Art For All: Inside Vancouver’s Under $100 Art Show

Who says collecting art has to break the bank? Back for another year, Vancouver’s Under $100 Art Show is flipping the script on traditional galleries—offering nearly 100 local artists and every single piece priced under $100. We caught up with Emma McCaul, founder of ART SPOT and the creative mind behind this feel-good, art-for-everyone event, to chat about accessibility, creativity, and the magic of finding your perfect piece without the sticker shock. —Noa Nichol

Affordable art for everyone! What inspired the idea behind the Under $100 Art Show—and why do you think it’s resonating so strongly with Vancouver audiences?

The idea started 18 years ago in my small home gallery. It began as an effort to make art more accessible during the holiday season, and it’s been super popular since the very beginning. It’s crazy to see how much it’s grown over the years! After 16 years, the show expanded to Edmonton and Vancouver and, as expected, has made quite a splash in these cities too. I think it speaks to how we still have barriers around art buying—people want to access it but often feel like art is out of reach. With these shows, we hope to help change that narrative and remind everyone that art truly can be for everyone.

This year’s venue is iconic in its own way—an old Spirit Halloween store at Lansdowne Centre! How did that come about, and what kind of vibe can visitors expect when they walk in?

It’s funny—I’ve always had a dream of hosting the show in a Spirit Halloween venue! It’s the perfect timing to take over that massive warehouse once they’re done with it. The stars really aligned this year, and we’re so excited to have infinite exhibition space, a nice warm, clean venue (we’re often setting up in vacant warehouses that aren’t always the most glamorous!), and lots of parking. When guests walk in, they’re going to be blown away by the sheer amount of art to explore. Expect floor-to-ceiling artwork as far as the eye can see. Whether you’re looking to buy or just to experience something unique, it’s truly a sight to behold.

Nearly 100 local artists are featured this year. How do you go about curating such a diverse lineup—and what’s your approach to keeping the show fresh and exciting for returning visitors?

We’re lucky to have a lot of applicants each year, which allows us to curate a diverse range of art from a diverse range of artists. We really strive to showcase a bit of everything. Each year, we accept about 50% new artists and 50% returning artists to keep the show fresh and exciting for our returning guests.

We love that new art goes up all weekend long. What’s the behind-the-scenes process for keeping the walls constantly changing?

We have artist volunteers working around the clock to replenish pieces as they sell off the walls. If you stay long enough, you’ll notice a big turnover of art thanks to our hardworking team! And if you’re super keen on a particular artist, you might even get a peek into the back room to see more of their collection.

For someone new to collecting art, what’s your best advice for buying their very first piece?

It’s so interesting to see how people buy art. Some shop for a specific size and color, knowing exactly where it’s going before they even find it. Others connect with a piece first and figure out where to hang it later. There’s no right or wrong way to do it—trust your gut. And remember: no one ever regrets buying art (or taking vacations).

Let’s talk about the $100 limit—how does that price cap influence the creativity of the artists and the energy of the show?

I think the $100 limit actually gives artists a lot of freedom in many ways. For one, it allows them to let go. Being able to clear out pieces piling up in your studio is liberating! I also see artists using this show as a chance to test new collections or techniques. Since it’s a “volume game,” we encourage artists to bring as much as they can—so many push themselves creatively to produce enough work for the show. It’s that little extra push we sometimes need as artists! The result is that artists get into the zone, experiment more, and unlock new inspiration. It creates a ton of excitement leading up to—and during—the show.

There’s something magical about discovering a hidden gem for under $100. Have you ever seen a piece fly off the wall within minutes?

Oh, most definitely! We have door-crashers every year who’ve been following our posts and already have their hearts set on a certain piece. We’ve even seen customers run in—both after the same artwork! It gets wild!

You’ve described this show as a “curated pop-up.” What’s the biggest difference between this and a traditional gallery experience?

For one thing, we actually encourage you to touch the art! In fact, if you like it, grab it right off the wall before someone else does. You’ll also see a much wider range of artists than in a traditional gallery—the show is a beautiful mix of emerging and established creators.

Supporting local artists is at the heart of the event. What’s one Vancouver-based artist or artwork that’s especially stood out to you this year?

Christine Delay was a fan favorite last year and is back again with 215 unique artworks this time! I’m blown away by the size of her collection and can’t wait to see if she sells out!

Art is often seen as exclusive or intimidating. How do you hope the Under $100 Art Show changes that perception for new art lovers?

I hope people walk into this show and feel right at home. We work hard to create an environment where visitors can not only connect with art but also feel like they’re part of the arts community.

Many artists here are emerging talents. How has being part of the show helped them build confidence—or even launch their careers?

Over the years, we’ve seen so many emerging artists grow into full-time professionals. Some I only see once a year at the Under $100 Art Show, so it’s always amazing to see how their styles evolve and improve. As for confidence—this show is absolutely a confidence builder! Nowhere else have I seen people behave like it’s Black Friday for art. It’s incredibly encouraging to see people that excited to buy art—and for artists, seeing someone that thrilled to buy your work is such a validating, uplifting experience. It’s the pat on the back we all need to remind ourselves that what we’re doing matters.

The energy of an affordable art show must be electric. What’s your favorite moment to witness as people browse, buy, and connect?

My favorite moment is when an artist notices someone buying their art—it’s so sweet to watch. When I’m working the cash, we always make sure to point out the artist to the customer if they’re there volunteering. I also love watching couples try to agree on art—it’s hilarious, especially when their styles are completely opposite!

Beyond buying art, how can visitors best support local artists year-round?

Follow them on social media, comment on their posts, and show up to other art shows! The more you support local events, the more organizers can afford to provide opportunities for artists. Even if you can’t buy art—just go!

Finally—what’s the one piece of art you’d take home if you had to choose from this year’s show (and yes, you have to pick just one!)?

I really love our poster image by Erick Decle! I’m definitely planning to grab one of those prints for myself.