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.

Painting Dreams in France-Summer Art Tour 2015

The Dream was to travel to another country and take some time to create. Some real uninterrupted painting time in our corner of the world was definately needed-especially since most of the year, we are busy coordinating our shows and running our studio.

Last summer, The Dream came to life when a group of our studio goers got to talking about getting away on a tour to France. Lynda Wigley, a well versed lawyer and profound traveller, started the conversation after bringing in photographs of sunflowers to paint. Most of our students bring in photos, but Lynda had a lot of these wonderful photos and with each class, she started to open up more and more about her experience in Southwest France, Dordogne to be precise. Each week, we noticed that the enthusiasm about a painting retreat in France was gaining more interest. Why not try to take a tour in 2015 we all thought? With that, the idea was born and we managed to fill 10 spots (we have one more seat left!) and are taking off on July 11-25, 2015.

Over the last year, we have excitedly signed up 8 fabulous participants to join us on this trip. In the next few posts, you’ll have a chance to meet each artist or gallery owner and as we move towards our departure, you’ll also get some of our updates about our trip and how even from Vancouver or Canada, you can get involved in being a part of this wonderful adventure!

We have been fundraising for the group and individually, each artist and gallery has been working hard to ensure that the trip is amazing! Our main goal is to be sure that MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery has enough funds to sustain itself during the month our owner Monika Blichar is away as we have 150+ children coming in for our annual art camp. Monika has been painting a series of 40 paintings each for $100 to support the studio. Thank you to all of you who have bought one of the originals and those of you who even bought some of the cards that she’s made out of the paintings. Currently, the pieces that are available are below. If you are interested, please send us an email at artists@theartworldexpo.com and we’ll make sure you get your piece! You can also buy an art card or print at www.mabartstudio.com/store

These three pieces below are available! Get your own original by rising star Monika Blichar today! Each is only $100 and supports the studio kids camps this summer! If you would like to contribute to the studio kids camps this summer, we encourage you to visit: http://www.gofundme.com/kf8vig or check out our updates on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Painting-Dreams-International-Art-Tours/968374583192403?fref=ts

We are also selling advertitsing spots to companies who might like to be involved and gain some exposure on this trip! If you have a business who might benefit from some international expsoure, be sure to check out our advertising opportunities. We have everything from stickers on our luggage, for a mere $20, to product placement of your products in three different countries in Europe. You can download the advertising order form: PAINTINGDREAMSADVERTISINGLETTERpdf

Get your logo on our luggage for only $20! Order 604 999 6177

We also have a fantastic selection of art cards and masks by Art by Edy and Coastal Storm Gallery. Proceeds from the sale of these kid friendly items support our studio while we are away. Be sure to grab one of these cards and masks for a kid in your life and help us support creativity for kids in our community. Order: www.mabartstudio.com/store We have some great Canada Day Masks here just in time for our National Holiday!

We also wanted to thank all of our partners and advertisers to date for helping make this trip happen!

Carolyn Bruce Designs Coastal Storm Gallery

Art Reveals Truth

This week, we’ve connected with a great website that features artists from all over the world. From artist features via live interviews and artist spotlights, to interactive social media platforms, these guys have something really great going on!

About:

Owner, Edward O’connor, has been working hard promoting artists at Art Reveals Truth. The goal of www.ArtRevealsTruth.com is to teach and educate especially the younger generation about the wonders beauty of art and expose them to a world that my not be taught to them enough in schools. Our online community connects different artist around the world via Discussion forms, Live Chat Rooms and a platform for artist to post there art work to the world to see. Consider it a Facebook for Artist.

Brüklyn-Bringing Brooklyn to Life

Bringing Brooklyn to Life with a New Mesmerizing Perspective

Artist Launches Kickstarter Campaign to Release “Living in Brüklyn”

Brooklyn, NY – May 16, 2015 – Joe Bloch is best known for his mesmerizing paintings and illustrations. Out of his small studio and gallery based in Dumbo, Brooklyn, he is excited to begin creating a new series called “Living in Brüklyn”, which is a collection of paintings, product, and prints that offer an alternate view of the famous Brooklyn, New York. In order to make this series possible, Bloch has launched a KickStarter campaign to raise funds by June 13th, 2015.

