Smith House II: Due to Overwhelming Demand for the Evening Event, Simplified Afternoon Tours Have Been Added

Newly Restored: Erickson’s Most Influential Residential Design

A Rebirth Fundraising Celebration, sponsored by the Arthur Erickson Foundation

June 24, 2023

Called Smith House II because this is the second house that Erickson designed for famed modernist painter Gordon Smith, this small but innovative one-bedroom residence is organized around a courtyard-wrapping square spiral. The 1964 house is famous for its projecting cantilevered beams, a design idea that Erickson extended later in the UBC Museum of Anthropology and Robson Square. Over the decades it has become Canada’s most famous modernist house, and both the residence and its sublime Erickson-designed garden have inspired generations of West Coast architects. Over the past two years, Smith House II has been expertly restored by Measured Architects for its new residents and our hosts: Andy Sylvester, owner of Equinox Galleries; and Daina Augaitis, former chief curator of the Vancouver Art Gallery. Their stunning collection of contemporary art is now installed in the house, and worth a visit in its own right, and tours will include visits to Marion’s weaving studio and Gordon’s painting studio, left as they were when last used by the artists. This will be the first chance for the public to see Smith House II in its most splendid shape since first opening in 1964. Don’t miss this rare opportunity, which will also support the conservation and education work of the AEF.

Tickets are strictly limited by the size of the venue, so please register quickly.

Tour only afternoon event: $200 per person ($50 for students with valid student card). Includes membership in the Arthur Erickson Foundation for one year. A charitable tax receipt for $150 will be provided, on request (no tax receipt for student tickets).

1:30 PM

Arrival at Smith House II by taxi or public transportation (no parking permitted at or near the residence). Further details will be provided to registrants prior to the event.

Greeting by AEF Board members; welcome drink. Introduction to the house by critic-historian Trevor Boddy.

Tours in small groups through the house and studios, viewing art collection newly installed in the house, including works by Gordon Smith and other top BC artists.

2:00 to 3:00 PM

Reception in the garden designed by Arthur Erickson; one drink from Birch Block Vineyards.

3:00 PM
Departure.

Photo credit: Ema Peter Photography