art world expo

Interview with Mary Kay Representative Claudia Cruz

by Monika Blichar

Well, there are two reasons we love that Claudia is in our event this year! One is that we have a lot of make up artists involved in our event each and every year and Claudia is part of a huge business selling and promoting make up products. The second is that Mary Kay facilitates an income for make up artists. We love to support local business owners, but also help them become successful while participating in our shows. I met Claudia over the holidays in 2016. I encouraged her to participate in another fair that I was volunteering for and thought that she should be at the Expo to come share the other side of make up with guests this year!

1-When did you decide to become a Mary Kay representative?

I became a Mary Kay Consultant in 2014 and became a Director December 2016.

2-What fascinates you about make up and skin care products?

I love empowering women. I believe in women power with or without make up or skin care, but unfortunately we are our biggest critics. Sometimes our self esteem has to do with how we look not how others see us. It can be that we have acne, dull skin, sun damage or luck of knowledge on how to care for our skin. I have met with women that have literally had tears rolling down their cheeks after doing a guided facial with me as you can see the difference right away. Those are the moments that fill my heart. I know that it sounds drastic but I know I am changing women’s lives. They continue to use our skin care products without having to deal with their beauty/skin care problems ever again. You see, as women we can face any problems, issues and obstacles no problem, all as long as we are content with ourselves. If we are not satisfied with ourselves, we don’t function to our full potential. A woman is worth everything but a woman with confidence is just priceless and unstoppable.

3-Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years?

I am currently on a mission of recruiting women who are willing to work towards their dreams. I need women of all ages, sizes, colour, ethnicity to join my team. I will work with them and guide them through the process all as long as they willing to work. This business is about you writing your own pay check, you decide how much you want to earn and work for it. In 5 years I see myself with a strong team of a minimum of 25 ladies who will be in a place they can’t even imagine right now!

4-Will you have any specials or promotions for guests of Art World Expo this year?

Yes, I will have a draw for a Satin hands set, (value of $57) and Every entry whether you win or not will get a Complimentary guided facial.

Mary Kay offers a wide variety of customizable skin care products for men, women and teens. We have 5 lines of skin care solutions for anti-aging, sensitive skin and acne, as well as a line of colour cosmetics.
Our products are 100% guaranteed and have thousands of hours of research and testing in each one. A leader in ethical skin care in North America, Mary Kay does not cause or conduct animal testing, so you can feel good about the products you love.
In addition, many of our products have been independently tested and have received the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.
Mary Kay employs over 3.5 million consultants in 35 markets, representing one of largest female workforce in the world.
Mary Kay has been the official beauty sponsor of Project Runway, the Country Music Awards and regularly supports the local Adopt a Grandparent program.
Through our Mary Kay Ash Charitable Foundation, we have donated almost $2 million to women’s shelters and programs addressing domestic abuse and helped thousands of women going through cancer treatment.
Mary Kay consultants are independent and each purchase supports a local entrepreneur.

Your Independent Mary Kay Sales Director

Claudia Cruz

778 862-1663

Contact me to request your complimentary guided facial which includes a microdermabrasion treatment. I guarantee you will get healthier looking ski instantly.

Learn how to care for your skin, prevent or get rid of any aging signs, sun spots, black heads, acne and so much more!

www.marykay.ca/claudiacruz

Interview with Annsabelle Recitas Ramas

by Monika Blichar

This week, I catch up with Annsabelle Recitas Ramas. I always love to meet new artists and Annsabelle intrigues me not only because she is an interesting painter, but also because she brings to her work a passion and cultural background in which you can get lost. Her work is a sort of hidden gem in a vast sea and when you take time to look and appreciate it, the sea; with all its waves and motion, becomes still.

1-What inspires you in your art?

I call my collection of work inspiration for all.
Creativity comes from deep in our soul.
We all want to find purpose in life. Sometimes heavy thoughts are colours in my dreams. My greatest art is inspired at the latest hours of the day when my mind’s eye turns my hand into strokes of chaos. Yesterday’s paint strokes are sometimes dark, but I see bright colors through the shadows of my pain.