All art pieces are inspired by industrial Brooklyn, street art, impressionism, and graphic design elements. Joe hopes to bring forth a creative art that will leave a lasting impression on anyone that sees it. The “Living in Brüklyn” collection is made with a creative and meticulous technique to create layers built up over many days using acrylics. There are different methods used to enhance the colors and overall appearance of the artwork. The series provides a one-of-a-kind appearance under certain lighting conditions. This process takes a lot of time and is not an easy feat for an artist to achieve the desired effects. Using Joe’s many experience and talent as a painter, he will bring something new and exciting for the world to enjoy.

Those wishing to make a contribution can do so by visiting the Kickstarter campaign. Backers get to choose from many exclusive rewards as a “thank you” for the support. Perks range from signed prints, products, and original paintings.

About Joe Bloch

Joe has over 25 years experience in painting and illustration. He was trained at RIT with a BFA in illustration and painting. Joe spent 10 years doing anatomical illustrations for medical books, and now focuses his talents on illustration and fine art. His highly textured acrylic paintings are a fusion of impressionism and industrial surrealism merged with street art on a canvas. Joe draws on his technical illustration background, fine art, art direction, graphic design and gritty Brooklyn history as an inspiration. His use of a vibrant contrasty primary palette with metallics creates a sense of drama unique to the art world. His paintings are described as “heavy metal on a canvas” and “raw Brooklyn industrial”. Joe is available for fine art commissions as well as commercial assignments. To view his designs visit www.creativebloch.com.

Please have a look, feedback appreciated:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/78116501/living-in-bruklyn/description

The Art of PIN-UP with Doli Photography

We love to connect with artists from around the world; in fact, it is our priveledge to share art with you.

Another new discovery at AWE this week is “Doli Photography” based in Dallas, Texas, USA. Doli has an array of works on her site at http://www.doliphotography.com but highlighted below are her Pin-Up pieces. Her use of color and dynamic in her shoots is quite interesting and not only teasingly rebellious, but also indicative of freedom in the arts in today’s world.

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Doli Photography has a selection of prints available for sale, be sure to visit her site!

In “The Art of Pin-up,” Dian Hanson describes a pin-up simply as a “provocative but never explicit image of an attractive woman created specifically for public display in a male environment.”

But this imaginary female isn’t just attractive. “Her sexiness is natural and uncontrived, and her exposure is always accidental: A fishhook catches her bikini top, an outboard motor shreds her skirt, a spunky puppy trips her up or the ever-present playful breeze lifts her hem, revealing stocking tops and garter straps, but never the whole enchilada.”

Since they skyrocketed to popularity in the World War II era, pin-up images have occupied a variety of roles — military inspiration, commercial photography, kitsch nostalgia and cult aesthetic.
Read More at HuffPost

Calming Chaos – An Interview with Painter Graham McKenzie

Calming Chaos

– An Interview with Painter Graham McKenzie

by Alyssa Laube

About: Graham McKenzie is an easy-going and honest person who draws his artistic inspiration from nature. Most of his work is based off of hikes in the Fraser Valley, so British Columbians can visit the scene of Graham’s paintings! He finds joy in escaping the man-made world and immersing himself in the magical, sporadic qualities of the natural world. With his paintings, he invites the viewer to experience it with him.

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Your interest in art started with wax crayons. When did you pick one up for the first time? Is there a reason why you loved it so much?

When young, we all pick up wax crayons. I remember my first real art lesson was given to me by my mother. While visiting some friends and colouring with their child, I liked the way his colours looked compared to mine. I told my mother that I wanted crayons like his. She simply said, “Don`t push down so hard.”

Art left your life for a while. Do you know why that happened, and what inspired you to get back into it?

I don`t think I lost interest in art, it just faded away for a while. I started having dreams which rekindled it, and soon started to push a pencil around.

How did working with your drafting board help you develop as an artist?

