The street art scene on and around Main Street has long been strong but it’s really blown up over the last couple of years. Much of that has to do with an influx of urban art-focused initiatives like the Vancouver Mural Festival and the provocative, contemporary art event, Art Rapture. Both are still toddlers: last month the VMF held its second official event and, on September 22nd and 23rd, Art Rapture will do the same with it’s Prohibition-themed “art experience.” Riffing on the 1920s theme is a roster of heavy-hitting Vancouver-based artists (as well as some up-and-coming ones) and international talent hailing from Toronto, Detroit and Madrid.

Friday night’s art auction fundraiser is your first chance to score some sweet original artwork in support of The Push for Change, a charity committed to ending youth homelessness. With original art prints starting at $50 attendees can walk away with some pretty rad limited edition work without breaking the bank. Saturday’s main exhibition is followed by an apropos Al Capone-inspired “Nothing But Trouble Art Party.” Then, when the dust has settled, from September 27th to the 29th Art Rapture headliner and public art shit-disturber Okuda San Miguel will be transforming an exterior wall of 325 West 4th Avenue (at Alberta St.) with one of his graphic murals.

You can take in all of the debauchery with an all-day Saturday pass or purchase tickets for individual events. Either way, there’s no time like the present to prepare yourself for the (Art) Rapture.

Fri, Sept 22 | 6:30pm-1am | 19+ | $50 |  TICKETS |
Sat, Sept 23 | 11-late | 130 West 4th Avenue | $12-35 | TICKETS