CURRENT EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
The James Black Gallery exhibits work in many mediums and forms. The space has a combination of elements that allow artists to be playful with the design and the usage of the space. We currently host indoor/outdoor workshops that are organized by community members, production rentals, and exhibitions.
Hot Fruit Figure Drawing Series
Next Sessions:
April 15th
May 6th
May 27th
Hot Fruit Figure Drawing centers QTBIPOC models and artists.We want our sessions to allow for the full spectrum of intersectional identities. Sessions can range from classical nude figure drawings to fashion forward, where the model is free to express themselves through a lQqk. We are creating a space where models are free to center not only the figure, but their energy and personal expression. These sessions are led by previous studiomate Odera Igbokwe and developed in collaboration with Mango Sweet Tasty Beats.
Sessions are in-person but for accessibility sake will also include a Zoom component. Online Zoom participants are required to have their cameras on during the session, and are not allowed to record or take screenshots of any parts of the session.
PAST EVENTS 2023

SHELTER COST
January 5th - 7th, 2023
Pod Residency Exhibition: Atiron, Jasmine Gerevas, & Michelle Lavoie
"Shelter cost" highlights the current status of housing in "vancouver" showing the ever worsening living conditions for intersected folks using dioramas and other visual media. We have all experienced housing struggles to varying degrees, despite our different social statuses and upbringings. Our housing struggles have brought us together. Every separate piece is reflective of a barrier we have faced while seeking a home. We tried to use as many found and recycled materials as possible. We hope to create a dialogue and maybe spark new ideas for the future of housing.
DissFunction of FUNKtion
March 2nd-5th, 2023
opening reception March 2nd 7:00pm
drop by March 3-5th 3:00-6:00pm
or by appointment via email & DM
This immersive, multidisciplinary exhibition features the collaborative works of five emerging interdisciplinary artists: Ayesha Beg, Kaila Bhullar, Conor Day, Marwah Jaffar, and Carson Keller. The work includes projection-based installation, sculpture, dance, and sound art. Inspired by explorations of the relationship between the body, mind, and presence of technology, the artists created a perceptually-stimulating atmosphere that walks viewers through an abstract representation of their collective inner reflections. Various technological mediums and sensory components aid in the generation of a critical space that raises questions about the unknown and individual positioning.
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Located on the unceded and ancestral territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh speaking peoples, the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and which has been stewarded by them since time immemorial.
This event is brought to you by the pod residency series at the JBG with support from @cityofvancouver & @bcartscouncil
Obsidian Tapes Vol. 4
January 14th 2022 - 10PM - LATE
a night of enigmatic music featuring live performances and DJ sets from Black Acid, Fifth of Lawrence, Kairo, Siadic, and Sumwun. These artists will guide you through a range of genres including dubstep, two step, downtempo, and drum and bass. For those who embrace the darkness and crave a unique musical experience, don't miss out on this chance to enter the shadows and discover what lies within.
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Featuring sets from:
Fifth of Lawrence (Live PA)
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$20 PRESALE / $25 DOOR
E-TRANSFER: OBSIDIANYVR@GMAIL.COM
Standards of the event include safety, moderation, consent & inclusivity. Feel free to message Obsidian with any questions, concerns or accessibility information.
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5th Annual General Meeting
March 13th, 2023 630PM
The James Black Gallery invites all members and interested community to our third annual general meeting. We'll be appointing new board members, discussing the budget, and voting on any new changes to our structure.