things to do edmonton

Ma and Pa WoodArt in Edmonton’s Art World Expo!

by Monika Blichar

Being self taught and starting a business is never easy but there are many people who do this. One of those is Ma and Pa WoodArt who will be joining us at our show on April 12 at the Muttart. I caught up to the duo today and wanted to learn more about what inspires the duo to follow their passion and what they do.

What inspired you to start your business?

Terry is self taught from a young age and has always loved working with wood.

You make a variety of items. Do you have one in particular that is your personal favourite in your line?

Although Terry makes different items, his favourite is the scroll saw art.

Are you currently selling in any locations in Edmonton or beyond? Where can people purchase your works?

Ma and Pa WoodArt products can be found at the St. Albert Farmers Market and 124 Grand Market.

This is your first time in an Art World Expo event. What would you like guests to know most about you and your craft?

Terry creates items that are one of a kind and uses the natural beauty of the wood as a decorative item or for practical use.

Will you have any show specials or never before seen work at this event?

We have 5 unique scroll saw art items that are one of a kind and limited.

Just for fun! If you won the lottery tomorrow and was awarded a million dollars, what would you do?

If we won a million dollars, we would love to travel more!

Ma and Pa WoodArt was created to offer unique and innovative designs in cutting boards / serving platters / home decor. Experience a delicious and appetizing moment when presenting your edibles on these beautiful works of art. Our unique WoodArt is made to be a decorative item or for practical use. Display these items as art on the wall or use it as a serving tray or charcuterie board while entertaining.

To see more, visit their FACEBOOK PAGE or INSTGRAM! Be sure to get your tickets to the show today and find the owners of Ma and Pa WoodArt Corinne & Terry Olinek at the event! April 12, 2019 at the Muttart Conservatory.

Mel’s Big Art: Big Ideas, Big Vision and Big Ingenuity

by Monika Blichar

Mel’s Big Art is just that. It’s filled with big ideas, big vision and big ingenuity. Her work shows a dedication to a unique craft while also experimenting with pop culture and ideals. From skateboards to traditional wall art pieces, Melanie Schoenberger is definitely one artist to follow over the next few years. Her work is intriguing, interesting and definitely makes a great addition to any art collector’s home or office. I caught up with Mel today and here’s what she had to say about her work, the upcoming Art World Expo in Edmonton and what she would do with an unlimited bank account.

You participated in the Art World Expo Edmonton last year in our very first year in Alberta. What have you been up to since then artistically?

In the past year I have focused on participating in more Artisan Markets, Gallery showings, expanding my creativity thru different pieces. Branding myself more thru social media.

You work in a very unique and rare medium. What inspired you to start working in wood burning?

My background is painting and drawing, I made myself a bedframe and I wanted to decorate it, I wanted to do something completely different that I’ve never seen before so I decided to burn designs into it. I love working with all the flaws and flow of the grain. I have recently started to add colour into my pieces which has been really fun. Thu the year I have found that my love of art comes thru when working with this medium.

You are a very versatile artist when it comes to creating. What is your favourite subject matter?

I enjoy challenging myself with taking on a variety of subjects. I’ve been getting more comfortable with stretching my boundaries and experimenting with the use of colours. I’d have to say that my favourite subject is nature/sea life. I find that every project I work it becomes something more that I didn’t expect.

As an artist and business owner, what are some of your greatest goals for your career this year?

My biggest goal this year is to continue to get more exposure for my Art and business.

Will you have show specials or never before seen work at this year’s Art World Expo in Edmonton?

I’ll be selling limited edition prints and my newest works as I’m constantly working on new pieces. I will be possibly auctioning off one of my skateboards?

Just for fun! If you woke up tomorrow with access to an unlimited amount of money, what would you do?

So much…. Take care of my family, I would travel the world, put money towards environmental/animal causes. Live somewhere with an ocean view, have a big Art Studio and continue creating.

To support Mel’s Big Art, you can purchase tickets for Art World Expo Edmonton happening April 12 through her link here. You can also follow her work and journey by joining her on https://www.instagram.com/melsbigart/ or https://www.facebook.com/mschoenberger3

Interview with Calgary Artist Gloria Gelo

by Monika Blichar

I love colour more than anything. I often wear black but usually pair it with pops of colour and surround myself with loads of it. There’s something about it that makes me happy which is exactly how I felt when Gloria Gelo’s submission came in for this year’s SOLD OUT show at the Muttart Conservatory! Gloria’s work conveys passion, adventure and emotion through the use of a variety of colour and abstraction. I caught up with her to learn a little more about what she does and what she will be selling at this Friday’s event!

1-When did you start making art?

I started drawing and painting from a very early age. All I ever wanted was to become an artist. I studied fine art in college, but choices in life took me in different directions, yet all of them allowed me to remain creative in some way. I managed to be creative where creativity wasn’t always appreciated, and each journey has helped shape who I am. I believe that life leads you to who and where you need to be and mine led me through many paths that ultimately came full circle to where my heart has always been, an artist. I left my corporate job in January 2018 and finally started painting full time and living my dream.

2-What inspires you to do abstract art?

Everything! At a young age my work was very representational. When I picked up the brushes again after 30 years, I started with realism, and then quickly realized I didn’t want to feel constrained. I am a perfectionist by nature, so creating abstract art allows me to be more free and let go so the other side of Gloria has some time to play.

3-People often ask about the meaning of abstract art. What is the meaning for you?

For me, abstract art is my interpretation of either what is in front of me, or what is felt in my heart as I paint. My intent is to create art that makes people feel something, and hopefully reflect and recall moments in their lives that bring them joy.

4-Do you create work based on feelings, experiences, themes or subject matter in mind?

All of the above! When I go into the studio, I never really know how the pieces will turn out, but somehow the concepts, colours, design, and composition seem to emerge before me, almost intuitively. It’s a wonderful way to paint. In fact, a friend asked me if one of my pieces was inspired by the circles on my kitchen rug, and oddly enough, without realizing, it was!

5-What will you have at the Art World Expo on March 16 at the Muttart? Will you have an exclusive show specials or promotions?

I’m excited to showcase my work in ink, resin and acrylic polymer at the show. The colours are bright and bold. I was inspired by the 60’s for some of the work, and in an effort to get looser and more free with my paintings, I blasted the stereo and ended up with a series that is filled with movement and colour. Yes, so swing by my booth to say hello and find out.

6-What are your art plans for your business in the next five years?

That’s a good question. I want to continually explore new ways to express myself and the world around me. I hope to keep learning, grow as an artist and give back through teaching as the years go by.

6-Just for fun: If you could interview any artist past or present, who would it be and why?

Georgia O’Keefe! She was the Mother of American Modernism. She created art based on her interpretation and personal style, rather than just a realistic copy. I love her images of natural things, especially flowers, portrayed in a simple and meaningful way.

To learn more about Gloria, visit her Facebook Page. Be sure to stop in at her booth at the show this Friday if you have your ticket! We are sold out this year-tickets for next year’s event will be on sale soon!

Monika Blichar is an Entrepreneur and Artist. She is owner of Monika’s Art Boutique-Studio & 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.