Storyteller in Residence program launches at the DOUGLAS, Vancouver

The team at the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection in Vancouver has invited a diverse range of storytellers from across the country to showcase their work. The new Storyteller in Residence program aims to celebrate diversity by providing artists and creators with a platform to share their work outside of their usual environments.

The Living Room area of the DOUGLAS lobby will feature storytellers across mediums including art, photography, music, podcasts, and more throughout the year.

To launch the program, Canadian muralist Effie Theodosiou, owner & illustrator of lzysunday, designed a nature-inspired mural, available for public viewing on the sixth-floor Park level throughout the month of August. Depicting all the best parts of Vancouver, Theodosiou incorporates simplified outlines of Vancouver landmarks such as the iconic TELUS World of Science sphere and Vancouver Harbour Centre and lookout. The buildings and skyline, portrayed against a muted orange sunset, seamlessly merge into the silhouettes of mountains and trees, showcasing how Vancouver and nature become one.

“Murals are such a unique way to create meaningful spaces to celebrate and reflect, so I jumped at the opportunity to be part of the Storyteller in Residence program at the DOUGLAS,” said Theodosiou. “I was inspired by the hotel’s unique architecture and how they use natural elements throughout, and creating this mural allowed me to combine three of my biggest passions: art, travel, and the environment. I’m very excited for others to see my design brought to life.” Theodosiou’s murals decorate the interior and exterior walls of The June Motel in Sauble Beach, Ont., Penny’s Motel in Georgian Bay, Ont., and Lake and Oak Tea in Hamilton, Ont.

“Working with Effie was a perfect fit,” remarked Graeme Benn, dual general manager at JW Marriott Parq Vancouver and the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection. “Her style of work and the hotel have much in common as they are both unique. We are thrilled to launch the Storyteller in Residence program with this mural and look forward to collaborating with other creators throughout the year.”

As a pilot for this program, the DOUGLAS worked with Vancouver-based destination wedding photographers, Jeff and Cat of The Apartment Photography in July. Guests were invited to view a gallery of their work displayed in the Living Room, and to take part in a Marriott #LoveTravels program with postcards featuring photography from The Apartment and mailing their messages of love.

The Storyteller in Residence program adds to the hotel’s existing collection, connecting the community and celebrating the beauty of the West Coast through art. Guests of the DOUGLAS are greeted with Slow, a three-metre-high stainless-steel sculpture depicting a baby panda bear strolling idly with its mother. Conceived and created by renowned Chinese sculptor, painter, and performance artist Zhang Huan, Slow is an expression of love and eternity, family, and connectivity.

The Storyteller in Residence artists’ works will be featured in the hotel through to December 2022.