ABOUT GALLERY 881
Gallery 881 is an independent gallery dedicated to photography and its place in contemporary art and visual culture. Located in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood, the gallery presents work by emerging, mid-career, and established artists. Gallery 881 is free to visit.
MISSION
Gallery 881 works to advance the understanding and appreciation of photography. We see photography as both an artistic practice and a way of examining, interpreting, and engaging with the world.
We support artists at different stages of their careers by creating opportunities for their work to be seen, discussed, and collected. Through exhibitions, artist talks, public events, educational initiatives, and collaborative programming, Gallery 881 brings artists and audiences into conversation and contributes to a diverse and engaged photographic arts community.
ACCESSIBILITY
Gallery 881 is committed to providing an accessible, welcoming, and comfortable environment for all visitors.
The gallery has a step-free, street-level entrance with double doors measuring 72 inches wide by 80 inches high. The gallery floor is level, with no interior stairs. The gallery has one private, non-gendered universal washroom with grab bars and a 32-inch-wide entrance for wheelchair access. Our events are scent-reduced, and support animals are welcome.
If you have questions about accessibility or require assistance when planning your visit, please contact us at info@gallery881.com.
VISIT
Gallery 881 is located at 881 East Hastings Street in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood, near Prototype Coffee. Admission is free.
Regular Hours
Tuesday–Friday, 10 am–5 pm
Saturday, 12–5 pm
The gallery is also open for special events and by appointment. Private viewings and assistance with art purchases can be arranged outside regular hours.
As an independently operated gallery, our hours may occasionally change. Please check the Gallery 881 Instagram for current announcements or contact us before making a special trip.
PRINTMAKER STUDIO
Gallery 881 is home to PrintMaker Studio, a full-service fine art printing and custom picture framing studio in Vancouver. The studio works with artists, photographers, collectors, and the public, providing fine art digital printing, finishing, custom framing, and art consultation services.
PrintMaker Studio combines professional digital technology, carefully selected papers and materials, and extensive printmaking experience to produce exhibition-quality work. It is a Canson Infinity Certified Print Lab and also offers private and group consultations, workshops, and educational opportunities.
PrintMaker Studio is the principal sponsor and primary source of funding for Gallery 881. Every printing and framing project helps support the gallery’s free admission, exhibitions, public programs, and opportunities for artists.
SUPPORT GALLERY 881
Gallery 881 is an independent, self-funded gallery. Community support helps us maintain free public access, present exhibitions, create opportunities for artists, and offer public and educational programming.
You can support the gallery by making a donation, becoming a member, purchasing artwork, or working with PrintMaker Studio. Every contribution helps sustain an accessible and engaged community around photography.
PEOPLE
John Goldsmith, Director and Curator
John Goldsmith is a Vancouver-based artist, curator, and fine art printer whose work brings together photographic practice, material production, exhibition-making, and public engagement. He is the founder and director of Gallery 881 and the founder of PrintMaker Studio, a Canson Infinity Certified Print Lab specializing in fine art printing and custom framing.
Before turning his attention to the arts, Goldsmith earned a master’s degree in physical chemistry from Indiana University, where he used light to investigate the properties of matter. This scientific background continues to inform his approach to photography, colour, materials, and the photograph as a physical object. Through PrintMaker Studio, he works closely with artists and photographers to develop and produce exhibition-ready artwork.
Goldsmith’s photographs examine social experience within the built environment and have been exhibited internationally at FORMAT International Photography Festival in the United Kingdom, Third Floor Gallery in Wales, and Head On Photo Festival in Australia. He was an invited artist in the inaugural Capture Photography Festival and received a 2016 award for a public art installation on the Canada Line.
His curatorial and educational work is grounded in the belief that photography can create dialogue, strengthen communities, and remain accessible to broad audiences. Before establishing Gallery 881, he co-created 560 Gallery and SlideNight.
