• Tombolo Logo
  • A Pop up Children's Art Gallery for the young and young at heart
  • September 13-15
  • Tombolo is a pop-up children’s art gallery space designed for kiddos and grown ups. The intention is to offer a platform for children to see their art on a “big stage” (at least– larger than the refrigerator at home!) and to know that their perspective on life, their voice, and their art is important.

    At the same time, the gallery aims to act as a whimsical escape for adults– reminding us all to tap into our own inner child.

    Child and Dog Sitting and looking at text
 

The theme for this year’s Tombolo Gallery is Neighbourhood.

While artwork submissions are now officially closed, come on down over the Tombolo Weekend to see artwork from over 70 artists, aged 3-10!

 
 
 
 
  • Any artist aged 3-10, from anywhere in the world!

    Just note that the artwork will need to find its way to the gallery in Vancouver*

  • August 30th is the final deadline; however you may send artwork anytime throughout July & August

  • After you sign up, we'll be in touch so that you have our email, and our address.

  • While we recommend artwork on paper sized no larger than 11x17 (8x10 is OK too), we won't turn anyone away.

    If you or your young artist have an idea for something unconventional (a sculpture? a textile? a zine?), feel free to email us!

  • Artwork can be picked up after the show between Monday Sept 16th- Friday Sept 20th.

    If you don't live in the Lower Mainland, we can arrange to ship your artwork back to you.

  • We welcome event partners, collaborators, and volunteers! Send us an email and let's chat.

 

Calendar of Events

 

Calendar of Events

Admission to the gallery is free/ by donation (with proceeds going to Friends of the VPL). Tickets are required for entry and can be reserved at the link below:


With that said, we’ve curated a fun line-up of ticketed events throughout the weekend you won’t want to miss:


Friday September 13th (5PM-9PM)

Opening night reception

Just like a real art exhibit! Join us in celebrating the inaugural Tombolo pop-up. We'll have juice boxes for the little humans and drinks available for purchase.


Saturday September 14th (10AM-12PM)

Chorus & Clouds Class

Join Jess from Chorus and Clouds for a music, art, and movement class. With guidance, children will be making self-portraits that proclaim who they are! We will be using non-toxic materials that are designed to accommodate all learning abilities. Recommended for children 5 and under (though big kids are welcome to come!).


Saturday September 14th (4PM-7PM)

Witching Hour: Kid-Friendly Happy Hour

Witching Hour is a social club for parents of kids age 0 to 5. Join other cool parents for a cold drink with our chill kids in a casual, toddler-proofed hangout in the very fun Tombolo kids' art gallery at Sincerely Studio. (Think: toys and baby gates galore... plus adorable artwork, of course.)


Sunday September 15th (10AM-11AM)

Storytime & Crafts with Tombolo Co-Founder/ Illustrator Anita Cheung (Neets)

Join Tombolo co-creator and illustrator Anita Cheung for a special storytime & craft! She'll be reading from a book she illustrated titled Alma's Art; and together we'll create artwork inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas. Appropriate for ages 3-8.


Sunday September 15th (All day/ 10AM-4PM)

Pop-Up Shop with Alligator Soup

Known for their well-curated new, used, and vintage kids clothing; Alligator Soup will be popping up within Tombolo so that you can pick up some playful new-to-you items for the small humans in your life.

 

 Partners:


 

What is a Tombolo?

The name "Tombolo" (tuhm-BO-low), asides from being fun to say, is a word used to describe a strip of land that connects two larger areas of land (one which is often an island).

To get a little philosophical, we love this name because we believe that adults live in one world, and children exist in another-- a world that is often unreachable by grown-ups once we've passed "through" into adulthood. The hope is that this gallery can bridge the space between the two. ✨

 
 

 This event is produced by Neets and Sincerely Studio with Marketing & Media outreach supported by Ishra Gill.

Want to get involved? Feel free to get in touch!