Yuriko Iga was born in Winnipeg and raised in Calgary with Japanese parentage. Her experience of the traditional Japanese house and family, combined with her work in the contemporary art field, have led her toward a broadened conception of art as the creation of installation or social space intentionally ignoring the boundary between art, multi-media, design, and life. A graduate of the Alberta College of Art and Design, Yuriko’s many artistic endeavours include running a cafe/gallery in Calgary called Kisaten from 1994–1996; working with the collective Colours for Industry on a multi-media dance piece called Microluft; and curating a music event called Squibb. Now based in Vancouver, Yuriko’s recent project is Blim, a Community Based Art Resource Center that facilitates screen-printing, button making, drawing, local emerging artists, creative workshops, and crafts in the independent field. Blim also hosts the Blim Market, which is a monthly craft event that houses local handmade craft, art, vintage, and organizations. Blim has been active for 9 years and has now moved to a larger location in historic Chinatown. Yuriko is also an active member of the Powell Street Festival Programming Committee.