2-How did you start making art?
I began painting at a young age, but I stopped. I have always loved art. Art is my life. Recently, during a difficult period of my life, I started painting again. I used painting as an outlet for my emotions. I come alive through the spirits in my paintings. I’m loving painting and feeling alive again.

3-What have been some of your favourite pieces so far?
My favourite pieces are The Hidden Pain, The Waterfalls, Calgary Life, Storm in the Afternoon, Chaos 1, and Out of my Mind

4-You make a lot of abstract work. What do you feel makes a good abstract painting?

I create art with my heart and soul. I feel that, to make a good abstract paintings, people should be able to relate and react to it. The piece should speak to people and move them, emotionally. It should give them strength, allow them to explore their imagination, and create harmony and rhythm in their homes. I strive to create modern and exciting abstract art that inspires people.

5-Where do you want to see your business in five years?
I will be promoting my art and expanding in the Vancouver area. I dream of doing some international shows in New York City, Los Angeles, Arizona, Dubai, and my native Philippines.

6-Will you have any special offers for AWE 2017 guests?

Yes, we will have limited edition paintings, posters, and postcards on special prices for guests. We will also have a raffle prize draw for one of my limited edition prints, and one of my favourite paintings, “The Hidden Pain,” (pictured in this article) will be available in the AWE 2017 Silent Auction. Visit and chat with me at my display area!

Biography – Annsabelle

Annsabelle “Ann-ann” Ramas (b. Annsabelle Recitas Ramas on March 7, 1980) Is a Filipino-Canadian Abstract Artist. Her provocative, imaginative works recently landed her a feature in the prestigious lifestyle magazine, Jet Set.

Annsabelle’s art is rooted in her love of the splendours and senses of her land, the Philippines, and her struggles with – and courage to forge ahead from – personal experiences of heartache and pain. Her free strokes feature rich, colourful depth and unmistakable gravitas. Annsabelle is most in her element – brush in hand – painting her intricate feelings on a blank canvas.

Her collection of work is called Inspiration For All. Believing that creativity comes from places deep in our soul, she hopes her art will help others find purpose and meaning in their life.

If the mundane doesn’t make sense to you, perhaps Annsabelle’s divine strokes of thoughts and dreams may speak to your soul.

Annsabelle’s greatest art is inspired at the latest hours of the day when her mind’s eye turns her hand into strokes of chaos. Yesterday’s paint strokes of dark days past are making way for bright future horizons.

To see more from Annsabelle, please visit her website http://annsabelle.com/

Interview with Oh La La Cosmetics

by Monika Blichar

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Art World Expo is an annual event that happens in Vancouver each May and bi-annually in Toronto in October. This year, we are pleased to interview some of our vendors and share with you some of their insight into why they do what they do!

One of our favourite vendors this year is Sena from Oh La La Cosmetics. The products are so good and are all made with quality and care. The best part is that Sena can make custom orders for clients and takes great care and pride in her work. We asked Sena a few questions about her line!

1-What makes your product stand out from other beauty products?

We make every Oh La La product by hand to ensure the very finest quality. This also means we can give a personal touch to every client and to every order; which we believe is important in this age of mass production. We take care to use the highest-quality ingredients, including organically-grown herbs and ingredients in all our products.

2-How has your background influenced your work?

I was born and raised in an eclectic environment, with origins from Europe, South America, and Africa; a rich multicultural background. Since childhood I have been deeply interested in the arts and crafts of these cultures, from beauty, to food, to music. My grandparents who were herborists and Naturopaths deeply influenced me.

3-How do you market your work?

We market my products via direct sales like at different shows and farmers markets. We find that this is where customers have the opportunity to try products and go home with samples if they want to try out our products first. We also carry some of our line in various retail stores, sell via our website and promote via Instagram and Facebook. Our website is www.ohlalacosmetics.ca

On Facebook and Instagram we are “ohlalacosmeticscanda”.
4-What are your long term goals for Oh La La Cosmetics?

