Author: monikablichar

Monika Anna Blichar was born in Latina, Italy in July, 1982. After immigrating to Canada in the early 1980’s, the family lived in Red Deer, where they bore a second daughter, and then moved west to B.C. in 1996. Monika has completed a B.A. in English and French from the University of Victoria and has also obtained a teaching credential with the B.C. College of Teachers. Primarily self taught, she has also studied art at Camosun College where she learnt various techniques and strategies in creating contemporary pieces. She continues to pursue creative projects and is exploring various professional opportunities in the arts which include body painting and events coordination. Her interests include the Humanities, writing, traveling, and being outdoors. Art has played a significant part of Monika’s life and continues to be an expression of her flowing imagination, appreciation for beauty, and a reflection of seeing beyond the obvious. Monika is currently living and working in Vancouver, B.C. She is the owner of MAB Ventures Inc., An Arts & Entertainment Agency, and is President of Make and Break Arts Foundation. Her notable projects and initiatives include founding Art World Expo, Diamond Dolls Women's Networking Group, MAB Arts Studio & Boutique Gallery and THE FAB Art Program.

World Hydration-The Importance and Possibility of Water

by Alyssa Laube

In North America, water is massively taken for granted. For most of us, it’s readily available anywhere. At home, we can drink it from the tap, and on-the-go we use water bottles. However, although we’re blessed with a quantity of water, the quality can sometimes be deceiving.

“Tap or bottled water contains chemicals such as chlorine, lye, ammonia, B.P.A.’s and even bacteria. All of the waters are lifeless, oxidizing, and acidic, so instead of cleaning and hydrating your body, they contribute to more health problems,” said Sabine Gaudette, business owner of water ionization equipment company, World Hydration.

The water that World Hydration produces solves this problem, along with many others, and the benefits are tremendous. Their filters remove any harmful substances, as well as altering the composition of your water depending on how you intend to use it. There are different types for every need: beauty water for hair and skin, acidic water for disinfection and wound care, Kangen water to replace degreasers and detergents, and most commonly, hydrogen/antioxidant-rich drinking water.

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Curious to know how it worked, I asked Sabine about how her products function.

“The units hook up to any tap and are plugged in,” she responded. “The water passes through a filter which takes out chlorine and other impurities, and then is charged as it passes over the platinum and titanium plates [inside of the device]. This separates it into alkaline antioxidant water and acidic water. All of the important minerals we need are drawn to the alkaline side, and the bad ones go to the acidic side.”

The result is pure, harm-free water with a flood of health benefits. Those who use World Hydration technology have reported being more alert and awake, weight loss, alleviated pain due to injury or illness, and generally feeling healthier. It’ll even help your pets! After all, we’re both mostly made of water.

Although her customers have praises of their own, World Hydration’s products also had a meaningful impact on Sabine and her loved ones. While she was initially interested in the business for it’s environmental benefits, the query took a much more personal turn when her husband, a war veteran, began drinking the hydrogen/antioxidant-rich water.

“He was not able to function after he was exposed to the effects of war. For 19 years, he suffered with multiple symptoms, P.T.S.D. being the worst of them,” explained Sabine. After drinking this remarkable water for 3 weeks, he began healing, and today he’s living his life fully and with purpose. Now, we’re inspired to help others to realize that they have the choice to help themselves, too.”

This motivation is what inspires Sabine to share World Hydration with anyone who will listen, but the environmental advantages are equally as important. “They eliminate the need to buy bottled water [and cleaning chemicals], thus creating less pollution,” as well as reducing the need for medication by improving the health of those who use it.

“Everything we put down the drain eventually gets recycled back to us in our water. Can you imagine how much the planet would flourish if we didn’t use these unnecessary chemicals?” Sabine questioned. World Hydration is getting us a little bit closer to finding the answer.

The company will be sponsoring this year’s Art World Expo in Toronto, where talented, Canadian artists will showcase their work.

“When I attended this years Art World Expo in Vancouver, I was absolutely mesmerized by the talent surrounding me,” said Sabine, about why she chose to sponsor the event. “Monika Blichar has really done the world a favour by creating this amazing venue for artists to be seen! If you haven’t been, you need to get there. You have no idea what your missing!”
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To learn about or purchase from World Hydration, buy tickets to one of 2015’s Art World Expos where you will find more information from this business!

