Studio Salon Series
A series featuring local artists sharing works-in-progress with the community in an informal setting.
“We value and support the work of independent artists and encourage other professionals from diverse and interdisciplinary practices to participate in Studio Salon Series. These individuals are the wellspring of creative richness that continues to move and shift cultural activities and artistic innovation in our midst. Processes is an integral part of our development beyond the honing of a completed work or a piece. Process keeps us moving and alive in our relation to creativity. The Studio Salon Series is a space and platform to reveal these processes, creativity, nuances and ideas – where we unite and celebrate our many independent artists in Vancouver and beyond.”
Our Studio Salon Series is a recurring series featuring local artists sharing works-in-progress with the community in an informal setting. Co. ERASGA support participating artists with access to studio residency 100- 250 hours yearly, mentorship, artist fee, marketing, documentation and presentation.
These events are free to the public in an effort to create more communication between artists and the community while their works are still in development. After short excerpts are shown, the featured artists engage in conversation with the audience around the topics presented in the work, creation, and development.
Studio Salon Series
October 2018
Dennis D. Gupa
April 2019
Joshua Ongcol
Kayla De Vos
Starr Muranko
July 2019
Lynn Farrales, MD
September 2019
Alvin Erasga Tolentino
Marissa Wong
Olivia Shaffer
September 2020
Jane Gabriels
Marc Arboleda
Shion Skye Carter
Tasha Faye Evans
April 2021
Jeanette Kotowich
Salome Nieto
Sammy Chien
Tin Gamboa
December 2021
Antonio Somera Jr.
Jojo Zolina
Katie Cassady
Shana Wolfe
April 2022
Eric Cheung
Kelly McInnes
Marco Esccer
Sophia Sosa
November 2022
Justin Calvadores
Rachel Maddock
Sarah U
Sevrin Emnacen-Boyd
April 2023
Alyssa Favero
Sophie Dow
Juan Villegas
Kristen Lewis
December 2023
Anusha Fernando
Marisa Gold
Oksana Augustine
Juan Imperial
April 2024
Raven Grenier
Starr Muranko
Nick Miami Benz
Juolin Lee
November 2024
Sujit Vaidya
Jennifer Aoki
Marion Landers
March 2025
Yvonne Chartrand
Yuha Tomita
Rachel Helten
November 2025
Vidya Kotamraju
Ysadora Dias
Salome Nieto
Artist Statements
“Thank you all so much for your support during the salon. The work felt nurtured in the space you made available, both creative and physical. I was struggling with the idea of bringing a traditional work to the salon, but Alvin, you were so encouraging and tender towards all of what I was feeling and held space for my doubts!! I can never thank you enough. You’ve consistently supported me in the most effusive ways. So thank you for believing in me and in my creative heart. Keep doing what you do. Lots of respect and gratitude for all of it.”
Sujit Vidya
My name is Sarah and I am one of the artists participating in the 2022 Fall Studio Salon Series. I participated in this process as I highly admire Alvin's artistry and his commitment to providing an open-ended and explorative space for emerging dance artists, and choreographers.
"Throughout this process, I was given rehearsal spaces, mentorship, fees, and the opportunity to share my work with an intimate audience. I believe this program is much needed in the community, as it fosters the growth of emerging choreographers while providing audience members an opportunity to the process of the artists.
I also greatly appreciate Alvin's deep devotion and support for his artists. As an artist that has worked with Alvin, I feel cared for, seen, and supported and I highly recommend you to continue funding this project.
Sarah U
“Alvin Tolentino runs the process leading up to the salon itself with so much care and kindness. Care and kindness are two things that are put into supporting each other in the arts that can sometimes be taken for granted or can go unseen by the audiences and I am so grateful to receive that care when in space with Alvin. The Salon itself was such a replenishing time during COVID for some of us BIPOC artists to be given virtual space to share our work with others. Ever grateful for working with Alvin and being part of one of his studio salons thus far.”
Tina Gamboa
The Co.ERASGA Salon provides a rare environment where artists can take risks, exchange ideas, and grow in a supportive setting. The combination of mentorship, creative freedom, and a welcoming community makes the Salon an invaluable resource for independent artists. My experience has strengthened my practice, expanded my imagination, and given me a space where my creative work can truly develop.
Vidya Kotamraju