–
Opening Reception: Thursday, October 8, 6–8 p.m.
Gala Event and Prizegiving: Friday, October 23, 7–9 p.m.
The Ferry Building Gallery is excited to announce the inaugural FBG Portrait Awards, a new juried exhibition celebrating excellence and innovation in portraiture across the North Shore and surrounding regions.
The first program of its kind on the North Shore, the FBG Portrait Awards brings together emerging and established artists in a professionally curated exhibition that explores the many possibilities of contemporary portraiture.
Portraiture offers a uniquely accessible entry point into visual art, inviting viewers to look closely at the people and stories around them while exploring themes of identity, humanity, connection, and contemporary social narratives. Through a range of artistic approaches and mediums, the exhibition will showcase the depth and diversity of portraiture being created by local artists.
Following a two-stage jury process, 15 selected works will be exhibited at the Ferry Building Gallery throughout October 2026. Additional portrait exhibitions featuring works by participating artists will be presented at the West Vancouver Municipal Hall and the West Vancouver Memorial Library during October, extending the project beyond the Ferry Building Gallery and creating a community-wide celebration of portraiture across West Vancouver.
Throughout October, visitors to the FBG Portrait Award exhibition in the Ferry Building Gallery will have the opportunity to vote for the People’s Choice Award. The program will culminate in a ticketed awards gala and community celebration on October 23, from 7 to 9 p.m., featuring food and drinks, live portrait painting, and the announcement of the first, second, and third prize winners, as well as the People’s Choice Award. Purchase gala tickets online.
A total of $2,000 in prize money will be awarded, funded by artists’ entry fees.
Auxiliary FBG Portrait Award exhibition dates (no opening receptions):
◦ West Vancouver Memorial Library: October 15–November 16, 2026
◦ West Vancouver Municipal Hall: October 7, 2026–January 19, 2027