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Painting Dreams Art Tours meets Elizabeth’s Vines

We are so grateful to have made lots of new friends and connections while visiting Southwest France this year. One of the interesting women that we met this year is Elizabeth Vines. Elizabeth is a keen writer and lover of French wines, a worldly resident living in France, Canada, UK and Cypress throughout the year. Visit Elizabeth’s site here: http://elizabethsvines.com/

While we were in Dordogne, we met Elizabeth and to our pleasure, we found out that she loves to write about the area’s wine, food and music! Here is the latest from Elizabeth highlighting the Bergerac Wine Region! Be sure to check her out and sign up for our tour next year. Our free information session is on September 18 in our North Vancouver studio. Sign up here and learn how you too can enjoy South West France next year: Painting Dreams Art Tour Free Info Night

Bergerac Wine Region: jazz and wine

by elizabethsvines

The heat wave in South West France, with temperatures in the high 30’s and low 40 degrees C, has thankfully cooled.  Sunflowers continue to salute the sun and lavender hedges are buzzing with the sound of many bees and other pollinators doing their work.

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Lavender hedges
Sunflowers
Sunflowers saluting the sun
Trimming the vines
Trimming the vines

In the vineyards it’s work as usual.  The tractors are in the fields by 5.00 am getting a start on the work before it gets too hot.   Vine trimming is complete and new vines are planted where the vignerons are making changes to their vineyards.

Amid all the flurry of vineyard work, there is still time to enjoy music and wine!  More particularly jazz, performed at a wine chateau, in the barn or chai as it is called here, where the wine is made.

The Jazz En Chais, Cru 2015, a series of 5 jazz concerts held in the Pourpre Perigord area of South West France from March to November is very popular and offers live music, wine tasting at the host wine chateau as well as a farmer’s market where people can buy food and eat in situ before the concert.

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Jazz en Chais concert: Chateau Court les Muts
Chateau Court Les Muts
Chateau Court Les Muts

Our most recent Jazz en Chais concert was held at Chateau Court Les Muts situated about 20 minutes from Bergerac and set in the gently rolling countryside of rural Dordogne, surrounded by the chateau’s own vineyards.   The wines of this Chateau are highly regarded in the area.

First of all, we enjoy a glass of Chateau Court Les Muts ‘L’Oracle’, their premier red wine:  50% Malbec, 40% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, all black fruits, violets, chocolate and touch of white pepper.  Then, we find our seats in the chais and settle down to listen to the Serge Delaite Trio play a concert called Comme Bach… in which the classical music of Bach is harmonized with jazz classics by Duke Ellington, Bart Haward and others and played with talent, style and energy.  These concerts are a well attended and popular expression of South West France wine culture.

Being a fan of such music as Fly Me to The Moon, the Jazz En Chais series of live music partnered with high quality wines of the region ticks all the boxes for me for an enjoyable summer evening

References:  Les Jazz en Chais concerts, Cru 2015.  www.jazzpourpre.com

Chateau Court Les Muts,  www.court-les-muts.com.   See also their vine jewellery made on site.

Serge Delaite Trio. “Comme Bach”.

Free Gift for Artists!

As artists, many of us forget that we are running businesses. We love to spend time creating and often put on hold or aside the tasks related to marketing, sales, advertising, promotions and accounting. If this sounds like you, you might want to check out this free eBook just for artists! Geared at any artist that is looking to learn how to promote their artwork and meet new buyers, a great way to start or refresh your thinking about the business of your art. Click this link below to get your FREE copy of 5 EXPERT Marketing Strategies for Visual Artist.
http://bit.ly/1GZe4vm

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Painting Dreams International Art Tours-What a SUMMER!

We have had a great time in Europe this summer! What is not to like? Beautiful weather, great people, amazing art and of course, fabulous activities, inspiration and new life long friends!

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Join us for Painting Dreams International Art Tours in Europe in 2016! Sign up for our next information session on September 18, 2015 by visiting http://www.mabartstudio.com/class We will also keep you posted on our open house art show featuring the works of the artists who participated in our tour this summer. Date will be posted soon!

See you there!

