Our inspiration for this event is our ED’s pal and the council’s resident dog – Alice. Like all paw companions, she has continued to support our community over the past 15 years, bringing comfort, joy and a lot of hair to the many volunteers and staff that have passed through our doors. It was serendipitous that the work in Carly Nabess’s upcoming exhibition (Aug-Sept) was co-created through relationships with ancestors, mentors, archival materials, and kin, including plant relations and Banjo, her dog. The initiative is rooted in a simple but powerful idea: that the animals in our lives are more than pets. They are pals, companions, and chosen family – our kin.

Whether it’s the quiet comfort of their presence, the routines we build together, or the memories they leave with us, these relationships shape our lives in deeply meaningful ways. We are inviting CCBC artists to donate one-of-a-kind or limited edition, handmade works that reflect these connections. Your piece might be inspired by your own companion, a memory, or an exploration of care, joy, or companionship. 

Along with traditional “pet products” such as coats, collars and bowls,  we are very interested in personal, thoughtful interpretations of these relationships through various craft mediums. 

This is a donation-based initiative:

• • Artists are asked to donate work to the fundraiser
  • Proceeds from sales will go to CCBC, supporting our non-profit programming and a percentage of 10% will be going to the BCSPCA

Exhibition & Events

• • Featured as a CCBC window installation throughout  August (the busiest time on Granville Island), the works will be for sale
  •  Followed by a booth at Pet-A-Palooza Vancouver (Aug 23rd) where we will also offer the works for sale

Recognition

• • Full credit for all displayed and sold work
  • Promotion through CCBC’s communications channels
  • Visibility in both gallery and public event settings

Timeline

• • Expression of Interest | June 30th
  • Confirmation | July 1 |2026
  • Artwork Delivery | July 22nd
  • Window Exhibition Launch | July 30th