by Michelle Sproule | The main objective of this website is to scout out and promote the things that make Vancouver such a sweet place to be. We do this with an emphasis on the city’s independent spirit to foster a sense of connectedness within and between our communities, and to introduce our readers to the people who grow and cook our food, play the raddest tunes in our better venues, create our most interesting art, and design everything from what we wear to the spaces we inhabit. The Scout List is our carefully considered, first rate agenda of super awesome things that we’re either doing, wishing that we could do, or conspiring to do this week. From our calendar to yours…

Anywhere But Here | I like the sound of the international Polaroid exhibit Anywhere But Here that’s going up at the Positive Negative gallery this week. “The fleeting times where you are at peace, where everything is in harmony — a perfect moment. ‘Anywhere But Here‘ investigates and visualizes the sublime escapism people reach for every day solidified in a Polaroid as unique and individual as that instant.” There is a substantial list of contributing artists for this gig. Works have come from Germany, Sweden, England, Italy, and all across the United States and Canada. Check it out.
Opening: Wednesday, May 16 | 7-11pm | Positive Negative Gallery (436 Columbia) | Wed to Sat, 1 to 5 (until June 2nd) 

Say Wha?! | Say Wha?! (Readings of Deliciously Rotten Writing) goes down on Wednesday night. This hilarious evening involves a handful of comedic performers putting their spin on some of the most “cringe-worthy, embarrassing and painfully earnest writing in print.” This is ‘laugh until your belly hurts’ sort of stuff. Readings by: Sara Bynoe (host), Chip Ellis, Diana Frances, Ken Hegan and Sarah Szloboda.
Wednesday, May 16 | 8-10pm | Cottage Bistro (4470 Main) | $10 | Details

Speak Up | The City of Vancouver is holding a few community information/planning sessions this week. Grandview-Woodlands and the West End are looking at a bunch of change over the next decade and the City wants to involve residents and business owners in contributing to what this change will look like. If you live or work in one of these ‘hoods, this is a good time to get your two cents in.
Grandview Woodlands | Wednesday, May 16th | 5 – 9 pm | Café Deux Soleils, 2096 Commercial | Details 
West End | Thursday, May 17th, 4 – 8 pm at Central Presbyterian Church, 1133 Thurlow Street | Details 

Beer | Craft Beer Week kicks off this week and man-o-man, is there a lot to do. Check out their website for event details. Scout picks: Hoppapalooza III at the Alibi Room; Hop-Headbanger’s Ball (Woodland Smokehouse), and Cicerone vs Sommelier at The Irish Heather. Many events are sold out but if you get on it right now, you can still snag a seat at Sisters of the Tap at Ensemble (“…an evening of beer and the women behind them…six breweries and five courses complimenting the different styles and personalities of each beer. Each course will be thoughtfully paired by Top Chef Canada Dale Mackay and Executive Chef Brad Hendrickson).
May 18 – 26 | Various times/venues | Details

Dig It | Again and Again and Again, Serial Formats and Repetitive Actions is up and running at the VAG. Slip in Tuesday night (admission by donation) to check out this new show. I’m always fascinated to see what a curator will find/see when given access to the massive permanent collection at the VAG. This show, curated by Daina Augaitis (chief curator/associate director) draws from the permanent collection and “…features artists who utilize repetitive actions or serial images to open up perception both figuratively and literally. From the mechanistic repetition inherent in much domestic work and industrial labour, to the multiple versions afforded by technological developments, to the limits of endurance that have been tested by performance artists, this exhibition offers a number of perspectives on what it means to do something again and again and again.” Sounds awesome.
May 12 – September | Vancouver Art Gallery | $19.50 | Details

Eat Local | It’s been a long, dark winter, but it’s over now. Not sure you can believe me? The Kitsilano Farmers Market opens this Sunday, and if that isn’t a sure sign of summer, I don’t know what is. Last week was Trout Lake, this week Kits! Another couple of weeks and we’ll be running with a full compliment of neighbourhood markets to take our pick from. Welcome back farmers. We’ve missed you!
Sundays. May 20 – October 21 | 10am-2pm | 2690 Larch @t 10th | Details

Grow | Looking for something low-key and grounding to do with your Sunday? Think about heading up to Kingsway to jumpstart your summer garden plans. Victory Gardens has joined forces with super-crafters from Collage Collage to create a Container Garden Kit that will get you sorted out lickety-split, and Sunday is the day that they’re launching the project. If you haven’t been to Collage Collage or have been wanting to check out the kickass Victory Gardens girls that everyone is talking about, this is a good opportunity to do both. Bonus: since you’re up there you also get to have a visit to Matchstick Coffee, poke your head in to a few shops and galleries, and test a few treats at the Gluten Free Bakery.
Sunday May 20 |  2-4pm |  Collage Collage (621 Kingsway) | Details 

Do it | Wander and people-watch through the “shopping extravaganza” of the Chinatown Night Market. Eat street-food, pick up a few pair of novelty socks or an interesting iphone case, and most important, meet/see new people. The possibilities are endless. Grab a cocktail at The Keefer or Bao Bei first. There is nothing quite like the magical circus of Chinatown at night, but it’s even more magical with a quality cocktail or two swimming in your head.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday night | 6:30-11pm | Keefer between Main and Columbia | Details

Be Prepared | Summer is coming. Imagine all the long, warm days of reading at the beach! Load up on some of the greatest classics at the Sons and Lovers Summer Reading Pop-Up Shop this weekend. Grab some Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Salinger, Lawrence, and Wilde. Sons and Lovers will be at Revolver Coffee Shop with a fine selection of classics priced between $5 and $7. Can’t beat that.
Sunday, May 20 | 1pm-4p | Cash Only | Revolver (325 Cambie St.)  | Details 

Quick | There is still time to catch the annual Degree Exhibition at Emily Carr. Wander the galleries, hallways, foyers and classrooms of the campus to take in the work of this year’s graduating students. Students exhibiting their work have come through ECUAD in the disciplines of animation, ceramics, communication design, drawing, digital and interactive arts, film/video/integrated media, illustration, industrial design, interactive design, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture. There will be genius among them, for sure. See you there!
Now – Sunday, May 20 | 10am-6pm | Emily Carr University of Art + Design (1400 Johnston, Granville Island) | Details 

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Michelle Sproule grew up in Kitsilano and attended University in Australia and the University of Victoria before receiving her graduate degree in Library Sciences from The University of Toronto. She lives in beautiful Strathcona and enjoys wandering aimlessly through the city’s shops and streets with her best friend – a beat up, sticky, grimy, and uncooperative camera.

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