art

Interview with Angie Balbon-Body Painting Artist and Competitor

by Monika Blichar

Our friend, volunteer and long time supporter David Torok had his face painted last year for our event by a lady named Angie Balbon. After some convincing, Angie decided that she would indeed participate after David encouraged her. We are very lucky that we have people like David in the community to support artists and make sure they are encouraged and go for their dreams.

We caught up to Angie for an interview. Be like Angie and Dave. Believe in your dreams and go for it!

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1-Why are you intrigued by body painting?
Body painting is a beautiful and unique art form unlike any other. The artist has the opportunity to get very intimate with a  living breathing canvas. Working with the natural curves of the body creates a breathtaking masterpiece far from two dimensional.
2-When did you know you wanted to work in the creative arts industry?
I have been enamored with the arts since I was a child. Art class was one of  my favourite classes throughout my school life as a youth. When I was a young teen I discovered makeup and the beauty of it’s trans formative qualities. MANY years later I decided to combine the two loves and attend the well reputed Blanche MacDonald Centre in 2012 for Professional Makeup Artistry, a perfect fit. Since then I have dabbled in the makeup career as a Freelance Artist.
3-You attended Blanche MacDonald in 2012. What is the most interesting thing you learned in their make up program?
That the possibilities are ENDLESS, and the world is your oyster! Always maintain professionalism, a positive upbeat attitude, network and keep learning. Knowledge is power!
 
4-In 2013, you competed and won 2nd place at the IMATS. What inspired your character design for that competition?
The theme that year was Oz, in honor of the movie being released that year. I chose to do my own version of a Winkie Guard (Wicked Witch’s soldiers), but updated with a backstory. He is the offspring of a Winkie Guard and a Munchkin post the Wicked Witch’s demise, choosing to continue to serve for the Emerald Castle. I also have an affinity for green people, ha ha.
My model, Scott, was the perfect candidate for the role.

Below are links to the article written by Blanche for my win as well as Youtube links to the video of the competition:
5-Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Creating music (fronting/vocals for a touring festival music project) and making body art masterpieces Freelance while I instruct at my own yoga studio. Shoot for the stars!!!
6-Can you give us any hints regarding your body painting work for the 2017 Art World Expo Body Painting Competition? 
As life and the universe connects us all and the wonders of the world, so does my beautiful expecting muse.

MARCH MADNESS IS HERE! 

We love to share the Art World with you! Whether it is sharing new artists on our site or at our events, we think art is pretty special. Art has the ability to connect, inspire and create new ideas. Through art, we feel emotion, learn about cultures, and become in tune with ourselves. 


Until March 31, enjoy our special price for Art World Expo tickets to our 7th annual gala. Featuring over 100 artists each year, we are excited to see you there! 


This year, we have some special features including a Hat Show by West Coast Hatters, live dance performances by Mira Dance Company, a body painting competition with judges Kathleen Fowlstone; the 2016 Art World Expo Champ, and  Natalie Fletcher; the 2014 Skin Wars winner! We have live music and live demonstrations by amazing artists from North America and Europe. Lots of fabulous vendors showing and selling a ton of amazing art, fashion, jewellery, accessories and beauty products including natural cosmetics, skin care and make up. Just in time for Mother’s Day! We also have beer and wine, a live and silent auction, plus goodies will love Gypsytrunk Vegan Food Cart & Catering who will be on site just for our patrons! Samples from Hot Arusha Healthy & Spicy as well as treats from our supporters at Jenny Craig too!

Enter promo code MARCHMADNESS at the ticket check out and receive 2 for 1 tickets for general admission. 

Tickets Here

See you on May 12! 

Media register at artists@theartworldexpo.com 

Sponsors Wanted! 


We would love to invite you to be part of our annual event this year! Join us by helping keep arts alive in our community and feature your business in an interesting way! 

We are looking for items for our silent and live auctions, advertisers in our swag bags, logo ads on our popular media wall, main stage sponsors and walking body art advertisers! We are also looking to fill our Gold, Silver, and Bronze Sponsor packages this year! Get your company seen at this annual gala and throughout the year with our comprehensive packages and support a show that helps feature and promote hundreds of artists annually in Vancouver and Toronto. 
 Thank you to everyone who has supported this event each year by donating products and services as well as purchasing advertising and sponsorship packages! 

