Opus Art Supplies on Granville Island in the early days

Opus Framing on Granville Island circa 1979

Opus Art Supplies began as a humble framing business back in 1974, serving the vibrant community of framers and artists in Vancouver. It all started when David van Berckel opened the doors on West 4th Avenue. After a few moves, David set his sights on a new space that would become the heart of Opus – a bustling framing and mat production factory on Granville Island, in 1978.

Two staff members making frames at Opus Granville Island in the early 1980's

Granville Island, known for its creative spirit, became the perfect home for Opus. When Emily Carr University of Art + Design moved to the island, David saw an opportunity to expand. At first, Opus only offered artist frames and mats, but as soon as the art students and local artists began to frequent the store, he added fine art paper to the mix. Demand for quality art supplies grew rapidly, and in 1980, Opus began carrying its first line of paints from Holbein Artist Materials. With the growing interest in all things art, Opus quickly became the go-to destination for paints, printmaking materials, and more, serving the needs of the flourishing art community.

Staff members stocking packs of papers at Opus Granville Island

But the story of Opus on Granville Island isn’t just about art supplies – it’s also about transformation! Before Opus moved in, the space was a coal distribution site, with massive bins filled with different types of coal where our parking lot now stands. When David took over the location, he was given a $50,000 allowance to transform the waterlogged building into a functional space for his burgeoning business. Roofs were replaced, beams strengthened, and a mezzanine was added, creating the foundation for the Opus we know today. Fun fact: the original train tracks from the coal days still remain hidden beneath the surface – a nod to the island’s past.

The team at Opus Granville Island holds frames made inhouse in the 1980

The team at Opus Art Supplies (then Opus Framing) on Granville Island in the early 1980's

Fast forward 50 years, and we are celebrating half a century of creativity, community, and connection! From our single framing shop, we’ve grown into 7 art supply locations, a fine art print shop, a frame and canvas workshop, and an online store, all dedicated to fueling the creative passions of artists across BC. With a team of 125 creative individuals, our love for art and community runs deep, and our roots remain firmly planted in the local art scene.

And now, we’re getting ready to celebrate this incredible milestone with YOU! Our Granville Island store, the original heart of Opus, and our 6 other stores including Victoria, Kelowna, Langley, Downtown Vancouver, North Vancouver and Coquitlam, have been buzzing with special events and activities since mid-August, and will continue to do so in the coming weeks, as we honor the history and creativity that brought us here. Check out what’s happening for our 50th Anniversary!

Special Guest Events to Celebrate Opus Art Supplies' 50th Anniversary

Here’s to 50 years of inspiration, innovation, and countless masterpieces – and to the next 50 more! We can’t wait to celebrate with you and continue this amazing journey together. Come join in the events at our stores , and let’s make art, share stories, and celebrate our creative community!

Cheers to creativity – today, tomorrow, and always!