A Legacy Framed in Passion

Tucked just off Columbia Street, Found Art Salon feels more like a story than a store. Every wall hums with the quiet energy of decades spent chasing beauty — and every piece whispers a tale. For more than 20 years, owner Norma & Tom have built a life around the art of finding, cherishing, and sharing the extraordinary.

What began as her husband’s habit of collecting paintings on every trip has blossomed into a lifelong adventure. “At some point,” Norma laughs, “we simply had too much art.” That joyful problem became a calling — to curate and resell fine art so that others could experience the same wonder that first filled their own home.

From the Quay to Begbie Street

Found Art Salon has moved with the rhythm of New Westminster’s growth. From its early days at the Quay selling prints to today’s elegant collection of originals, each space has held a chapter of the city’s creative story. Now nestled at 42 Begbie Street, just behind the Anvil Centre, the salon reflects both experience and evolution — blending warmth, history, and the careful eye of a seasoned curator.

Norma’s work has reached well beyond New Westminster. For over a decade, she collaborated with museum curators and assisted in national exhibits, often transporting rare pieces herself. “You learn a lot in that world,” she says. “About history, integrity, and the responsibility that comes with art.”

Walking into the historic 1912 building, the space itself becomes part of the experience. Soaring ceilings, nearly 17 feet high, and gently rotating ceiling fans add to the feeling of being slightly awestruck. The room invites visitors to slow down, take it all in, and enjoy the simple pleasure of standing among thoughtfully displayed works by talented artists.

Curating with Care

At Found Art Salon, every piece comes with provenance — a life before it arrived. The collection represents artists of note, many with work held in galleries across Canada. Norma’s approach is less about retail and more about stewardship. “We pride ourselves in selling fine art,” she says. “It all has value and has been represented somewhere on the globe.”

While the salon once featured Indigenous works, Norma & Tom made the conscious choice to step back from that category, ensuring space for emerging Indigenous artists nearby. It’s a decision that speaks volumes about her respect for both art and community.

The Soul of the Space

Ask Norma her favorite part of the business, and she won’t hesitate — it’s the people. Over the years, her clients have become friends, many still visiting from earlier locations. She lights up talking about them: the young collectors discovering their first original, the longtime patrons upgrading a beloved piece, and the curious visitors who wander in just to look.

For Norma, art is connection. “Once someone owns their first original, they’ll always prefer it,” she says. “It’s something real — something lasting in a disposable world.”

New West, A City of Stories

Found Art Salon mirrors the creative heartbeat of New Westminster itself — historic, layered, and always evolving. Norma believes deeply in the city’s potential to nurture art lovers and artists alike. She dreams of more people simply walking through the door, enjoying the experience of beauty without pressure or pretense.

As she puts it, “Art galleries are destination shops. You don’t plan for them, you stumble upon them — and that’s where the magic happens.”

A Welcoming Invitation

Today, Found Art Salon remains a cozy cultural stop just steps from Columbia Street. Norma and her husband Tom welcome anyone curious to explore. Drop by during the day or call ahead — they’re always happy to open the doors for an afternoon stroll through art and time.

Because at Found Art Salon, every piece has a past. And every visit adds to its story.

From heartfelt service to enduring creativity, Found Art Salon continues to inspire connection and curiosity in New Westminster.

Supporting local businesses means supporting the heart of our community!

Address:📍 42 Begbie Street, New Westminster, BC V3M 3L9

Phone: 📞 (778) 871-2669

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