Interview with Gallery Founder, Mónica Reyes …

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i. Tell us a bit about Mónica Reyes Gallery. How long have you had your first site? What inspired you to set up there in Vancouver? 
I have been working in the arts for about 20 years now in various roles, but as a gallerist for the past 8 years when I took over a space that had been operating as an artists’ studio and art gallery in Strathcona. The decision was made easy for me, as the space at the time had all the basic requirements one could need to start a project like this. I was also pregnant with my son Teo, and it was then when I decided that if I was going to have a child why not 2?

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ii. What are 3 words you would use to describe your overall experiences with the Mónica Reyes Gallery on East Hastings?Perseverance is the first one that comes to mind. There were no other art galleries in the area, and for the first 5 years we were the only one. Today, Strathcona is positioning as the neighbourhood to go see art, with many new galleries relocating to the area in the recent past years. Kindness – it’s so important to treat everyone with kindness and respect, as we know the area presents challenges in its diversity and so to me kindness has served me well. Last, I will have to say confidence. We work with some of the best artists of this city, ones that challenge us with their work, their process, and make us feel like better people once we have entered/discovered their practice.

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iii. Where will your new MRG site be? Why there? 
For our second location, we chose  Mackenzie Heights. It’s in the heart of Vancouver’s West Side, and we are excited to connect with a new audience and a new community that we also think is totally underserved. Again, there are little to no art galleries in the area, and I think we have a thing for being pioneers.

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iv. What inspired you to open up this Mackenzie Heights MRG? 
It’s a charming little enclave of unique shops in buildings that are one floor tall amidst a residential neighbourhood that has existed in the same way for 50 years or more. It’s full of character and visiting the area  is an opportunity to discover a part of the city that is equal parts buzzing yet cool for those who are not familiarized with it.

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v. Can you tell us a bit about your first show at this second MRG? Why is that just the show to kick things off? 
We are excited to show the paintings by Maggee Day for our inaugural exhibition. It was an easy decision on how we wanted to introduce ourselves to the area. Maggee’s work exudes energy and freshness, her strokes and colour choices are bold and full of vitality, and as a young female artist we want to be by her side, supporting her career from the early stages. She is a force of nature, and I’m sure we are going to see great things coming her way in the near future.

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Exhibit: This Must Be The Place. Maggee Day

Calendar. Maggee Day. 2022

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Thirty-three. Maggee Day. 2022

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View 5. Maggee Day. 2019

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vi. What are your ultimate hopes and dreams for this new MRG? 
That the neighbourhood adopt us in a way they can feel the gallery is an extension of their living room while creating an instance for dialogue and introductions. We also want to connect with the next generation, and foster their interests in the visual arts. We hope that our programming will keep them coming back and engaged for many years to come.

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vii. Anything to add? 
We so need spaces that are welcoming and embracing, open to the public, that can be  community hubs where people can escape from their routines to discover something new or to meet with a friend. Creating and developing a sense of community is how we can build a better future, and we want to do our part. So, with that being said: a huge thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey and to the ones we are about to meet.