The Art of Neighbourhoods
West End

Precious Memory Wheels (1998)

Project Site: West End Community Centre, 870 Denman Street; front entrance plaza

Artist/Facilitators: Ilona Beiks and Rita Beiks

After researching the neighbourhood's history, artists Rita Beiks and Ilona Beiks sought out personal stories, mementos and photographs... "memories" of the West End. Four compositions were created of these memories with border patterns designed by Musqueam artists Debra Sparrow and Robyn Sparrow. The combinations of text and imagery were applied to four "Precious Memory Wheels" and installed at the entrance to the community centre. The 'Wheels', which spin and make sounds, are based on Tibetan Prayer Wheels, used to stop harm from spirits and other beings, to prevent disease and promote healing, and to bless the land and people where they are placed.

WECCstoration Project (1994)

Project Site: West End Community Centre, 870 Denman Street; front entrance exterior

Artist/Facilitator: Tiko Kerr

The WECCstoration Project involved creating murals, designing lighting enhancement and arranging awning replacement in order to "...resolve the contrast between the centre's somber grey exterior and the vital, spirited activities found within." An extensive consultation process between artist Tiko Kerr and West End community members established an environmental theme. Members of a youth group worked in a mentorship program with the artist painting the first mural and the second was produced with seniors and pottery club members. The murals depict organic elements from the environment; tree trunks, ferns, piles of stones etc., that both heighten the sculptural elements of the building and announce the centre as a gathering place for the community.

Go to:

Introduction to the Art of Neighbourhoods
Listing of Projects by Neighbourhood and Map
Contact Information

Champlain Heights	Marpole
Douglas Park	Mount Pleasant/Riley Park
Downtown Eastside	Strathcona & Hastings/Sunrise
Dunbar	Sunset
Grandview-Woodlands	West Point Grey & Kitsilano
Kensington/Cedar Cottage

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