Refined Minds Vancouver

Join us for our next Refined Minds gathering as we explore the invisible line between genius and deception in the world of art.

In the art market, 'truth' is more expensive than beauty. When a masterpiece is exposed to be a forgery, its financial value vanishes overnight, even though the visual experience remains exactly the same as the day before.

This raises a challenging question: do we actually value the art itself, or are we just valuing the pedigree and the story behind it? We're meeting to explore where beauty ends and authenticity begins.

A few questions for the session:

• Imagine a future where we can 3D-scan a Rembrandt and print an exact replica—atom for atom, including the aged wood and chemical decay of the lead-white paint. If the two objects are physically identical in every measurable way, does the "original" still possess something the replica lacks? Or is that ineffable quality just a social construct we use to justify astronomical prices?
• Tell us about what ways specific intent, struggle, or life story of a creator influences the emotional connection you feel when looking at a finished work of art.
• Is our preference for "the real thing" a deep human instinct or are we simply victims of the Snob Effect?
• Think about a time your understanding of a 'truth' whether about an object, a person, or a story suddenly shifted. How did that new information change the way you perceived the beauty or value of that thing moving forward?

Through philosophical inquiry and shared perspectives, we'll examine how we assign value to what we love, not just in galleries, but in our lives.

For Confirmed Attendees: If your plans change, please update your RSVP on Meetup as soon as possible. This allows us to notify those on the waiting list in time to join.

For the Waiting List: Thank you for your patience! Spots often open up in the days before the meeting. If you don't get in this time, we can certainly revisit this rich topic in future sessions.

📍 Location: Vancouver Public Library Central Branch, 4th Floor, Room 492 (L4 North Meeting Room)

Join us for a special, one-off gathering of Refined Minds as we explore the themes of Haruki Murakami's Norwegian Wood.

As many of you know, Refined Minds isn't a book club, but I recently stumbled upon a copy of Norwegian Wood at the library, and thought it would be nice to have a discussion on it.

Instead of our usual meeting room, we'll gather at a nearby cafe for a more relaxed session. This isn't about analyzing plot points or literary techniques; it's about using the book as a springboard to reflect on our own experiences and observations.

We'll explore questions like:

• What did you enjoy about the book?
• Reflecting on the youthful days: The story follows a young man through a period of upheaval. When you look back ten or twenty years, what parts of your personality or outlook have remained constant and what has changed?
• Small Comforts: Many characters find peace in mundane rituals—making a meal, ironing, listening to a record. What everyday habits give you genuine mental clarity?
• The Impact of a Story: This session exists because a library book sparked an idea. How has a book, film, or piece of art unexpectedly shifted your perspective on your own life?

Note on Participation: You don't need to be a Murakami expert to join us. Whether you've read the book multiple times, are currently reading it, or are simply drawn to these reflections, you're welcome.

Meeting Location: We'll be at Ciclo Espresso Yaletown for a more informal, conversational atmosphere.

Join us for our next Refined Minds gathering where we dive into the art we love.

Art is often a solitary experience, but its meaning deepens when shared. For this session, we're turning the floor over to you. Bring the pieces that have moved you, inspired you, or lingered in your memory over the years. This is a dedicated "show and tell," a chance to share our favourite works in a relaxed, thoughtful environment.

The structure is simple: We'll each take a few minutes to introduce a piece of art to the group. No academic lecture required - just tell us why it resonates with you and what draws you to the artist.

What to bring: A digital image on your phone or tablet (or a physical print if you prefer) of one piece of art you love. You can also send a website link of the art image via the messaging function in Meetup to the host (Martin). The art piece can be anything: a classical painting, a modern sculpture, street art, or a photograph.

We'll explore questions like:

• What was your first reaction when you encountered this piece?
• What makes the artist's style or story compelling to you?
• If you could ask the artist one question about this work, what would it be?
• How does this piece reflect your personal taste or journey?

Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or just beginning to explore the art world, this is a space to discover new works through others' eyes and enjoy a meaningful conversation about beauty and creativity.

For Confirmed Attendees: If your plans change and you find you cannot attend, please take a moment to update your RSVP on Meetup as soon as possible. As a courtesy, this makes a huge difference, allowing us to notify the people on the waiting list with enough time to join us.
For the Waiting List: Thank you for your patience! Please stay tuned, as we often see spots open up in the days leading up to the meeting.

📍 Where: Vancouver Public Library Central Branch, 4th Floor, Room 492 (L4 North Meeting Room)

Join us for a special Refined Minds outing to hear the winner of the 19th International Chopin Piano Competition, live in a concert held at the Orpheum in Vancouver on February 16, 2026.

Held every five years in Warsaw, the Chopin Competition has launched the careers of some of history's greatest pianists. This is a rare opportunity to experience a world-class interpreter of Chopin's music right here in Vancouver, and a perfect follow-up to our recent session on the composer's life and artistry.

We'll experience the elegance, drama, and poetry of Chopin's works together, hearing firsthand why his music still captivates audiences nearly two centuries later.

After the concert, we will regroup at the nearby library meeting room to talk about our experience.

🎟️ Tickets are available through the Orpheum website (address below). We recommend booking early, as this event is likely to sell out.

https://chopinsociety.org/winner-chopin-competition-2025.html