We are a growth-minded business, the rest of the world is our oyster! We intend to enter the global marketplace and expand the business to find new markets. Our goal is also to create a foundation to help women in Africa spread their wings and succeed.

We are looking forward to featuring you and other handmade artisan vendors at the 7th annual event on May 12 at Science World. If you are in the Vancouver area, this event can’t be missed. More information is up at www.theartworldexpo.com For more information about Oh La La Cosmetics, visit www.ohlalacosmetics.ca

Interview with Beatrice Lucia Grimoldi

by Monika Blichar

Beatrice Lucia Grimoldi came across our radar because of our good friend Yves Decary and Cynthia Skabar at Future Hair Training Centre in Vancouver. I catch up with her today and ask her a few questions about her art, Italian background and aspirations for the future.

1-What inspired you to start make up?

Since I can remember, I’ve always been a creative! I’ve always loved colouring, shaping, and creating beauty for the eye. I started to get into the art of makeup as a teenager. At that time, I was mostly driven to making women feel as confident and as beautiful as they could be. I’ve always been a firm believer that beauty is in everyone, and I just really wanted to help out the ones who had difficulties in seeing it for themselves.

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2-How did you get into body painting?

Once I decided that makeup would be my future, I enrolled with the best makeup school in Milan. I needed validation, I had to show my very traditional Italian family that artistic creativity was a gainful and admirable pursuit. I needed to show them that I was worth it. My time at my makeup school was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I felt like I was all of a sudden back to life. Like the magic of spring when existence comes alive with colors and perfumes after a long grey winter. My imagination, inspiration and creativity awaken, I took a course on body painting and special effects. This is the moment when my zest for beauty collided with my untamed imagination! I’d found it!! Body painting is my freedom. I consider body painting as an awakening of character, color and vitality.

3-Do you have a make up artist that you idolize?

Alex Box. Innovative, unbelievable creative skills aside, she understands the deep emotional attachment and the connection created with a person when becoming a canvas. I look up to her as an artist and as a human being.

4-You do different projects as seen on your instagram. What kinds of projects you like working on the most?

I do love photography the most. It gives you such creative freedom. One of the best parts is brainstorming with the other creative minds on the set. The photographer, assistant, stylist, makeup artist and hairstylist coming together with more and more ideas being generated. Everyone offers their best to achieve the same goal. Watching the magic happening and the ideas coming to life, such a thrilling feeling!!

5-Where do you see yourself as an artist in 5 years?

Having just recently moved to Canada, I’m in the process of rebuilding my future and my career here. So if I close my eyes now and daydream about my future, I see myself working with photography, doing editorials as well as private clients that ask me to make them feel as beautiful as they really are.

6-Can you give us any hints about your design for this year’s Art World Expo body painting competition?

Mmmmh…I don’t know if I can do that! 🙂 Just kidding! 🙂 Let’s just say I’m looking at the 7 Wonders of the World in their primitive, natural form!

Interview with Body Painter Devon Burbank

by Monika Blichar

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1-When did you know you wanted to be a make up artist?

I think I realized that I wanted to be a makeup artist when I recognized that there are more options than painting on a flat canvas. I really enjoy the 3D aspect of the art form and also that it’s more socially acceptable to talk to living models rather than an intimate object.

2-Why do you love working with make up?

I like having the freedom of being creative while also simultaneously following the natural bone structure for each person’s unique characteristics. It’s much more challenging being able to walk in to something with so much artistic inventiveness, but also having to follow the rules of realism at the same time. It’s a perfect mixture of art and balance!

Burbank, Devon, The Lava Mutant.JPG

3-You won at the IMATS in 2016. What was your inspiration for your character submission at that competition?

