**Miko Abuyen at Lost Lagoon, with a print by West End artist Lera Nyukalova. In the background, a small selection of her extensive inventory of frames.**

LOST LAGOON
A Hub For Local Artists & Craftspeople

When Miko Abuyen came to Canada from her native Philippines in 1994 she spent the first eight years in Saskatoon before moving to the coast, finding what would be her permanent home here in Vancouver. Ten years later a job at Fast Frames on Denman introduced West Enders to her gracious smile and devotion to art, artists, art collectors, and fans.

Fast Frames, founded in 1974 and a bit of a West End institution, closed its doors during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. What with one thing and another, the owner decided that it was time to say goodbye permanently. The venue is now one of Muse Cannabis’ Lower Mainland outlets.

Enter Miko, with a vision and the energy to carry on.

A new name, the same familiar professional framing service. (click image to enlarge)

Shortly after Fast Frames closed, Miko reopened the location as Lost Lagoon, with the same professional custom framing service, wide range of framing materials and options, and many of the original staff members who the community had come to know and trust.

The following year, once Muse had secured the lease, she moved to Lost Lagoon’s current location in Denman Mall.

Miko, whose previous career had been in movie prop making, introduced a new theme for the art inventory at Lost Lagoon, featuring everything from original artwork to greeting cards and posters of the works of local artists, and sketch books. Soon after she added a selection of books by West End authors.

“I envision Lost Lagoon becoming a sort of hub for local artists and craftspeople,” Miko told The West End Journal as she prepared to move to Denman Mall. “We will expand our inventory as we connect with more Vancouver and B.C. creators, and include items such as hand-made skin care products and other craft works.”

Three years on, Lost Lagoon continues to build a following as Miko makes good on that promise. We look forward to her continued success, as more people make an effort to “shop local.”