About Us
Capulet Art & Framing Inc. is more than just a gallery—it’s a hub for creativity, community, and the celebration of Canadian art. Founded in 2006 by Kevan Seng, the gallery has become a trusted space for showcasing bold abstract, figurative, and contemporary works through curated exhibitions, artwork rentals, and custom framing services.
Kevan’s journey into the art world began with a chance encounter at a Richmond bus stop, where he met the legendary Vancouver artist Raymond Chow. Moved by the beauty and detail of Chow’s sketches, Kevan began working alongside him, learning the ins and outs of artist representation, publishing, and print production. This meeting ignited a lifelong mission to support artists and share their work with the world.
Over the years, Kevan has represented a range of notable Canadian artists including Raymond Chow, Dirk Marwig, and Chrissy Cheung, helping to elevate their voices and bring their creations to wider audiences. With a deep appreciation for storytelling through art, he continues to advocate for local talent and connect their work with collectors, designers, and the public.
Kevan is the founder and creator of the Battle of the Brush, Vancouver’s first and longest-running team-based live painting competition. He is also a co-founder and director of Golden Brush Art Inc., where he continues to innovate and organize dynamic art experiences that bring artists and audiences together in exciting and memorable ways.
Beyond the art world, Kevan is an active member of the Vancouver Chinatown Lions Club, where he contributes his time and leadership to community service, cultural programming, and fundraising initiatives. His dedication to both art and community continues to shape Capulet Art as a meaningful and welcoming space for all.
Our Artist
Raymond Chow is a celebrated Canadian artist whose work has spanned over five decades. Known for his distinctive black ink drawings of Vancouver’s historic architecture, Raymond began his career in the 1950s—creating intricate pieces with a 25-cent ballpoint pen that quickly caught the attention of collectors. As a teenager, his talent was already in high demand, with art dealers showing up at his family’s home offering to buy his work on the spot. Over the years, Raymond’s art has been collected and commissioned by prominent figures including Clint Eastwood, Sonny and Cher, Princess Elizabeth of Yugoslavia, Indira Gandhi, and Raymond Burr. His work has also been featured in the collections of Scott Paper, Touche Ross, MacMillan Bloedel, and more. He has exhibited alongside renowned artists such as A.J. Casson and Andrew Wyeth, and his work has reached as far as the Royal Palace of India.
In 2006, Raymond introduced the world of art to Kevan Seng, leading to a meaningful friendship and creative partnership. As one of the first artists represented by Capulet Art, Raymond continues to play a vital role in its story—contributing both his artwork and mentorship. While his legacy is already well established, Raymond remains a passionate supporter of the arts, inspiring new generations through his work, wisdom, and generosity. He now spends his time traveling through Eastern Canada and remains closely connected to the creative community through Capulet Art & Framing.
Our Gallery
Our Mission
At Capulet Art & Framing Inc., our mission is to make art a vibrant part of everyday life—whether it’s through a beautifully framed memory, a bold original painting, or a live art experience that brings people together. Since 2006, we’ve combined the soul of a gallery with the craftsmanship of a framing studio, creating a space where creativity and community thrive.
We showcase a wide range of abstract, figurative, and contemporary art through curated exhibitions and special events, including Vancouver’s first team-based live painting competition, Battle of the Brush. Our art rental and leasing program brings original Canadian artwork into workplaces, making it easy to transform offices into inspiring environments—while also offering a smart business expense that boosts morale and mental wellness.
Framing shouldn’t be a luxury—it should be accessible. That’s why we offer affordable, high-quality picture framing for everyone. From certificates and collectibles to fine art and personal treasures, we help people display what matters most without breaking the bank.
Our name, Capulet, is drawn from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet—a nod to Juliet Capulet, whose beauty, grace, and emotional depth continue to inspire across centuries. We carry that same spirit into everything we do: celebrating meaningful stories, supporting local talent, and ensuring that powerful artwork isn’t hidden away, but seen, shared, and appreciated.