An artist, no matter what their skill level is, needs a work place; a place where you can return to your work and not have to clear up because it’s dinner or bed time.

How has your art evolved over time?

I really believe that practice makes you better. The more you paint, draw, or scribble, the faster your fingers and brain learn to communicate. I feel that my paintings have evolved over the last couple of years because I’ve made an effort to make painting more than just a hobby. I have always been a detail-oriented person and have been working creating more depth in my work.

Your desire to paint nature and landscapes started after you began to hike in the Fraser Valley. What is it about this place that inspires you?

Even as a child, I spent a lot of time in the woods playing and making forts. Walking into the forest really excites me! I love the green of B.C.. The way the moss grows and hangs from the trees creates a magical wonderland.

What are some of your other favourite places to paint?

I don`t know if I have a favourite place to paint but I really like the Cultus Lake area and Lindeman Lake as well.

Why do you love to paint nature, rather than anything else?

I work in the aerospace industry, where everything is measured down to the one-hundred thousandth of an inch. Everything is very controlled. Now, with nature, everything is beautifully random and free. It`s that freedom that allows a person’s mind to wander, paint a branch or throw some leaves here and there to suit your mind’s eye.

What does creating art do for you?

Sometimes, when painting, you get into this zone where things are flowing. It`s almost like meditation. You’re thinking about what you’re painting, your day, the people in your life, listening to music, or sometimes all of them at once. It sounds busy and crowded but your mind just wanders. Then you look up at the clock and 3-4 hours have flown by.

How would you like to challenge yourself in the future?

I feel like I`m just getting started in my painting career, so I definitely want to put more effort in and be more disciplined. Large canvases are intimidating, so I think I have to tackle some of those as well. I’ve been fortunate in that I have met a lot of helpful and unselfish people over the last couple of years who’ve been very supportive. I want to continue to support others that I meet and pay it forward, as they say. B.C. has a great artistic community and I’m grateful that I’m starting to mix in.

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The “Mom-Entrepreneurs” – An Interview with Sabrina Widner, Coastal Storm Gallery

The “Mom-Entrepreneurs”

An Interview with Sabrina Widner, Co-owner of Coastal Storm Gallery

By Alyssa Laube

About: Self-proclaimed “mom-entrepreneurs” Sabrina Widner lives in Sooke with her children and husband, where she spends most of her time taking care of loved ones and running Coastal Storm Gallery with her twin sister, Sam! Sabrina and Sam focus on exhibiting local artisans and feature a wide selection of beautiful aboriginal artwork. This year, they designed “Coastal Imagination Masks” which were sold at several of Make and Break Arts Foundation’s fundraisers all over the Lower Mainland and supported arts based projects like Art World Expo and summer art camps for children and youth.

How and when did you decide that you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

After spending almost eight years working in downtown Victoria, picking kids up from daycare, and feeling tired and under-appreciated at work, it was time for a change! I invested in a few properties (that currently pay my bills) so that I could spend my days walking my dog, volunteering in my local community, and actively participating in raising my own children. However, after a while of being a stay-at-home mom, it becomes a little tedious. So, my journey as a business owner began.

coastalstormgallery3

Can you tell the story of how you came up with the idea for Coastal Storm Gallery?

I have a beautiful aboriginal art collection, and friends and family started to ask me why I wasn’t buying and selling pieces online yet, so I did in 2009! However, not everything went perfectly the first time. My original business partner did not share the same vision as me. We came up with an online aboriginal gallery, and did a few trade shows and mall kiosks, but things fizzled out. Now, my sister and I are running Coastal Storm Gallery together, and things have been awesome ever since!

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Sam, what lead you to becoming Sabrina’s business partner with the gallery?

Since graduating from college in 2001, I have been in various customer service roles which I absolutely love. I’ve managed retail stores, implemented customer service within a private company, and since 2008, I have been working for the local Health Authority. Initially, I was with Mental Health & Substance Use, which is an eye-opening program that allowed me to serve a population that deserves great customer service and complete respect. Currently, I am working within Public Health and now serve an even broader range of people.

