The arts help people cope in dark times so I am so delighted to announce that the arts and 100 Braid St are going virtual, bringing many of our events to the comfort of your own home! At least for the month of May.
Please watch our calendar for:
Paint Nights (& Days) – our well-known paint & sip events are being scheduled for both evenings and day times over the coming month. As a reminder these are not like the paint nights that have been popular in restaurants and bars. We provide professional fine art teachers and by attending our events you will learn a particular technique with each painting and can progress in your skill.
ON THE BRAID STAGE: Music Open Mic Nights – we are moving from Monday night to FRIDAY nights every two weeks! Why? Because we can….and there are so many amazing musicians who are a part of the Studio and our programs and willing to share their talents during this time. We are delighted to showcase them in 8 minute slots from 7-10pm. Performers and attendees can register on Eventbrite. Supported by the Arts Council of New Westminster & Quayside Voices.
ON THE BRAID STAGE: Spoken Word Open Mic Nights – we are moving to one SATURDAY night once a month! 7-10pm. We have been delighted over the past year to provide space and events for all of the talented spoken word aists and performers locally. Now we are going Virtual. The format is similar to our other Open Mic Nights where each person receives an 8 minute time slot. Performers and attendees can register on Eventbrite. Supported by the Arts Council of New Westminster.
ON THE BRAID STAGE: Artist Talks – this program series is where owner & founder of the studio, Susan L. Greig, invites artists from a range of disciplines to talk about their journey in the creative process. They will share their work, influences, processes and how they navigate the art world. Each artist will provide a piece of original art that will go to one of the people in attendance at this virtual event! Supported by the Arts Council of New Westminster.
ON THE BRAID STAGE: Zumba with May Elford – along with using the arts to cope during this time, physical activity is imperative. Therefore we are delighted to be providing space for Zumba classes each Tuesday and Thursday at 5pm and Sundays at 9:15. May is the wife of one of our resident artists & we are delighted to offer her space. All of her events are by donation-and the monies support both her and the studio.
In Development
ON THE BRAID STAGE: Creative Entrepreneur Talks – this is a joint program with The New Westminster Chamber of Commerce and the Arts Council of New Westminster; You may remember it as a program called “Artovations”. We are changing it up and these talks will provide self development workshops for artists and creatives that focus on the business side of working in a creative field!
Virtual Fine Art Classes (for Adults) – this program will feature the many talented Braid St resident and local New Westminster artists. Classes will include: acrylic & oil painting, plein air painting, illustration, creativity, and more.
Virtual Paint Events for Youth & Kids – just like our fabulous Paint events for adults, our artists and teachers are feverishly working on developing paint events that will appeal to the younger generation! We hope to have these up and scheduled very soon! Again, like our adult paint events, our teachers will provide actual art instruction that is age appropriate in fun and inventive ways.
ON THE BRAID STAGE: Virtual Concerts
The gallery in studio is a large space and it is possible to provide social distancing for bands and/or groups that wish to perform. We are welcoming expression of interest.
_________________________________________________________________
If you have any other ideas for events that could appear ON THE BRAID STAGE and could be live streamed please let us know. We love our local community, our followers on social media and all of our friends around the world – we want to bring as much arts programming and connectivity through the arts as we possibly can to help all of us get through this.
We will be watching to see announcements from the Canadian and Provincial Governments about events and the number of people that may congregate. Currently it is set at six – so we are unable at this point to accomodate in person events. Once it goes to 8 or more then we can definitely do in person events.
I look forward to seeing you whether it is online or in person.
Warmly,
Susan
Owner/Founder
Susan L. Greig
100 Braid St Studios
New Westminster, BC
V3L 3P4
100braidststudios@gmail.com
778-886-5391
Braid Studios New Book Club
NewsSomething new is happening! Introducing the Braid Studios Book Club – Books for Creative Lives
For our first seasonal read, we’ll be exploring Art & Fear: Observations on the Perils (and Rewards) of Artmaking by David Bayles and Ted Orland.