Whether you’re a business looking to refresh your space, an artist seeking representation, or someone who just loves great framing and beautiful art—Capulet Art is here to help you bring your vision to life.
The Beginning
🌟 Our Story: A Chance Encounter That Sparked a Movement
“Excuse me, sir… do you have change for a ten?”
That one small question sparked the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
In the winter of 2006, 24-year-old Kevan Seng crossed paths with Raymond Chow, a 65-year-old artist and Vancouver legend, at a snowy bus stop in Richmond, BC. That day, Kevan had set out with his father to pick up a van, but due to heavy snow, their plans were cancelled. While his father went to visit a friend nearby, Kevan decided to head home alone by bus.
As he walked toward the stop, Kevan realized he didn’t have any change. Rather than backtrack, he kept walking and approached the first person he saw. Standing at the stop was a gentleman in a long coat, a hat, and a pair of cowboy boots. Kevan asked, “Excuse me, sir, would you happen to have change for a ten?” The man didn’t, but kindly directed him to a nearby corner store.
When Kevan returned, they struck up a conversation. The man handed him a business card: Raymond Chow — Artist. Only then did Kevan realize he was speaking to a well-known figure in Vancouver’s art scene. They continued chatting on the bus, and Raymond invited Kevan to visit his gallery sometime soon. That brief, spontaneous interaction would become the start of a lifelong friendship—and the future foundation of Capulet Art & Framing Inc.
📖 The Gallery Visit That Changed Everything
A few days after their meeting, Raymond followed up with a phone call, inviting Kevan to visit his gallery. Having never been invited to an art gallery before, Kevan was intrigued. He accepted the offer and planned his visit for the next day.
Navigating to the gallery wasn’t easy. Tucked away in the industrial part of Richmond, the location was unfamiliar to Kevan. After circling the area a few times, he finally spotted a bold sign: “Raymond Chow Art Gallery.” His first thought? *”Why is an art gallery in the middle of nowhere?”
But as soon as he stepped inside, Kevan was transported into a world of creativity. Raymond buzzed him in, and together they climbed the stairs to the second floor. On both sides of the stairwell, Kevan was stunned by a breathtaking display of Raymond’s drawings and paintings—a hidden treasure trove. It took him nearly 10 minutes to reach the top, as he paused repeatedly to admire the artwork, which seemed to tell a visual history of Vancouver through the decades.
At the top, Kevan noticed a stack of drawings on the floor. As he sifted through them, he discovered scenes of Vancouver’s Chinatown. Inspired, he pitched an idea to Raymond: to turn the drawings into a calendar. That spark would become his very first project in the arts.
📅 The 2007 Chinatown Calendar Project
Kevan spent six months developing the project that would become the 2007 Chinatown Calendar. He enlisted his friend Ed Lee to help with the layout and taught himself Photoshop along the way. Once the first black-and-white mockup was ready, Kevan and another friend, Christian Buschner, visited the local Chapters bookstore in Richmond to pitch the idea.
The calendar featured 16 months of Raymond Chow’s historic drawings of Vancouver’s Chinatown, accompanied by short stories and insights gathered from community elders. It just so happened that 2007 marked the 100-year anniversary of Chinese Canadian immigration reform, making the calendar timely and meaningful. It was featured in Ming Pao, Ricepaper Magazine, and even caught the attention of M-Channel News, who sent a crew to interview Raymond and Kevan.
With widespread support and momentum from the centennial celebrations, the calendars were picked up by multiple Chapters and Indigo bookstores across the Lower Mainland. It was an unexpected success—and a turning point for Kevan’s career in the arts.
🏬 An Opportunity at Chapters
Thanks to the calendar’s success, Kevan formed a connection with Mike, the general manager of the Chapters location on Broadway and Granville. One day, Mike casually said, “Kevan, if you ever want to host an event here, just let me know.”
That offer would sit in Kevan’s mind for a couple of years—until inspiration struck.
