ripped open
support our youth-led project
Ripped Open is a youth-led art studio and boutique launched in February 2025 by The Art Farm. Located at Sunnycrest Mall in Gibsons, B.C., the space was originally created as a place for youth to design and produce pieces for Ripped Open 2: Transition, an anti-fashion cabaret held in May 2025.
What began as a temporary textile studio quickly evolved into a vibrant community hub. The studio has since remained open as a vital third space—outside of school and home—where local youth gather to create, collaborate, and build real-world skills.
The boutique, located inside the studio, showcases original handmade clothing and accessories. Workshops are also offered to the broader community, fostering intergenerational connection through art.
Ripped Open is proof of what’s possible when youth are given space, tools, and trust to lead creative change.
Since February 2025, the Art Farm along with local youth have been operating a drop-in art studio at Sunnycrest Mall in Gibsons, British Columbia.
The studio now features a boutique, where young artists showcase and sell their creations, and we are seeking community support to keep this space open long-term. Donations will go towards rent and wages for youth and staff, all of which total close to $10,000 per month.
Frequented by students from local high schools, this space provides a safe place for young people to spend their time learning and crafting during lunch time and after school hours. We are grateful for our partnership with Anthem property management, who recognize this unique opportunity to offer young people a creative outlet, while they also develop real-world skills and knowledge.
If you’d like to contribute to this ongoing project, please keep reading!
