Vancouver Sun

What the World will take Home

Friday January 8th, 2010

Throughout Vancouver, the Olympic decorating has begun. The street-side banners are being hung, and the flags unfurled.

But the signs of the pending party are indoors as well. We at At Home are expecting that many city retailers are also setting their eye on the Olympics, and filling their shops with homewares directed at the visitors who will want to take a bit of Vancouver home with them.

Case in point: Gastown's Parliament Interiors.

The recently opened shop, located at 115 Water, is selling "canvas photos": -- 12-inch-square artistic wall hangings with images of the city. The canvases, says Parliament's Colette Soros, "capture the beauty and history of Vancouver in a dramatic and artful way."

"More than likely, the visitors will get acquainted with the landmarks featured in these images: Canada Place sails, where the new convention centre is; Hotel Vancouver, where they may be staying or dining; Lions Gate Bridge, which they will be crossing; Marine Building, which is situated close to the convention centre and really highlights our architecture and history; the seawall, a must-do experience for any visitor to Vancouver, and, of course, our gorgeous skyline."

The canvas art pieces, which were created by local artist Heather Johnston and sell for $125, are also intended to reflect the philosophy of the store, and its proprietors, says Soros.

"These pieces of art show our fellow Vancouverites that the 'ministers of Parliament' are very proud of where we live and want to highlight the city's beauty through some of the home decor we offer," she says.

"We love to promote local artists...and vendors who really capture the essence of Vancouver through their creativity and work."

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