This thoughtful and reassuring book looks at why art gets made, why it sometimes doesn’t—and the very human fears, doubts and difficulties that can cause artists to lose their way.
Hosted by Braid artist Jennie Johnston, the Book Club will gather every second Wednesday for relaxed, thoughtful conversation about the book and the realities of building and sustaining a creative life.
Our first gathering on October 7 will be an informal meet-and-greet: a chance to meet Jennie and the other members, learn more about the book and settle into the reading journey together.
Wednesdays | 6:30–8:30 PM
October 7 & 21
November 4 & 18
December 2
The complete five-gathering series is free, but advance registration is required and space is limited to 10 participants.
Participants will need their own copy of Art & Fear. A reading schedule will be provided at the first gathering.
Register free through Eventbrite using the link here.
gathered: A Collective of Cloth and Story – Sept 19 ART SHOW
Art ShowsBraid Studios is proud to present Gathered: A Collective of Cloth and Story, an immersive textile exhibition that invites visitors to step into a world where cloth becomes both canvas and narrator. Running from September 19 to December 5, 2025 at The Braid Loft (321 Sixth Street, New Westminster), this extraordinary show weaves together the work of five visionary artists whose practices explore memory, material, and transformation.
The exhibition opens with a special reception on Friday, September 19, from 6:30–9:00 PM, where guests can meet the artists, experience interactive installations, and celebrate the power of fabric as a vessel for story.
The Artists & Their Works
Alice Clair (@aliceclair) explores nostalgia, domesticity, and memory through her oil and acrylic gouache paintings of vintage linens and thrifted textiles. Her installation Alterations features a clothesline of secondhand garments visited by delicate tissue-paper butterflies—a meditation on change, care, and continuity.
Daphne Woo of Amacata Design Concepts (@amacatamoon) works with natural dyes and fibres to explore ancestral connections. Her installation Gathered Space transforms part of the studio into a sanctuary draped in textiles, lights, and sound—an environment for pause, reflection, and community.
Monica Moscoso (@momodead / @catandsheep.dolls) brings playfulness and nostalgia to life with handmade dolls and embroidered vignettes, evoking circus-like imagination and wonder.
Jennie Johnston (@jenniejohnstonart) and Marcie Rohr (@marcierohr) stitch together mixed-media works that layer depth, emotion, and contrast—highlighting the many ways cloth can carry and communicate story.
Together, these artists transform The Braid Loft into an immersive experience. From projection, scent, and sound to sculptural textile environments, Gathered invites visitors to slow down and consider the stories woven into every thread.
Save the Date New Westminster Cultural Crawl
NewsSAVE THE DATE
The New West Cultural Crawl is back!
October 4 & 5
11-5pm
The Braid Loft
3rd Floor
321-6th St
Open Art Studios at The Braid Loft – July 5
Art ShowsWith over 20 working artist studios open to the public, this is your chance to experience art behind the scenes—chat with local creators, see works-in-progress, and explore an inspiring variety of paintings, textiles, sculpture, mixed media, and more.
This free, family-friendly event invites visitors of all ages to wander our welcoming studio space, soak up the creative atmosphere, and even purchase one-of-a-kind art directly from the artists. Ample free parking is available nearby, and no RSVP is required—just drop in!
Whether you’re a curious visitor, passionate collector, or weekend adventurer, Open Studios at Braid offers a unique, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the beating heart of the local arts scene.
Follow us for monthly artist spotlights and updates:
Instagram: @braidstudios.art
Facebook: Braid Studios
We can’t wait to welcome you!
Art/Form Art Show – On until Sept 8
Art ShowsThe next opportunity to view the Art/Form Show is for First Saturday Open Studios on Saturday September 7 from 12-5pm. This show on until September 7 and features all of the current resident artists from all three of our studio locations. Be sure to watch for our next upcoming show for the 2024 New Westminster Cultural Crawl.
