History

History

Little Mountain Gallery has existed as an arts venue since 2001, originally at 195 E 26 Ave in Mount Pleasant under a few different names. 

Operating out of a 1930s automotive garage, the venue hosted thousands of performances from too many artists to count, much to the chagrin of the neighbours who would constantly threaten to shut the space down (and nearly succeeded). 

 

Artist Ehren Salazar founded Little Mountain Gallery in 2006 as an artist collective and, in 2013, comedian Ryan Beil took over the space, bringing in more comedy performances in addition to theatre runs. 

Once LMG became a non-profit in 2016, we began exclusively programming community comedy, running sold-out shows up to nine times a week in a space that was renovated by comedians into a 60-seat, non-code-compliant fire hazard (but with air conditioning). 

Little Mountain Gallery was recognized nationally as the home of independent comedy in Vancouver, and received the “Best Room” award from the Vancouver Comedy Awards.  

Main Street Bar 2017
Main Street Building Front 2018
Main Street 2016
Main Street 2005
Main Street 2007
Front Door 2016
Old Logo 2015
Demo Day on Main Street 2022
Backstage Bunker
Note From Neighbours

In December, 2021, after 20 years, Little Mountain Gallery was demolished for Vancouver’s preferred form of culture — low-rise condos. 

Even though the space sometimes smelled like raw sewage and was filled with raccoons, it will be remembered fondly. 

Before we left, long-time friend of the venue (and all-around great person) Graham Clark performed comedy for 24-hours straight to help us raise money to find a new venue.

Since then, we’ve been working on opening what we hope will be our new home for the next two decades at 110 Water Street, in Gastown. 

You can learn more about our new space project here:

110 Water Street