Place des Arts — Local services in Coquitlam

Place des Arts – A Creative Haven and Community Gem

Place des Arts has become a cherished part of my life. As someone who takes pottery classes there, I can confidently say the instructors are not only highly experienced but also passionate and inspiring. I have had the pleasure of learning from both Dan and Emily — each brings a unique and powerful teaching style that has deepened my appreciation for the art form.

The service desk team is always helpful and kind, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the moment you walk in. It is clear that this is more than just a community arts centre — it is a vibrant hub where creativity flourishes.

One of the unique charms of Place des Arts is the background ambiance: during pottery sessions, I often hear beautiful music drifting through the halls. Young students can be seen practicing classical pieces on piano or refining their dance routines, often accompanied by their proud parents. This blend of artistic energy is both energizing and inspiring.

They even have a humble self-serve kitchen where you can grab a fresh cup of coffee for a small fee. I still remember enjoying a much-needed cup during their Customer Appreciation Day — poured into a beautiful handmade ceramic mug. When the coffee flask ran out, a kind staff member brewed a fresh batch right away. Moments like that speak volumes about the care and attention of the team.

Kim Correia, Program Manager, Visual Arts & Exhibitions, curates engaging exhibitions and beautifully highlights student artwork. Her thoughtful curation brings meaningful themes into the gallery and supports emerging artists in a very intentional way.

Jessie Au, Director of Programs and Events, brings clear vision and dedication to everything she does. She listens carefully to student feedback and actively incorporates their suggestions into future programming, creating a responsive and inclusive environment.

All in all, Place des Arts is more than just a place to learn art — it is a community that celebrates creativity, connection, and care. I am truly grateful to...

DO NOT book for events here! I recently attempted to book for a recital at this venue a few months prior to the event and was hopeful as I was given a list of availability with verbal and written confirmation that the space would be available for the date and time that I needed. After agreeing (on both sides) to the specified date and time, I was then able to plan for my event and send out invitations with over 100 people confirmed as coming.

Then a little over a month before the event I was emailed and told that the venue was now unavailable due to "unforeseen faculty needs." While I can appreciate that the faculty needs to use the space, I was left in limbo being told that I would have to wait and see if they can juggle things around. It is not responsible nor good business practice to change a pre-planned large event on someone a month before the actual event. (Imagine if this was a wedding?!!!) Short of a natural disaster, this type of business practice SHOULD NOT happen. To add insult to injury, I was told that I could possibly do my event after hours that day (two hours after the original scheduled time but I would have to pay the fee (granted- it was "slightly" discounted) for after hours usage.) This to me was not only unbelievable but also POOR business practice and having to resend pre-planned invitations and ask over 100 people (students and their families) to change their plans is unrealistic at best.

Therefore, I was forced to scramble to find a new venue on my own and inconvenience so many students and their families, who are all now left with a bad impression of this venue - with all being in shock, horror and disbelief. Needless to say, I have informed other artists in my network to avoid booking here or hosting events and the word has also been channeled out through students.

So please avoid at all costs unless you want to be left with a large studio of very disappointed students and upset...

Ms. Emily Mustard is an outstanding ballet instructor who goes above and beyond in every aspect of teaching. Her deep knowledge of ballet is evident in every class.

Her preparation and organization ensure that each lesson runs smoothly and is tailored to the students’ needs, while her ability to provide alternative explanations makes learning accessible to everyone. She offers constructive and thoughtful feedback, which helps students grow and build confidence in their skills.

What truly sets Ms. Emily apart is her encouragement of creativity and her openness to listening to students’ ideas and feedback. She fosters an environment where students feel inspired to express themselves while developing their technique.

We couldn’t be happier with the progress our daughter has made in her ballet journey under Ms. Emily’s guidance. Every class is a perfect balance of discipline, learning, and joy. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a talented, caring, and professional...