August 11 – West Coast Creatives Salon
NewsAugust 11
Braid Studios
3rd Floor, 321 6th St
We are delighted to have West Coast Creative Salon in the Studio again this month. Come and share your art or art that inspires you! @westcoastcreativessalon meetups are informal discussions. Some creatives bring works in-progress (of any kind or degree of completion) to share and discuss. Sometimes people bring pre-existing works that have had a significant impact on them.
WCCS are a diverse and multidisciplinary artistic community in British Columbia’s lower mainland. They’d love to see your work at the next West Coast Creative’s Salon!
This month’s first presenter is Miya, who is going to speak about architecture that inspires her. She says: “Architecture is an unavoidable art and science that surrounds us in daily life. Join us as we explore architecture from all over the world as a source of inspiration within our artistic practices and admire the elements found within, contemplating how to incorporate them into our own works.”
October 1 Elvira Monteforte Art Show 10-5pm – Immersed in Reflections
Art ShowsImmersed in Reflections
Elvira Monteforte
October 1
10-5pm
We are delighted to announce a brand new exhibition to start the fall series of art shows featuring tri-city artists, at our gallery, located in Port Coquitlam. Visitors will be able to see artist Elvira Monteforte’s photography work for the first time. The show title Immersed in Reflections will speak to locals who frequent walking paths and trails throughout the tri-cities. She says of this new work, “This collection of photos celebrates the happy moments when I walked by dog along the trails through our parks, forests, and next to lakes and rivers. This everyday contact with nature has caused inner reflections on the beauty of this corner of the world I now call home. I saw myself reflected in the puddles of water and wanted to capture that blend of inner and outer reflection in one image.”
Elvira is a multi-media, visual artist who was born and raised in Mexico City and is well known for her public art projects and murals throughout that city. She has been very active in the public art scene of the tri-cities since she moved to Canada in 2006 with installations at Gates, Hyde and Lion’s Park and has served as an artist in residence on multiple projects. The most recent was her 2021 PoCo installation when she and her partner Dolores Altin dressed up 25 trees in Lions Park, weaving circle and strip cut-outs to create costumes that were wrapped around the trunks. Check out the Behind the Scenes video on the project here.
Artist and owner of the Studios, Susan L. Greig says, “This new show, Immersed in Reflections by Elivra Monteforte, is the perfect way to launch our new fall series featuring local artists in our gallery space. Due to covid many locals may not have had opportunity to visit us so we are looking forward to sharing this work and giving our visitors a chance to experience more of our amazing local artistic talent.”
Elvira will be on site to discuss her work on October 1. Please contact 778-886-5391 or braidststudios@gmail.com if you would like more information.
The New West Cultural Crawl This Weekend – Oct 17 & 18 11-5pm
Art Shows, NewsThe New West Cultural Crawl
October 17 & 18, 2020
11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
100 Braid St Studios
200-100 Braid St
New Westminster, BC V3M 1B6
Please come and see the amazing art created by our residents and several guest artists.
We will have an announcement soon as to a temporary location until we can find a more permanent space. The Braid St arts community will be expanding more online and we look forward to connecting and serving more artists; we may look a little different but we hope to stay in New Westminster. And eventually, the possibility exists to return to the 100 Braid St address in 3 to 4 years when there will be a new building and much smaller art space available.
We do encourage you to attend the Cultural Crawl and have a look around the building one last time.
If you are unable to make it, the last opportunity for the public will be on November 7 from 10-5pm when we will host The LAST CALL at the BC Distillery where you can help the Braid Arts Community celebrate the end of our time here. More details coming Monday, October 19. Please watch for updates as to where we will be popping up and to see all of the new and exciting things that are coming.
Please note: COVID safety protocols are in place for all events. Masks are mandatory. If you would like to see the protocols in place please feel free to contact us.
Thank you to our sponsors for their continued support of Art & Culture in New West
Open Today for First Saturday & the Van Dop Pop Up
Art ShowsCovid Protocols in place
For more information see below
September 5
Van Dop Pop Up
Read the article in the New Westminster Record
Click on the photo to read
Thank you for helping us all stay safe!
