Arts and Culture

Extremely Adorable Pop-Up Kids’ Art Gallery Tombolo Returns This Fall

Budding artists can submit their work until September 1.

By Stacey McLachlan /

Last year, artist Anita Cheung and experiential designer Ryleah Shae brought some serious whimsy to East Vancouver with a pop-up kids’ art gallery that warmed the heart and sparked plenty of creativity—and in 2025, they’re at it again. 

Ryleah Shae (left) and Anita Cheung are the creative forces behind this magical kids’ art experience. Photo: Amy Teixeira
Artists from 2024’s Tombolo event. Photo: Amy Teixiera

READ MORE: A Few of Anita Cheung’s Favourite Things

For year two, the event is bigger and better, taking over an entire heritage home to create an immersive experience of play: welcome to Tombolo House and Storybook Museum, home of what simply has to be the cutest art event in town. 

Grab a ticket for any of the open dates September 12 to 21 (weekends are open to the public; weekdays are reserved for private groups and scheduled workshops) and step into what Cheung calls “a storybook world.” Each room of the home is a different scene or page in a story, inviting visitors big and small to interact with the narrative. The tale is based on the same theme as the submitted children’s artwork on display: “Imaginary Worlds.” 

Ryleah Shae’s oversized paper flowers brought whimsy to last year’s gallery environment… this year’s decor is sure to be even more magical, as the designer now has a whole house to play with. Photo: Amy Teixiera

In addition to exploring the house, kids are invited to participate in workshops throughout the week—printmaking, creative building, monoprints and dance classes. Cult-fave kid consignment pop-up Alligator Soup will be present all day on Saturdays and Sundays for a chance to find vintage treasures for the little humans in your life; Aiyahono Cafe will be on sight September 14 bringing signature matcha drinks and kid-friendly menu items, too.  

Consignment shop Alligator Soup will be popping up at this year’s event, too. Photo: Amy Teixiera

If your little artist is keen to have their work displayed as part of this special show, get ‘em working now: submissions close September 1. Otherwise: see you in the playhouse. 

Tombolo House
September 12 to 21
Tickets $5 and up, free for kids under 2, workshops priced individually
More info and tickets here 

The cafe station at 2024’s Tombolo event. Photo: Amy Teixiera