and music largely set aside. The shift reflected audience demand and the practical need to specialize.

Yet the DNA of experimentation remained.

Press and Media Attention

Coverage from local outlets framed LMG as both scrappy and essential. Journalists highlighted its unusual history, the loyalty of performers, and the irony that a city proud of cultural vibrancy might allow such a place to vanish. The narrative frequently placed the gallery within conversations about affordability, zoning, and civic responsibility.

Relationship to the Wider Main Street Scene

Main Street has long nurtured independent culture, from record shops to vintage clothing to coffee houses that double as meeting rooms. LMG acted as a night-time anchor within that ecosystem. Visitors often combined a show with dinner or drinks nearby, reinforcing mutual support between businesses.

The Volunteer Spirit

Like many artist-run centres, the gallery relied heavily on volunteers. Board members, technicians, and front-of-house helpers donated time to keep operations running. This participatory structure deepened attachment; people felt they were not merely customers but stakeholders.

What Made the Space Distinct

Several qualities repeatedly surface in recollections:

1. Intimacy – performers were within arm’s reach.

2. Risk tolerance – failure was acceptable, even instructive.

3. Affordability – both for artists renting the room and audiences buying tickets.

4. Frequency – something was happening almost constantly.

Together, these traits produced momentum. Momentum, in turn, attracted more creators.

Legacy of the 2006–2012 Era

The early period documented in surviving archives reveals a laboratory. The sheer diversity—from jug bands to avant-garde drawing festivals—demonstrates how fluid boundaries were. Many later successes in Vancouver comedy and theatre can trace informal roots to experiments mounted there.

Educational Value

Beyond entertainment, LMG offered practical education. Young producers learned budgeting, marketing, stage management, and community outreach. Those competencies helped sustain the broader cultural economy.

Emotional Attachment

Patrons often speak of formative experiences: first performances, first exhibitions, friendships forged in cramped green rooms. Because the venue was small, memories feel personal rather than abstract.

Continuing Relevance

Even as programming evolves, discussions about the gallery continue to surface whenever redevelopment threatens creative infrastructure. LMG has become shorthand for what might be lost if cities fail to protect incubators.

 

Little Mountain Gallery stands as a case study in how modest, adaptable spaces can exert influence far beyond their size. Through persistence, volunteer labour, and an insistence on accessibility, it nurtured generations of artists while offering audiences authenticity that larger institutions sometimes struggle to match.

Whether remembered for a raucous comedy set, a fragile drawing pinned to plywood, or a late-night conversation after a show, the gallery’s impact endures in the networks it helped build.

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