Considering how young I am, you will be surprised to know that my husband and I have been married for five years now and have been together officially for eighteen years! We were pregnant within days after our wedding; having my Son in 2009 was the greatest experience of my life and every day I love him more and more.

With a busy career, a husband, and a son, finding time to spend with my sister was becoming a challenge. When she asked if I’d like to become involved with her business, initially I was hesitant and wondered where I would find the time, but I have to say it has been a great experience! We chat all the time, our children get to spend tons of time together “while their mommies work”, and I love it!

Why are you drawn to aboriginal artwork?

I think it’s because of the heritage! Even young aboriginal artists begin with a wealth of information and usually have family members that have mentored them since youth. Aboriginals of the first people of Canada. Their history dates back hundreds of years, many tribes have continued to pass information on through the generations, and I find amazing value in that. For every piece, there’s a story. Each animal has a different meaning, they have their own mythical creatures, the artist themselves have stories to share, and every family has a history. For example, I carry Nancy Dawson’s jewellery. She was taught how to carve and weave by her elders and she has passed that skill down by mentoring all of her sister’s children. They all currently hand carve silver jewelry. Her family crest is the wolf, and when her family holds a potluck, they give handmade items all engraved with wolf symbols to signify the family’s wealth.

You helped to create and sell “Coastal Imagination Masks” with Make & Break Arts Foundation this year. Can you tell us more about the masks and how you got involved with MAB?

One day, while sitting by the poolside at Monika’s house, we started taking about galleries and how much we both love art. I mentioned that I was lucky if the kids would let me have five minutes in a gallery without bribing them with a treat, and how I wished that there was something on-site that would work for the whole family. It would have to be desirable to a child, high-quality, and of course, fitting to be sold in a gallery setting. That’s what inspired me to create a line of children’s masks! I’m not great behind a sewing machine, but my best-friend and twin, Sam, sure is!

Together, Sam and I designed a West Coast animal-themed line of felt masks. We both have boys and know for a fact that dress-up items are extremely limited for them; it’s either a profession or a super hero, and none of it is made locally. We set out to fix that! All of our masks are machine-stitched, machine-washable, and extremely durable. We tested our product at a local craft fair and school fundraiser and got some amazing feedback!

I know that Monika works hard for her charity and I thought that we could both benefit by working together, so I sent her some product information and she ran with it! We did a custom order for her Halloween fundraiser of skulls and pumpkins, and created Ruldoph masks which she used to fundraise over the Christmas holidays. She has also included our masks in some online promotions as a part of her fairytale theme. Our hope is to continue to compliment her fundraising with seasonal masks.

There’s a list of “symbols” on your website. Why have you listed these, and what culture are they from? Where can they been seen in the gallery?

I decided to update my website and gear it towards local artisans. The website is still in transition, which is one of the reasons why the symbol page is still there. When the website was only aboriginal, the symbols page was there as reference.

What inspired you to start supporting local artisans?

Sabrina: During the last few years, I have become very active in my community and met so many amazing, talented people. I believe that businesses work because all members benefit; you’re only as successful as those around you! So, my sister and I have approached artisans we know in hopes of promoting their work.

Sam: Sabrina’s new focus on supporting local artists is a great move for her. I currently work with a lovely woman who creates beautiful one-of-a-kind jewelry with her sister under Gin-Nel Jewels. Gina is a mother of eight and needed a creative outlet. Making jewellery was it for her, and working with her sister is the bonus! There’s just something about sisters working together.

I went to a craft show to introduce Sabrina to Gina & they hit if off! A few days after that, I asked Gina if she could make earrings out of pennies (which I have always wanted and can finally do now that the penny is no longer used). She agreed and we started to talk about other opportunities. Gina’s products will start to be available on our website soon and we will be showcasing her creations at Art World Expo in Vancouver and Toronto!

What is it like to run a business with your twin?

The best part of it all is being able to work with my sister and best friend. When I have an idea in the middle of the night, a problem during the day, or too busy of a schedule to get everything done alone, I just call her! We can count on each other to support whatever the other person needs. For us, equal work means equal partnership. I love her, she loves me, and now we can spend time together doing what we both love!

