Our History

In 1997, the City of Port Moody was looking for a group to provide a gift shop for the newly opened Port Moody Arts Centre. A variety of business models were studied, the artist-run shop was chosen and the Blackberry Artist’s Society (BAS) was formed.

The mandate was to provide a place for local artists to show and sell their work, as well as provide volunteers to open the Arts Centre four afternoons a week as the Centre was unstaffed at the time. In 1999, the Port Moody Arts Centre Society took over management of the Centre from the City, removing pressure from BAS and greatly increasing traffic in the building.

The Blackberry Artist’s Society has partnered with the Arts Centre in a variety of fundraising and awareness-raising events over the years: The Blackberry Tea, Light Up Port Moody, Light a Candle for Peace, Heritage Holidays, Art 4 U Family Day during the annual Festival of the Arts, Art in the Garden, the annual 6x6 Fundraising Exhibition, Car Free Day, and a Fundraising Exhibition for the Arts Centre Endowment Fund.

The Society's signature event is Christmas Marketplace. Held annually in November and December, Christmas Marketplace is our biggest, brightest and most anticipated event, offering gifts, collectibles, and artworks for every budget and wish list.

Information on this annual event can be found on the Christmas Marketplace page.