Chinese Paper Cutting-An Ancient Art Form

Paper cutting is a traditional folk art in the Fuyang area of China’s east Anhui province. The uniqueness of these designs has led these chinese paper cuttings to be listed as an official National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2010.
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Anhui Fuyang paper cutting has a history of over 1500 years. Some of the oldest paper cuttings that still exist today were made during the Qing Dynasty 200 years ago, such as “The Date on Lan Bridge,” “Shepherd’s Flute” and “The Feting Tower” which are now housed in Fuyang Museum.

Having been listed as one of China’s official intangible cultural heritages, paper cutting has been thriving in Fuyang. Have a look at the site for more information:

http://www.artchina.com.au/

ART WORLD EXPO-WIN A TRIP TO EUROPE!

We are thrilled to announce that our sponsors at Twin Peaks Construction have offered to support a contest that will allow one lucky winner to travel to the World Body Painting Festival in Europe summer 2016!

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This contest will open mid winter after our Art World Expo Toronto show at Hard Rock Cafe! As a general guideline, all participants in the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Art World Expo Body Painting Competition will have a chance to win a flight to the World Body Painting Competition in Europe. Full contest details will be announced in the Fall!

Good luck to all of our competitiors and big thank you to our generous sponsors at Twin Peaks Construction! Building the Future is their motto and we are very grateful that they are helping us build the future for artists around the world!

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www.twinpeaksconstruction.com 

Great Quote-Bob Marley

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Be inspired with this wall quote that will remind you every day to pursue your dreams and passion. At Art World Expo, we love to promote businesses and artists who are doing just that with their lives. Check out Wall Sticker Shop for some great wall stickers, thousands to choose from, that will keep you motivated and inspired! Have a look at their site http://www.wallstickersshop.co.uk/ for some fab finds that will bring some life to your home!

 

Call for Submissions!

We are looking for amazing artists, designers, and body painters to join our 2015/2016 roster of talent! 

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Are you an artist who works outside the box?

Do you design insane fashion or accessories?

Is your canvas a human body? WE WANT YOU!

Applications are now being accepted for the 2015/2016 Toronto and Vancouver Art World Expo! Visit: https://theartworldexpo.com/exhibitor-information/ for more inforamtion!

 

MONIKA TAKES FRANCE!

Some of you know that our owner and founder of MAB Ventures Inc., Monika Blichar, is taking a tour to France this summer alongside 9 creatives! As part of her fundraising and commitment to supporting kids summer art camp at our studio while she is away, she is currently painting 40 pieces to support the cause! A big thank you to everyone who has supported the initiative by purchasing one of these pieces!

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One of our kids class participants was inspired and painted her own version of the Talon Haut. Thank you to Shoe Straponz for commissioning this painting. www.shoestraponz.com 

40 Painting Challenge-Each Piece is $100!

Each sale of this 40 painting series will help take a group of artists to France for a professional international painting trip for two weeks. Faciliated by our studio and gallery; MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery, Monika will be teaching in France, but the studio in North Vancouver will remain open during this first international painting trip we are coordinating along with our guide Lynda Wrigley. By purchasing one of these original paintings, you are directly helping our studio and stable of artists gain international exposure and experience as well as facilitate cultural exchanges in the arts. Our studio will continue to facilitate classes and offer our third year of summer art camps for over 130 children. Our goal is to faciliate these trips year after year and with your help in any way possible, we can help dozens of artists exhibit their work and participate in professional development on the international stage.

The current paintings that are available are:

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To purchase one of these peices, please visit: http://mabartstudio.com/store.php#!/Monika-Art/c/5833065/inview=product51497706&offset=0&sort=normal 

Not in the market for a new painting? Art Cards by Monika are also available. Each is $4 and all proceeds support the studio while the tour is happening this year. Everyone needs a greeting card and these are stunning!

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For more information about the trip details and how you can help or sign up for our trip next year, please visit:

http://www.gofundme.com/kf8vig

 

Looking for some fabulous advertising? Monika is currently working with select companies to advertise products and services while we she travels. Do you have an interesting product or service you’d like to promote in France, Poland and Germany? Grab a sticker on her suitcase,  travel tote or even get your photos on the official photography for the event! Learn more about advertising opportunities for your business here: http://mabartstudio.com/events.php 

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