🎨 The First Live Painting Event (Oct 17, 2008)
In October 2008, Kevan proposed a weekend of live art at Chapters: three days, three artists per day, and one canvas per session. Each painting would be raffled off, with proceeds going to Chapters’ Love of Reading Foundation.
On Friday, October 17, 2008, Raymond Chow, Ron Sombilon, and Arlana Green joined Kevan at Chapters. The team set up a 36×48-inch canvas with paints, easels, and drop cloths. Curious shoppers gathered as the artists began to paint.
As the hours passed, the audience grew. People stopped in their tracks. Passersby pressed their faces against the windows. Kevan stood watching, feeling the energy build. Even seniors stood for hours without moving. That night, something clicked.
Despite the rain and wind outside, people stayed to watch. Some, shivering at the bus stop, chose to watch from outside rather than miss a moment. It was in that moment that Kevan realized: people loved watching art being created live. This was the spark that would grow into Golden Brush Art Events and eventually evolve into Battle of the Brush.
🌿 Growing Momentum in the Art World
With the success of the calendars and live events, Kevan ventured further into the art world. He began producing prints and cards from Raymond Chow’s artwork, distributing them through Chapters locations across Vancouver.
Soon after, Kevan was approached by London Galleries, who owned a rare collection of artwork by Indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau. Known as the Edwards Collection, Kevan produced a line of art cards featuring these works, which were then sold to institutions including the Smithsonian, the National Gallery of Canada, and numerous other major collections across North America.
🌐 The Edwards Collection: Works by Norval Morrisseau
The Edwards Collection features a rare and powerful selection of works by renowned Ojibwe artist Norval Morrisseau, also known as Copper Thunderbird. Recognized as the grandfather of contemporary Indigenous art in Canada, Morrisseau’s work bridges traditional Anishinaabe imagery with bold contemporary expression.
Kevan partnered with London Galleries to create a limited edition run of art cards from this treasured collection. The cards were distributed to major institutions including the Smithsonian, National Gallery of Canada, and other top-tier cultural organizations across North America—preserving and sharing Morrisseau’s vision with a broader audience.
🎭 The Origin of Golden Brush Competition
The name Golden Brush was conceived in 2009 while Kevan Seng was visiting his friend Lisa Lee’s art studio. It was there that he envisioned a team-based live painting competition that would combine the excitement of sports with the creativity of visual art. The name, symbolizing prestige and expression, became the foundation of what would soon become a city-wide phenomenon.
After hosting the first and second Golden Brush shows, Kevan met Jwon Suh, who expressed great interest in partnering for future events. Within weeks, they co-founded Golden Brush Art Events and launched their third event together in 2011—the final one under the original name.
The format was unlike anything Vancouver had seen: artists formed teams, painted live within a strict 1-hour deadline, and the audience voted to decide the winner. The energy was electric. It blurred the lines between artist and observer, turning the act of painting into an engaging public experience.
🎨 The Rise of Battle of the Brush
In 2011, during a brainstorming session, Kevan and Jwon renamed the event Battle of the Brushes, launching it with the theme “Change.” Shortly after, the name was simplified to Battle of the Brush. It became Vancouver’s first and longest-running team-based live painting competition.
Between 2011 and 2018, the show exploded in popularity. Over 400 artists participated, ranging from new voices to renowned professionals. Each show was themed—from cultural narratives to abstract expressions—offering a stage for dialogue, diversity, and creativity.
Winners earned cash prizes, exhibitions, and public exposure, creating real career opportunities. Battle of the Brush became a community builder, launching the careers of many local talents.
The momentum led to international expansion. In 2018, the show debuted in Beijing, China, thanks to Kevan’s high school friend Tony Hu. In 2024, the first official franchise launched in Manila, Philippines, spearheaded by Ayni Nuyda.
In October 2025, the event will celebrate its 45th edition, standing as a testament to the transformative power of creativity, culture, and collaboration.