Sabrina, you’re a self-proclaimed “mom-entrepeneur”. Why have you given yourself this title?

Part of why I describe myself as a “mom-entrepreneur” is that I’m doing something I truly enjoy while being able to sustain all of my family obligations first!

Visit http://www.coastalstormgallery.com/

Hopefully, you stopped by the Coastal Storm Gallery booth at Art World Expo this year! Sabrina and Sam will also be at Art World Expo Toronto in October!

We are Wanderers – Art Inspired by Travel

We. Are. Wanderers.

Going for a Wander started in 2011, displaying and selling a variety of art, inspired by travel.

All of our products are printed, mounted, framed, packed and sent from the UK, to customers all over the world.

We work with different designers, but all of our collections are curated by our creative head, Spencer ap Taliesin.

Any questions at all, please just get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you.

krabi

For more information, please visit http://www.goingforawander.com/

Mikhail Buzhinskiy-Perspective Opens Doors

Skyside Avenue

My name is Mikhail Buzhinskiy. I’m 42. After receiving an engineer’s degree in 1998, I soon became interested in programming. So in total, I had worked as a programmer for more than 16 years.

I’ve been drawing from time to time all my life, and now I am pleased to introduce you to my project which I call “Perspective Art”.

The truth is that about two years ago, I became intrigued by perspective and tried to develop a concept based on it. Soon after that, in my dream, I found myself in an area where differentials between various perspective levels (grounds) were clearly seen. It was an incredible, fantastic landscape. Since then, in my real life, I’ve started to notice various levels and differentials quite often. This is what inspires me now.

Generally, especially on the street, my eyes follow the intersecting angles and lines across the landscape. It is somewhat of a demanding fascination to be able to portray what I see.

I feel that drawing perspective opens doors to a boundless and wonderful world. A world I am fortunately able to fully explore utilizing graphics software and a graphic tablet. It allows me to find an interesting perspective effect and then to create a reality for it. Constructing this world and showing others the beauty of these unusual angles is very fulfilling and brings me great joy.

To view more of Mikhail’s work, please visit http://www.buzhinskiy.com/ or https://buzhinskiy.wordpress.com/

THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING OUR 5TH ANNIVERSARY!

Thank you to everyone who made Art World Expo’s 5th Anniversary possible!

Art World Expo Body Painting Competition and some of our Sponsor’s Walking Ads!

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Photos-Omnika in Motion, Carolyn Bruce Fashion Show, West Coast Fusion Art, Jan Kasparec, Hajni Yosivof

Jackie-Conradi Robertson painting live at the Painting Dreams France Trip Booth! We have one spot left to go to France this summer! Learn more at www.mabartstudio.com

As another Art World Expo passes, the rush and pixie dust of putting together an event of this magnitude are starting to settle. As with any large scale project, there are countless things, tasks and elements that need to be taken care of and done in order for something like this to happen. It is truly amazing how much our community comes together-from near and far, to create this event and the vision of an Art World here in Vancouver. For all of you who helped out and supported the show this year, we want to sincerely thank each and everyone of you for all your hard work, dedication, support and attendance in making Art World Expo’s 5th Anniversary a very memorable one!

Photos-Catalysis Dance, Coastal Storm Gallery, Roam Gallery

Some of our 5th Anniversary event highlights included a live performance by The Stangest Days, whose tunes were soulful but playful and certainly got our audience in the mood for celebrating. We also had two special dance performances by Omnika In Motion DANCE and Catalysis DANCE. Wow, were these guys ever amazing! This year also featured a crowd favorite, Carolyn Bruce Designs, jewellery show. Carolyn is a rising star, and with her ecclectic fashion accessories, we were very honored to have her showcase her collection at our event.

Another memorable moment was the auctioning off of Vicki Rae’s live painting of her fairy tale inspired Unicorn. A second bidder emerged from the crowd, offering to bid higher only if he could have a picture of our world famous body painting competition contestants. No one wanted to argue and with that, we saw an 88 year old art enthusiast take center stage and inspire all of us with his heartfelt dedication to the arts community in Vancouver. Our friend stayed until the wee hours of the night just to see the competition and we were so glad to hear of his plans to try to get onstage at the Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga show in Vancouver! What an inspiration!