Call 6049996177 to learn more! 

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! 

6th Annual Art Show Just Around the Corner!

As the 6th annual Art World Expo nears, our team is prepping for another evening full of art, entertainment and fundraising! This year, we are again grateful for the support of our volunteers, donors, advertisers, sponsors and of course, all of our talented artists who choose to participate in this event year after year.

Some of our highlights this year include:

Wine Sampling from Apothic Wines apothic.png

Glamour Noir Theme: Dress Code for Guests is RED, WHITE AND BLACK-Order a Mask with your ticket purchase and show your support for BC Artists!

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Food Vendors & Cash Bar

Body Painting Competition

Fashion Show by Nancy Perreault

Live Painters

Silent Auction

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VIP Tickets with Swag Bags Valued at over $150 /each

Each year, we strive to make this event a great one for artists and for guests in our community. Annually, we help over 200 artists exhibit, show and sell their work via MAB Art Studio and Boutique Gallery, as well as pop ups, trade shows and markets. We also hope to help others with their creativity by offering studio painting classes for beginners and children from all over BC. All the funds raised in our auction support BC artists and exhibitions via Make and Break Arts Foundation. If you don’t have your tickets yet, what are you waiting for?!

Order your ticket here:

https://theartworldexpo.com/attend-event-3/

 

 

Art World Expo: Vancouver Art, Fashion & Body Paint

When people think of Vancouver, most think of mountains, trees, ocean and, high priced real estate! If you aren’t from here, you probably won’t hear much about the huge pool of talent that lies within our city bounds unless you are a savvy collector or art buff.  One of the amazing  thing that we get to do each year is feature amazing artists, designers and musicians. Among some in this year’s show include Nancy Perreault, an eclectic and wild designer who is humbly making waves in the city and beyond. Guests can expect a range of designs that range from ready to wear to a glamorous party to wild, one a kind pieces perfect for glass cases on walls. Another highlight each year is the emtertainment. Among some of the great performers, Art World features some 20-30 performers each year including musicians, dancers, jugglers, hula hoppers, actors and of course musicians. Some of the artists performing this year include Gayle Arnold’s two person band The Strangest Days, as well as Kara Lockwood Music. In the past, we’ve highlighted local musicians including first time performers like Mat Walach to veteran rockers Bif Naked and Doug Fury. We pride ourselves in sharing local talent in all stages of their careers.    Another highlight of the show is our auction. Not only do the proceeds help support arts based initiatives such as arts programs for kids and adults, funds are also used to produce art exhibitions and support artists in the event. Guests can expect to bid on everything from hotel packages and BC activities and adventures to art from artists in our show and beyond!  This year, we are giving away two tickets each week when you repost this image and hashtag #artworldexpo! Body paint by Jess Hawkins. Line up!  Gary Weston 2014. Glamour Noir theme this year. Consider purchasing a mask this year by Coastal Storm Gallery. $20/ea or included in a VIP ticket. 

Guests can bid on amazing items and services in the auction. 

 

 

Ofer Samra-Actor Turned Painter

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I believe Art is about being open and allowing life ideas, color, nature, people etc. to go in. Together, with the Artist’s passion, interests, feelings and point of view, a unique personal art is created.

about

“Since early age I was watching people, animals, nature. I was very curious and interested. Always asked about the nature of behavior.

Born in Israel, moved to the states in mid-eighties, Ofer pursued acting ( Role of “Yusef” in “True Lies”). ”It was there in acting classes where we talked about painters”. That’s when the “Art” seed was planted.

“With painting, I’ve learned to express body, mind and spirit. After studying work by Caravaggio, Egon Schiele, Magritte and Picasso I found figurative work as the main tunnel to express life, passion, emotion, strength and character”.

Ofer’s most recent Art Exhibit was on May 14, 2015, at QART.COM Gallery in Marina Del Rey, California. The Exhibit included a large variety of Ofer’s latest work.