I’ve always been inspired by the Star Wars franchise and the creatures that lived in it, and though it was such a crazy random happenstance that it was chosen as the theme for that years IMATS competition, Star Wars was, ironically enough, my inspiration. That being said, when we were told to create a unique character complete with costume and a story, I immediately started to plan one around the desert planet of Jakku. I was inspired by the story line of Ray and her struggle of living alone on such a deserted bleak desert planet and wanted the thriftiness and cunning of her character to come across through my own.

4-You do make up and prosthetics. What has been your favorite character design so far?

It’s incredibly difficult choosing my favorite design, I put hours of planning and preparation in to each creature and they all hold a special place in my heart. Though I think it’s safe to say that the most entertaining character designs so far were when I turned my two best friends in to Mike and Sully from my favorite childhood film, Monsters Inc. It was a strangely satisfying feeling getting to see the animated characters that I held so close to my heart for all those years be given life and personality from the two people that now share that same spot.

5-Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Do you have any goals for your business?

In 5 years I’d like to be able to look back on all that I’ve done and be proud of what I’ve accomplished in that short amount of time. I would love to be able to work as a full time freelance makeup artist that specifies in creature design and prosthetics, but at the same time I don’t think that I could ever limit myself to just one form of makeup artistry since it’s such an amazing art form. So I guess the goal for my freelance makeup artistry business is to have as many opportunities as possible so I can enjoy the unexpected journey of where it takes me.

6-What are you looking forward to the most about competing in Art World Expo this year?

I’m looking forward the 6 hour time-span that we have for painting, usually I’m used to working with smaller durations of 1-3 hours so having that extra time will be wonderful for detail work. I’m also looking forward to seeing what the other artists bring to the table for the ‘7 Wonders of the World’ theme, each person has such a unique art style which will cause some truly incredible ideas and designs.

To learn more about Devon Burbank, have a look at her FACEBOOK PAGE or WEBSITE

Interview with Shannon Ruth Dionne Photography

by Monika Blichar

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1-When did you start taking photos?

I have been fascinated with photography and cataloguing family photos since I was about 13. I started taking and then also developing my own photos in the dark room when I was about 16. Digital photography came around for me when at 23, and I’ve been wearing out my cameras every since.

2-Have you experimented with other mediums?

Absolutely, I am a Mixed Media & Multimedia Visual Artist.

3-What inspires you the most about being a photographer?

Immortally encapsulating fleeting moments that not only caught your eye and heart, but also captures a glimpse into the complicated soul of your subject.

4-What are your long term goals for your art career?

My long term art career goals balance creating, promoting, recharging and education. Essentially sustainably expanding on my current body of work and continuing towards establishing myself as a Canadian Artist with longevity and a rounded, breadth of work in Fine Art and Photography.

5-What will you being showing and selling at Art World Expo this year?

I am currently exhibiting a retrospective. A diverse collection of select works from my portfolio, reflecting on the past few years of continuous work.

Learn more about Shannon Ruth Dionne Photography on her website https://www.shannonruthdionne.com and be sure to connect with her on social media: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Vendor Tips: Sell Your Art

by Monika Blichar, Art World Expo Owner and Producer

Selling art can be tricky. I mean, lets be honest about buying art. It isn’t a necessity like food or shelter nor can it improve your employment skills via education or training. Investing in art doesn’t bring you a fancy certificate for a future job position, nor does it help you do your job better because its settings has better apps than your last device. It can’t help you put gas in your car or buy new running shoes for your kids, nor can it help you get dog food for your puppy. So, what is the motivation for people to buy art and how can you sell your art regularly despite these drawbacks?

Have a look at these vendor tips; be sure to send me your ideas and I might just post them in my next blog with credits to you-website and photos included of your art too!

1-Market to a Specific Audience

Whether you make wood sculptures or plaster casts is irrelevant. Who you are marketing to is what is important. Afterall, if you are targeting college or university students just because you’re currently in college or university, it may work for bumper sticker art, cards or prints, but once you decide you don’t want to sell 500 items at $5, your chances of selling a piece at even $100 to a student is slim. Before you continue your marketing today, think about who your audience is and then find ways to reach that audience.

