Still stuck on your Christmas list? If you want to find something one-of-a-kind and hand-created, then stop by the Arts Council of New Westminster's Treasure Room.
The annual Christmas shopping destination is in the arts council's gallery in Queen's Park at Centennial Lodge.
It hosts work from the best artisans from around the Lower Mainland, including jewelry, raku, pottery, scarves, woven shawls, tree ornaments, Victorian-inspired decorations, books by local authors and more.
It's open 1 to 5 p.m. daily from Tuesday to Sunday (closed Mondays). You can also book an evening of treasure hunting with friends or family, by appointment.
For more details, call 604-525-3244 or see www.artscouncilnewwest.org.
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It may be dark and rainy outside, but it's always warm and colourful inside the New Westminster Public Library.
The library is hosting two art shows for the month of December.
On the ramp gallery on the main floor, you can find Stored Memories, a show by Piroja Amrolia and Zenobia Turnbull.
The artists are exploring the idea that our minds store everything we have ever sensed.
"While our active memory has long put them aside, it just takes something minor to trigger them - a fleeting image on the street, one outburst of laughter, a spike in temperature, the smell of fresh rain, a singular gesture," a press release says. "A host of memories, welcome or not, rush back. Their paintings for this show - mainly watercolour and with some oil, pastel and acrylic - have been inspired by these offbeat, unprovoked memories."
Upstairs in the reference department, you can check out Moments Captured on Canvas, featuring the black-and-white and colour photography of Douglas Dorsett.
Dorsett, who was billed by the Guardian newspaper in London as one of the top urban photographers in the world to follow on Instagram, is described as a "high-contrast urban photographer." He is drawn to empty streets on dreary mornings, and his photographs feature everything from vibrant front doors to lonely walks in the rain.
You can see both exhibits at any time during library hours. Just stop by the library at 716 Sixth Ave., uptown.
Call 604-527-4660 or check out www.nwpl.ca for more details.
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The Van Dop Gallery is inviting everyone in to catch the spirit of the season.
The gallery is holding its first Small Masterpieces exhibition and sale this Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"We have an extensive collection of festive treasures," a press release says. "Handblown glass ornaments, handmade cards, artisan food products, hand-pressed soaps and fine art work. Gifts that last forever for everyone, on any budget."
The gallery is at 421 Richmond St. Call 604-521-7887 or email gallery@vandopgallery.com, or see www.vandopgallery.com for more about the gallery's holiday offerings.
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Although it seems hard to believe, we're rapidly approaching the end of 2014 - which means it's time to start thinking about January already.
If you're an arts group looking for new members for the new year, drop me a line and let me know, and I can give you a mention in the Lively City or post your information in our online arts calendar.
Whether it's a choral group looking for singers, a painting group seeking new members, or a festival in need of volunteers, be sure to keep me apprised of your plans for 2015. I'm always interested in hearing from groups in our community about what they're up to - and our readers love to hear about you, too.
Drop me a line and stay in touch.
Do you have an item for Lively City? Send arts and entertainment ideas to Julie, jmaclellan@royalcityrecord.com, or find her on Twitter, @juliemaclellan