COVID PROTOCOLS
Please do not come to the Studio if you are sick or have and symptoms
Upon arriving please stop at our reception desk and sanitize your hands. We are serious about your health and protection. We have a touche free thermometer and we will happily take your temperature (not required for entry). The Studio has lots of space for physical distancing however we do ask you to wear a mask. We have extras at the front desk. Please maintain physical distancing throughout your visit.
The Arts and 100 Braid St are going Virtual for May
NewsThe arts help people cope in dark times so I am so delighted to announce that the arts and 100 Braid St are going virtual, bringing many of our events to the comfort of your own home! At least for the month of May.
Please watch our calendar for:
Paint Nights (& Days) – our well-known paint & sip events are being scheduled for both evenings and day times over the coming month. As a reminder these are not like the paint nights that have been popular in restaurants and bars. We provide professional fine art teachers and by attending our events you will learn a particular technique with each painting and can progress in your skill.
ON THE BRAID STAGE: Music Open Mic Nights – we are moving from Monday night to FRIDAY nights every two weeks! Why? Because we can….and there are so many amazing musicians who are a part of the Studio and our programs and willing to share their talents during this time. We are delighted to showcase them in 8 minute slots from 7-10pm. Performers and attendees can register on Eventbrite. Supported by the Arts Council of New Westminster & Quayside Voices.
ON THE BRAID STAGE: Spoken Word Open Mic Nights – we are moving to one SATURDAY night once a month! 7-10pm. We have been delighted over the past year to provide space and events for all of the talented spoken word aists and performers locally. Now we are going Virtual. The format is similar to our other Open Mic Nights where each person receives an 8 minute time slot. Performers and attendees can register on Eventbrite. Supported by the Arts Council of New Westminster.
ON THE BRAID STAGE: Artist Talks – this program series is where owner & founder of the studio, Susan L. Greig, invites artists from a range of disciplines to talk about their journey in the creative process. They will share their work, influences, processes and how they navigate the art world. Each artist will provide a piece of original art that will go to one of the people in attendance at this virtual event! Supported by the Arts Council of New Westminster.
ON THE BRAID STAGE: Zumba with May Elford – along with using the arts to cope during this time, physical activity is imperative. Therefore we are delighted to be providing space for Zumba classes each Tuesday and Thursday at 5pm and Sundays at 9:15. May is the wife of one of our resident artists & we are delighted to offer her space. All of her events are by donation-and the monies support both her and the studio.
In Development
ON THE BRAID STAGE: Creative Entrepreneur Talks – this is a joint program with The New Westminster Chamber of Commerce and the Arts Council of New Westminster; You may remember it as a program called “Artovations”. We are changing it up and these talks will provide self development workshops for artists and creatives that focus on the business side of working in a creative field!
Virtual Fine Art Classes (for Adults) – this program will feature the many talented Braid St resident and local New Westminster artists. Classes will include: acrylic & oil painting, plein air painting, illustration, creativity, and more.
Virtual Paint Events for Youth & Kids – just like our fabulous Paint events for adults, our artists and teachers are feverishly working on developing paint events that will appeal to the younger generation! We hope to have these up and scheduled very soon! Again, like our adult paint events, our teachers will provide actual art instruction that is age appropriate in fun and inventive ways.
ON THE BRAID STAGE: Virtual Concerts
The gallery in studio is a large space and it is possible to provide social distancing for bands and/or groups that wish to perform. We are welcoming expression of interest.
_________________________________________________________________
If you have any other ideas for events that could appear ON THE BRAID STAGE and could be live streamed please let us know. We love our local community, our followers on social media and all of our friends around the world – we want to bring as much arts programming and connectivity through the arts as we possibly can to help all of us get through this.
We will be watching to see announcements from the Canadian and Provincial Governments about events and the number of people that may congregate. Currently it is set at six – so we are unable at this point to accomodate in person events. Once it goes to 8 or more then we can definitely do in person events.
I look forward to seeing you whether it is online or in person.
Warmly,
Susan
Owner/Founder
Susan L. Greig
100 Braid St Studios
New Westminster, BC
V3L 3P4
100braidststudios@gmail.com
778-886-5391