Acclaimed sculptor David Robinson and arts leader Laura Moore champion fundraising campaign benefitting children with serious illnesses and their families
VANCOUVER, B.C. (October 6, 2026): The inaugural Art of Community – an evening of connection and purpose, welcomed artists, supporters, and friends to Contemporary Figurative Sculptor, David Robinson's East Vancouver studio on Thursday, October 1. The event brought together an inspiring collection of celebrated creative voices, in support of Canuck Place Children's Hospice, BC and the Yukon’s only children’s palliative care provider
Co-sponsored by Robinson Studios and Stir - Arts and Culture, the Art of Community celebrated the vital role arts and culture play in strengthening communities while helping ensure children with serious illnesses and the families who love them receive exceptional care when they need it most.
Guest, Lisa Struthers
Surrounded by art, conversation, and a shared sense of purpose, guests experienced firsthand how creativity has the power to magnetize people across backgrounds, experiences, and generations. The power of art to inspire connection and compassion was at the heart of the evening.
Community is built through shared experiences, creativity, and compassion," said Robinson. "I'm honoured to lend my support to Canuck Place and help raise awareness and funds for the extraordinary care they provide to children and families across British Columbia and the Yukon.”
David Robinson, Contemporary Figurative Sculptor
Detail of 'Foothold (XL) 3/9' by David Robinson
The themes celebrated through Robinson’s sculptures echo the work that happens every day at Canuck Place. Just as artists help people feel seen, understood, and connected, Canuck Place creates spaces where families can strengthen relationships, make meaningful memories, and find support when their biggest fear becomes real.
Art has the ability to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and create lasting impact," explained Moore, Co-Founder of Stir Media. "Art of Community is an opportunity for our creative community to support families facing unimaginably difficult circumstances while celebrating the artists and cultural organizations that help make our region so vibrant.”
Laura Moore, Co-Founder of Stir Media
Detail of 'Aspect' by David Robinson
At Canuck Place, every day, children living with serious illnesses and the families who love them are supported by an interconnected circle of nurses and physicians; counsellors; art, music, and recreation therapists; volunteers, donors, and fellow Canuck Place families. Together, they create a compassionate community that helps ensure no one faces the challenges of illness, caregiving, grief, or loss alone.
L to R, Ruth Fluevog, Erin Frizzell (CP), John Fluevog
For both Robinson and Moore, the connection is deeply personal. David’s nephew Sam and Laura’s son Nigel were both supported through illness, end-of-life care, and in bereavement at Canuck Place. Both understand the profound impact that compassionate support can have during challenging times. Their generosity has transformed personal experience into collective action.
We are deeply grateful to Robinson Studios, Stir, and Desi Indian Lounge, Laura Moore, David Robinson, and the broader arts community for championing this initiative," said Jennifer Polci, Canuck Place Chief Development Officer. "The generosity of community partners helps ensure families on our program receive compassionate care, support, and meaningful moments together."
Jennifer Polci, Canuck Place Chief Development Officer
L to R, Lorraine Toor (CP), David Robinson, Laura Moore (Stir), Erin Frizzell (CP), Caitlin Jung (CP), Jennifer Polci (CP)
That impact will continue throughout October with the Art of Community Give Back Campaign as David Robinson donates 30 percent of the sale of select artwork to Canuck Place. Individuals interested in learning more about select artwork supporting this campaign are encouraged to contact sage@robinsonstudio.com. Direct donations to Canuck Place can be made here.
Robinson’s work is recognized internationally for its powerful exploration of human experience, symbolism, and storytelling. Throughout his career, Robinson's sculptures have been commissioned and collected by organizations including Vancouver General Hospital, The Rosewood Hotel Georgia, and Trent University.
Robinson Studio
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About Canuck Place Children’s Hospice: Canuck Place is a centre of excellence for children’s palliative care. Children with serious illnesses and their families receive specialist-led, family-centred care in BC and the Yukon. A comprehensive program focused on improving quality of life is accessible for over 1,035 children and families addressing physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Canuck Place offers pediatric advance care planning, provincial 24-Hour Clinical Care Line, pain and symptom management, family support and respite, end-of-life, grief, loss, and bereavement care. Patient families are supported in hospitals and homes, and through two hospices located in Vancouver and Abbotsford with 10 patient beds and 8 family suites. Program services include nursing and physician care, psychosocial and spiritual care, education, music therapy, and recreation therapy. With a talented team, over 350 volunteers, the Canuck Place Research Initiative, knowledge and training programs for healthcare providers, and patient-family partners, we improve care for children with short lives and the families who love them. Canuck Place is a registered charity: #133867523 RR 0001. canuckplace.org
About David Robinson: Born in Toronto, David Robinson entered the Fine Arts stream in high school, specializing in sculpture. He continued his studies at Langara College and became an Honours Graduate in the Sculpture Program at the Ontario College of Art.
Robinson's striking sculptures incorporate a variety of materials ranging from bronze, steel and silver to concrete, mirror and paper. While his oeuvre is the figure, he often adds psychological and mythological twists to his subjects by situating them in environments that speak to the inherent tensions of human life. Robinson has a deep reverence for imagery and symbolism, and this, combined with his remarkable skill, allows the viewer to surmise and discover the allegorical through contemporary form.
Robinson says, “It seems to me that my sculptures, before they are anything else, are manifestations of fitful waking dreams; narratives whole and smashed, images and ideas all distilled through the passage of time and the particular resistance of matter.”
Robinson has produced numerous solo shows and participated in many group exhibits nationally and internationally. His sculptures have been commissioned by such clients as Polygon Homes, the Four Seasons Hotel Resort in Whistler, the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, and Century Group. His work is in many private and corporate collections including the Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Dentons Canada LLP, Painted Rock Estate Winery, Toronto Dominion Bank, and Vancouver General Hospital. https://www.robinsonstudio.com/about/biography
About Stir: Arts and culture typically don’t get much attention in conventional local media. But what if they took centre stage?
Stir addresses this question head-on by devoting an entire platform to Vancouver’s creative scene and all of its compelling stories. Artists are helping us navigate an unprecedented time of change. Their work demands a new kind of journalistic hub.
2025 Winner of the Webster Award for Excellence in Arts Journalism, we’re a team of experienced, trusted media professionals who know West Coast arts inside-out. We are passionate about the cultural landscape here. We value independent local journalism and writing, and we strive to give it a home that’s inclusive and AI-free.
Arts and culture deserve to be covered with expertise, openness, curiosity, and integrity. We’re putting music, film, theatre, dance, design, visual arts, books, cultural tourism, and much more in the spotlight—right where they belong. https://www.createastir.ca/