2-Social Media

I harp on artists all the time about using social media to promote their art. What other free tools are there? Social media is definitely the number one tool to reach the maximum number of people for no monetary investment. Artists in our events will promote their work and use our #artworldexpo hashtag; you’re more than welcome to use it too and we’ll share and retweet your art. That’s the beauty of it really-you can reach so many people and if you use good hashtags, others will share your work too. Be sure to comment, like, and share other people’s posts, images and content in order to spread the love! In terms of social media, whatever you put in, you’ll get back.

3-Follow Up

Many artists sign up for markets, events, and trade shows; preparing everything correctly including draw boxes for contests, email marketing newsletter campaigns, and then; fail to follow up for numerous reasons. Whether you didn’t do as well as you thought at your event sales wise or you just didn’t get the number of people through your booth as you though, the biggest waste of time after an event is that you didn’t follow up with people you met or who entered your draw box. That is where the REAL fortune is. Adding people to your mailing list, inviting them to your Facebook Page, or keeping them in the loop for your next event is the KEY to creating relationships that will help you grow your business and sell more art.

I always love to try new things when selling art. I diversify my work and my workload; making adjustments all the time. What worked two months or two years ago, might not work today. The important thing is that you always experiment with your sales strategies and sales goals with the knowledge that there is something for everyone and someone out there is looking for exactly what you have.

If you liked these tips, be sure to SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER to get more tips like these plus special offers, industry news and notifications about our latest events and projects on a regular basis. Be sure to share these tips and send us your ideas for your chance to be featured in our next post! Email us at artists@theartworldexpo.com

Monika Blichar is an Entrepreneur and Artist. She is owner of MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery in North Vancouver and producer of Art World Expo and Painting Dreams International Art Tours. She is always pushing boundaries as an artist and creative entrepreneur. Her love of the arts has been a part of her life since childhood.

Painting Dreams International Art Tours-Barcelona 2017!

Have you always wanted to visit Spain? See the sights, visit the Gaudi buildings, bask in the colourful creativity all around you? Here is your chance to visit this beautiful country with Painting Dreams International Art Tours!

A 12 day creative artist retreat awaits the emerging or experienced aritst. Guests on tour this year can expect daily art instruction from founder Monika Blichar and co-teacher Irene Eaves. Both women have a combined painting and teaching experience which includes painting, drawing, mixed media and intuitive painting. Guests will receive daily art classes inspired by a joint venture workbook available exclusively to tour participants inspired by Spain’s architecture, landscape and colour. In addition to our art practise, we will be helping guests enjoy museums, art galleries and day activities after classes. Guests can expect a full day of art and culture with evenings to themselves as well as a free day to contemplate their art, explore the surroundings or venture off on a day trip solo or as a group.

Read the Full North Shore News Article About Painting Dreams International Art Tours featuring Founder Monika Blichar here: http://www.nsnews.com/entertainment/dossier/travel-inspires-monika-blichar-s-creative-journey-1.2331560

If you are interested in travelling to Spain for the 3rd annual Painting Dreams Art Tour, please contact Monika Blichar at 604 999 6177. A free information session is set for February 15 at 6:00pm at MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery in North Vancouver, BC. RSVP HERE

Art World Tips: Why Should You Network?

by Monika Blichar, Producer & Owner Art World Expo

A shot of the Diamond Dolls Networking Group in 2013.

When I used to think of traditional networking, I used to think of early morning breakfast meetings, serious business suit types, and 60 second pitches with those little dingers to make sure you don’t go over your allotted time to talk about your business. 6:00am is not the best time for me to tell people about what I do, let alone try to condense my passion and creativity into 60 seconds! This is likely the case for many artists and creative types. (I’m also quite a recluse, believe it or not, and dread going to large events!) Instead of forcing myself to attend early morning meetings and go out to late night events, I dedicate my time to networking in different ways.

