About Ian tan Art Gallery
Established in 1999, Ian Tan Gallery in British Columbia is a Vancouver contemporary art gallery that represents important emerging and established artists in contemporary Canadian Art. Recognized as one of Canada’s finest galleries, we promote a strong regional interest in a diverse range of west coast artists, maintaining a reputation for high-quality works and a discerning exhibition program. Our services include consulting, collection building, art rentals, appraisals, framing, installation, and shipping worldwide.
The Gallery Mile
It’s hard to miss Ian Tan as you stroll through the South Granville district of Vancouver, British Columbia. The floor-to-ceiling storefront window is covered with stunning works of art, making it stand out from the street and antique shops. The high ceilings and white walls are the perfect space for quiet introspection, making it one of Canada’s premier commercial shows. Guests are invited to stay and experience original pieces of art formatted in oil paintings, drawings, watercolours, glass-works and sculptures.
It is the goal of owner Ian Tan and his consulting team to create the perfect displays; items that will bring life to any wall or brighten any room. The service centres on a presentation of the ‘whole package”. Ian’s model, therefore, includes clients getting everything from appraisals to framing, shipping and installation as well as rentals.
Ian Tan is famous for going the extra mile for clients. He will lend paintings out to clients for test runs as well as sample different pieces using Photoshop. His warm personality and keenly observant eye guarantee customer satisfaction. He chooses to show only art that is visually appealing, well executed and something he would collect.
A Meaningful Vocation
Every monthly exhibition demonstrates Ian’s exquisite taste. Previous examples include cutting-edge artist Eri Ishii and her haunting portraits of female figures and Regina-based painter William Randall’s bright pastel skies. Ian regularly admits that all of the featured pieces are his favourites and he could never just choose one or two. Each day brings a new perspective, so pictures are never viewed the same way twice. Ian proudly states that running his gallery is both enriching and rewarding. He expresses love for his vocation and enjoys working with the artists who ‘teach him new ways of seeing things’.
Each time a new exhibit is presented, the gallery hosts a free reception which is open to the public. The modern and contemporary art gallery is also often donated out for charitable events and fundraisers. In the past well-known auctions, Arts Umbrella and Arts for Life, have both been held and catered at his gallery. Ian’s main concept is to allow everyone to experience and enjoy the art he features.
Family Traditions
A unique concept to the gallery is the fusion of family and the buying of art. Inspired by clients who have purchased art to celebrate anniversaries or birthdays, Ian now promotes a similar idea for clients. The idea is that artwork is chosen to inspire as well as to remember a particular time or event. Such as with family traditions, the gallery can be the place to go each time an event requires a special celebration.
A perfect example is the painting Ian bought when the Olympics were in town. Now each time he looks at it, he recalls that special time for the city. Ian respects the great and timeless understanding of connections between art and nostalgia, the beauty of every moment in life and the links between personality and creativity. Ian Tan Art Gallery in Vancouver, British Columbia not only represents life but can be used to recall moments in life.
Testimonials
“A few years ago you helped me select this Tim Fraser piece over the phone. I get many compliments. Of all the art I have this one keeps me in awe every day. Love it !”
Bill Kreutzweiser, Edmonton, AB
“The Ian Tan Gallery is one of the leading galleries for contemporary Canadian art in the Vancouver area. Over the last seven years, we have purchased a great deal of artwork from Ian Tan and we continue to be impressed by the high quality artists he represents. The customer service provided by Ian and his team is first class and we have no hesitation in recommending the gallery to anyone looking to purchase something special.”
Catherine Goulet and Mike Harris, West Vancouver, BC
“Thank you Ian for making the discovery, purchasing and enjoyment of art so easy and accessible to us. Your gallery has always been a warm, welcoming, relaxed placed to view a variety of new and established artists. You’ve guided us over the years to establish a diverse collection of art that gives us tremendous pleasure and receives many compliments from our friends and family. We have and will continue to recommend your gallery to others looking to start or add to their art collection. Again, thank you for your exceptional service and expertise over the years.”
Linda and Brad McFarlane, Vancouver, BC
“A very approachable gallery of fine art due to the friendly and knowledgeable staff and owner. We have purchased two pieces from Ian’s gallery and are thrilled with both. We really enjoyed the opportunity to trial them in our home before purchase, and the service provided to hang them up once we purchased. The choices in artists in the gallery is very appealing, particularly to native Vancouverites and British Columbians as the pieces are very West Coast contemporary. Also this gallery has one of the best-designed websites for viewing the collections – simple, clean, and focusing on the art rather than the website.”
Anonymous, Vancouver, BC
“Ian has a unique way of making you feel most comfortable. He has a keen eye in identifying a wide range of artists to satisfy the tastes of his diverse clientele. I am a collector of glass and he continues to surprise me with wonderful artists producing outstanding pieces. Long may this all continue.”
Christopher Holder, International Collector
” We came across the Ian Tan Gallery on a recent visit to Vancouver and were instantly drawn to the fantastic high quality array of Canadian artwork on offer. So much so we could not resist but buy 2 paintings to add to our collection for our home in the UK! Ian and his team have done an excellent job framing these pieces and more importantly crating them for safe delivery and arrival to the north of England within a very short space of time. We will be keeping a close eye on Ian’s website for new work and are delighted to have met such a good contact for beautiful Canadian art.”
Rachel and Bruno Jouan, UK
“I have purchased two works of art at the Ian Tan Gallery, mostly because the artists Ian show are of a high quality, but also because the service I received was excellent. Ian and his staff are welcoming and do not push to purchase. Ian was able to provide me with a no interest way to paying for the pieces, so it was not a heavy hit on the old bank account, and now I have beautiful fine art in my house, which is a lot of fun, I am always appreciating my pieces. Thanks Ian, I will likely see you again soon”
Jesse Pare, Vancouver, BC
“Ian Tan has a keen eye for up and coming artists. His gallery reflects both new and well-established artists which always makes it interesting to visit. I have purchased several pieces from Ian’s gallery and have found Ian and his staff to be professional, helpful, knowledgeable and innovative in their approach to and interaction with clients and their needs.”
V. Paul Lee, Managing Partner
Vanedge Capital Partners Ltd., Vancouver BC
“Walking into an art gallery, especially for the first time, can be somewhat intimidating. I know I have experienced just taking a peek, but not actually crossing the threshold into a gallery, because of its cold, uninviting vibe. Such is not the case with Ian Tan’s Gallery. To begin with, the carefully selected pieces on the window are inviting enough for you to want to take that closer look and cross-over the threshold. Then, to further appreciate a piece, Ian lends it to you so you can sip a pinot noir while viewing it in the comfort of your home. Ian Tan has introduced us to the clean lines of Blom, the clever abstracts of Ecke , and the still-lifes of Beder..among many others. We always look forward to seeing what new eye candy he has on his window. So, if you are in search of good art to purchase, or just want to look at beautiful works, Ian Tan’s Gallery should be your first stop.”
Fides Madrid, Vancouver, BC
“The experience with the Ian Tan gallery has been very positive, everything went exactly as planned. With the information, photos and description from the webpage, there was no doubt, that the art work has been, as described and would bring the pleasure it is supposed to be enjoyed in our home in Menorca. Thank you very much.
Even the sending of the paintings went perfect. Both pictures were professionally crated , so there was no doubt, that they would arrive in the same perfect state, as they left Vancouver.”
H Roters, Spain
“The Ian Tan Gallery features some of the best artwork I have seen in the city. Ian and his team provide quality customer service. His gallery is well worth a visit!”
P. Salloum, Vancouver, BC