Chambar restaurant highlights the work of Vancouver artists during the Olympics

Chambar restaurant will feature the work of two Vancouver artists during the Olympics, with the intention of sharing with the world some of the fantastic young artistic talent that the city has to offer. With Chambar’s close proximity to BC Place and Canada Hockey Place, thousands of Olympic visitors will have the opportunity to view local artwork as they dine on fresh BC mussels and chef Nico Schuerman’s Belgian inspired cuisine.

Chambar owner Karri Schuermans has maintained a commitment to the arts community since she and husband Nico opened the Beatty Street restaurant five years ago. “It has been important for us to use Chambar as a place for guests to explore the dynamism of Vancouver, not just on their plate, but through their entire dining experience.” Schuermans typically rotates exhibitions in the restaurant every four to six weeks. Running for the duration of the Olympics, the sculptural work of Josh Van Dyke and large format resin paintings by George Vergette will adorn the restaurant’s heritage brick walls.

Twenty-nine year old Josh Van Dyke alters reclaimed skateboards into masks, animal heads and west coast inspired antler sculptures. Chambar will be showing a selection of sculptures in the front and mid-section of the restaurant, where guests will dine beneath hot pink deer antlers and skateboard decks that have been manipulated to look like hunting trophies. Van Dyke’s work can also be found during the Olympics in Whistler, where he is exhibiting at the Club Intrawest Hotel and Millennium Place; as well as on Bowen Island where he is participating in the Cultural Olympiad.

George Vergette is a successful Vancouver painter and sculptor whose work utilizes epoxy resin and taxidermy. Upon first viewing them, many of Vergette’s paintings cause a transcendent and spiritual reaction but bring viewers down to earth with quips like ‘Last Victor’, ‘Listen’, and ‘Vilify Paradise’.  The contrast between such terse text and such outward beauty invite us to reflect upon the dichotomies we ourselves experience throughout life: successes, failures, or a sweet memory now forgotten. At Chambar, guests will view a new 8x9ft resin painting as well two 5×5 blue and black paintings that will hang in the main dining room. Vergette’s work is also on view at the Museum of Vancouver Ravishing Beasts taxidermy exhibition.

Chambar is located at 562 Beatty Street in Vancouver. The restaurant utilizes local ingredients and also brews its own craft beer, Chambar Ale. For more information please visit www.chambar.com.