First, I focus on who I know already. My immediate circle of contacts are invaluable to me as I have known them the longest or have already had dealings with them. Who is in your network already? As an artist or creative entrepreneur, look at who you know already and see what they can help you with. Do you need places to post content, locations to show your work, or introductions to business professionals? Ask people you already know to help you out and send you referrals or recommendations. I’ve discovered that this can be done on Facebook too and that people are quite helpful with their comments and recommendations.

Since I really enjoy working from home and my studio and rather not waste precious time driving and running around the city to events or meetings that may or may not be worthwhile, I scour my social media networks. If I am looking for specific businesses or people, I search on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. I send message to people or businesses directly through these channels first, and if I really feel that there could be a good collaboration, I also proceed to send them emails. If I really think that we should meet, I call and try to book an appointment or invite them to come by our studio and gallery.

Last, what I really tried to focus on in terms of networking last year and what I will continue to do this year is fostering relationships with my existing clients and affiliates. I worked hard to stay in touch with people; either via phone or email. I invited artists to participate in other opportunities throughout the year including our first Artisan Holiday Sales Catalog and being featured at local markets in our exhibition stalls. I worked hard to create relationships that were meaningful to me and also that benefited both parties when assessing business strategies and long term goals.

This year, I challenge you to look at your networking goals and really find out what you are looking for in terms of what you want from your business and career. For me, I know that the best things in my life come from authentic relationships, concise planning and intuitive instincts. When I look at my business and my relationships, I see a network and community that I love. This, I truly believe, also helps me succeed! After all, if you aren’t doing what you love, no amount of networking will help you!

Have some thoughts about this article? We love to hear from artists in our community! Be sure to touch base with us at artists@theartworldexpo.com or comment on this post! Get in touch with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and join our conversation there too!

Top 3 Tips for Art Sales in 2017

By Monika Blichar

Have you thought about what you need to do in order to prep for art sales in 2017? It’s never too early to start and we love to help artists and art dealers stay on top of their game especially in the sales department. Here are our top three tips to prepare for a successful year of art sales.

1-Create a Monthly Calendar and Sales Plan

Knowing your weekly and monthly goals as an artist or dealer is crucial to helping you stay on target throughout the year. We like to have a sales goal monthly and also break down our product sales goals. For example, when we have new cards or prints at our gallery, we try to find a number for sales of those products and meet them by month’s end. This can work with original pieces, accessories or even service packages and if you have staff or affiliates, can be motivating for them also -especially f you offer a sweet prize for top sales. We recommend a monthly goal sheet made in the last few days of December. Once you’re done, post each month goal in your studio and revisit each sheet at the end of the month to keep yourself and your team accountable.

2-Partner Up

Most artists and dealers work alone. This is hard! Who can you partner with? Can you find a local coffee shop or business and propose a month long exhibit in exchange for a commission on any sales? What about finding an intern or sales agent who would like to help by promoting your work in exchange for commissions on everything they sell? Get creative and find partners who are motivated to sell your product to help you. Two heads are always better than one! Not only will you increase your chances of sales, but you will also spread out your workload making more time for you to create!

3-Register for Shows

The best way to sell your work is to be part of a variety of events that are targeted to your market or demographic. Register for a variety of markets, trade shows and exhibitions throughout the year. Do your research and find out how many guests are anticipated, where they are marketing and how long the show has been running. The flip side of being in events is also being prepared. Always make sure you engage with guests, have cards and a draw to gather emails, and then follow up. Being present at the events is especially important if you are the artist because it is great way for local buyers to get to know you and gain access to you and your work. Maybe they have questions they would not otherwise ask unless they meet you in person. Perhaps they were too intimidated or too far to come to your studio to ask about a commission or buy products. Be sure to consider a sales agent at events only if you are absolutely sure they know your products inside and out and they know how to sell. As a business owner, you want to make it as easy and as pleasant as possible for customers to find, connect and buy from you.

If you have any suggestions or ideas about you plan to do for 2017 art sales, leave a comment or send us a message! Remember to share this post with artists or dealers who could use these tips!

Good luck in 2017 everyone!