3 Days Left for Early Bird Tickets! 

You heard right! There are only three days left for early bird tickets! Early bird tickets end February 29, 2016-secure your tickets now!

Fashion Show by Nancy Perreault

We always love this event and each year strive to make it more interesting and amazing for the artists involved as well as the guests who attend. This year we will have an array of art for sale from over 100 artists from Canada, USA and Europe; we are very exited that once again, we have artists exhibiting from out of country. We will also continue with live painting, stage demonstrations, live music, a fashion show, silent and live auctions, food vendors, drinks and of course, the always popular body painting competition.

Little Monsters Studio returns! Photo: Gaby Saliba

Our theme this year is “Glamour Noir” as our event date falls on Friday, May 13. Guests are encouraged to adhere to the dress code and wear only red, white and black to the show.
Please continue to support this fabulous event and all the imagination and possibility that lies within it. It’s more than just a show, it’s the Art World-a place you can truly experience everything and anything creative.

Stump Artist is back-maybe even live chainsaw carving!

Michael Griffin Fine Art is back-be sure to chrck him out!

Lisa Austin, The MT Canvas, and Deanna Fligg setting up a few years ago!

A feature from the 24HR -thanks Sarah Rowland!

Producer and owner of Art World Expo, Monika Blichar is creating #GlamourNoir50 , a collection of 50 new paintings to be unveilled at this year’s event.

Gary Weston’s art is a crowd favorite!

Guests enjoying an array of stage performances all night!

Gypsy Jean and her walking art-ask us about hownto get a walking ad for your business at the show his year!

 

Open Door Gallery in 2015 -amazing!


Purchase your tickets before the 29th of February and enjoy early bird discounts. Order your tickets HERE.

Consider purchasing a VIP ticket including a limited edition Coastal Imagination Glamour Noir mask by Coastal Storm Gallery. Created specifically for this event in support of Make and Break Arts Foundation who annually support kids and adult arts programs, artist exhibitions, and creative professional development both locally and internationally. A VIP ticket also comes with a fast track line up, a special swag bag, and a drink ticket.

Thank you Twin Peaks Construction for your ongoing sponsorship for our annual event. Be sure to visit their website for all your home and commercial renovation and new build needs!

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Art World Miami: French Sculptor Capucine

 www.capucinesafir.com

About

“Can Art alleviate souls?  This is my project.
My work is about reshaping reality by giving smoothness and sensuality to my sculptures. In return, people feel lighthearted and at peace. This is my reward.
I keep caressing my sculptures. My hands are my eyes. I carve in limestone and plaster, with hand tools only and also work with mixed media, always inspired by nature. This is my process.
Since 2013, I’ve been living and working in Miami. I want to reach out to the world. This is me..”

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Biography : 
Capucine Safir is a self-taught, Miami-based French sculptor.

After many years working in the movie industry, she graduated in interior design in Sydney, Australia where she lived for a few years.

In 2009, Capucine’s life took a new turn when her second son was born disabled; after caring for her children full time for four years, as she moved to Miami, she decided to pursue her love of art and started working full time as a sculptor.

She enjoys every aspect of this art from the physical implication to, the sound of the tools to, the dust. But, most of all, it is the appearance of the form emerging from the block that makes direct carving so special. She soon found her own style through soft rounded shapes. Streamlined, pure, atypical are some of the adjectives which best define her sculptures.

Her work is very instinctive whether she creates animals or abstract sculptures. The worlds of sculpture, design, as well as painting or nature itself also make up her varied artistic influences.

She carves in stone and plaster with hand tools only and also works with mixed media.

Dress Up for a Cause

   
This year, we are thrilled to be hosting our 6th annual event at Science World in Vancouver! Our theme is “Glamour Noir” and we invite you to partake in our fundraising campaign!

Purchase one of these limited edition Coastal Imagination Masks made right here in BC specially for our event and support arts initiatives in British Columbia. 

$20/ea with proceeds to Make and Break Arts Foundation. 

Wear at the event and show your support for arts programs and exhibitions in our province! 

Available through our ticket link starting on February 1! 

Thank you to Coastal Storm Gallery for their ongoing support. Coastal Storm Gallery Website