Vicki Rae with her painting and her happpy 88 year old art patron!

Our body painting competition this year was a hot one; with the most competitors we have ever had, we had so much talent under one roof, it was incredible to see! Hosted by the lovely Denai Johnson and Coordinated by M3 Artistry’s Melissa Meretsky, the theme this year was “Fairy Tales” and these artists did not take the challenge lightly! Each one created an amazing piece of art and we are so proud of each artist for putting forward such exquisite creations. This year’s official winners are Marie-Helene Babin, Kathleen Fowlstone and Angela Ayre. Our People’s Choice Award goes to Kinsey Deakin.

Congratulations to our winners and a big hoorah for all the artists who were involved in such an incredible body painting competition this year.

1st- Marie-Helene Babin

2nd- Kathleen Fowlstone

3rd- Angela Ayre

People’s Choice- Kinsey Deakin

The last performance of the evening was a special surprise “FLASH MOB” put together by First Dance Vancouver. They managed to teach over two dozen enthusiastic dancers and guests the moves to “Don’t Stop Believing” to end a fabulous night of Art World Expo! What a way to end the night; a fabulous tribute to our theme and to our vision at Art World Expo; never stop believing in your dream.

Photos-Susan Galick Fine Art, Silent Auction and the Sokolovski’s sculptures with one of the fabulous models!

Guests Tara and Cori enjoying the flower petal walkway!

Art World Expo is not possible without the support of our family, friends, volunteers and sponsors. All year, we work day and night to make this event possible for over 100 artists each year! We are pleased to serve our arts and cultural community and are so proud of each artist that we have had the pleasure of working with. We hope you all enjoyed the show and look forward to producing this event for years to come as well as expanding our projects nationally and internationally!

A big warm thank you from our family to yours!

Event Producer Monika Blichar with partner Rob Brody, Twin Peaks Construction and Family

Monika Blichar with sister Edy Blichar and cousin Pawel Grygorasz

THANK YOU FROM ALL OF US AT ART WORLD EXPO!

Platinum Sponsor www.twinpeaksconstruction.com

SHOW IS TONIGHT! SCHEDULE OF EVENTS!

SEE YOU ALL AT THE SHOW TONIGHT!

OUR SCHEDULE OF EVENTS FOR THE EVENING IS:

7:30PM Doors Open

7:30-8:00PM DJ Dustin Sparks

8:00-8:30PM The Strangest Days

https://www.facebook.com/GAJFTSD?fref=ts

8:30-91:5PM DJ Dustin Sparks

9:15-9:45PM Omnika In Motion DANCE

http://www.omnikainmotion.com/

1000-1045 Jewellery Show: Carolyn Bruce Designs

https://www.facebook.com/paintedcookie?fref=ts

7:30OPM-12:00AM Vicki Rae Live Painting

Vicki is live painting near the stage and is donating 50% of the sale of her painting to Make and Break Arts Foundation! You can bid on her work next to her painting and perhaps win it by 1:00am! \

11:15-11:45PM Catalysis Dance

https://www.facebook.com/catalysisdance

12:00AM Body Paint Competition-Hosted by the LOVELY Denai Johnson

www.denaijohnson.com

12:45AM -LAST PERFORMANCE: First Dance Vancouver

https://www.facebook.com/firstdancevancouver

1:00AM Silent Auction Close

2:00AM Event Close

Major Sponsors:

Twin Peaks Construction-PLATINUM

M3 Artistry

Social Savvy Gals

Diamond Dolls Women’s Networking Group

Coastal Storm Gallery

Fresh Vancouver Magazine

All proceeds from event auction to Make and Break Arts Foundation. Remind people to bid and go check out all the cool stuff to buy! Proceeds support hundreds of artists annually via Art World Expo production cost funding, kids summer art camps and arts eduction and programming.