Kurbatoff Art Gallery Ltd

Vancouver’s local art scene has evolved over the years into a vibrant hub for contemporary art. Since 2002,  South Granville's Kurbatoff Gallery has been showcasing a curated selection of work from up-and-coming creative talents and renowned blue-chip artists. “The first year was challenging, but we looked at art with fresh eyes. We were open to undiscovered and well-known talented artists,” says Elena Kurbatoff, co-owner of the gallery along with her husband Constantine Kurbatoff.

The bright and airy gallery exhibits established, mid-career and emerging Canadian artists alongside illustrious names such as expressionist landscape artist Chris Charlebois and Toronto-based figurative artist Chris Langstroth. “When we first met Chris (Charlebois) in 2004, he was an unknown," Elena recalls. "When he approached us he had already been rejected by a number of galleries. He was working in a cardboard factory to support his family and to keep his art work alive.Within two weeks, we sold eight of his paintings. His work is sought-after and hangs in many important private and corporate collections.”

Meanwhile, Elena goes on to say that it took some time for Kurbatoff Gallery to sign on Chris Langstroth. “No one paints like him and he’s amazingly well-received. His work also hangs in many private and corporate collections.”

The gallery also features sculptures from German-born sculptor Reinhard Skoracki. His sculptures illustrate the essence of what it means to be human. His bronzes showcase the human form along with humour and satire to express social and political views. “Reinhard’s work is timeless and beautiful,” Elena describes.