Boxing Week is here!
Enjoy 10% off everything in our online store as well as extended offers on our 12 Days of Christmas Special offers! Use promo code “12DAYS” at check out! Visit our online store: http://mabartstudio.com/store.php
MAB Ventures Inc.-An Arts & Entertainment Agency, 1335 Pemberton Avenue, North Vancouver BC
Tomorrow we invite you all to our Christmas Fair at 4015 Fraser Street in Vancouver, BC.
Over 50 participating Artisans, vendors, and designers who are selling a variety of goods and services! Art, fashion, jewellery, home decor, knitting, make up, skin care, health and wellness, desserts, and so much more! Finish all your shopping, support local and even enjoy lunch with us! Best part is that we invite all ages and it’s free to attend! We have 100 swag bags for the first 100 people too-great items inside include essential oil from SPOIL YOURSELF, Art by Elizabeth Hill, a copy of Fresh Magazine, one free art class at MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery and an It Works drink sample to keep you healthy!
Learn more on our Facebook event page Here.
Our event auction, Christmas earrings and coffee sales are supporting two causes. The first is to help fund our new creative arts and wellness centre opening in North Vancouver in the Spring. The second is to support a member of our Art World community with cancer. Please be sure to buy a coffee, bid on items in the auction and purchase a pair of these earrings by Monika Colmorgen for $7! if you can’t make it and you’d like a pair of these earrings, please email us at artists@theartworldexpo.com or call 6049996177.
by Monika Blichar
I have long admired artists who push boundaries and when selecting artists to participate in our events, I always strive to reach artists who are different, fresh and new in their work. When I came across Ryan McGee’s work, I noticed something ‘je ne sais’ quoi about it. It’s dark but delightful. It’s strange and sublime. He examines life through a distorted lens. I loved it the moment I saw it and knew that we had to feature him in our Toronto event on November 17. I caught up with Ryan to ask him about his art. Enjoy!
1-When did you start making art?
I can’t pin point exactly when I started making art, for me it was something that just had to happen, I always had a need to express myself visually. When I was younger this took the form of drawing on walls and filling up sketchbooks with crude doodles. It wasn’t until my time in College that I started to really to think critically about what my art was, and what I wanted to put out into the world.
2-What inspires you to create?
I have always had a very strong interest in the weird, and this fuels me in everything I create. I pull from everything that strikes a cord with me on a personal level, and things that capture the underground culture I love. I often find myself collecting outdated horror and sci-fi comics, saving images of early surfer, and hot rod culture, and tuning in to a new band that connect with me. All of these elements get archived in somewhat of a nexus of inspiration for me to draw from.
3-How do you think art can change society?
I believe that art is extensive, and reaches just about everyone through various outlets. In my case I always wanted to create art but I never truly felt comfortable in the fine art culture, so I sought out sub art groups to get into. I think that’s the truly amazing thing about art is that there really is something out there for everyone to connect with. There will always be a steady flow of talented people who want to create, and express themselves. As long as art continues to have various outlets for these people to grow creatively then there will always be potential to change society by pushing new ideas, and concepts through their works.
4-Do you try to convey messages through your illustrations?
There is a certain charm I believe in lowbrow art, and this is something a try and capture in my pieces. I like to play with the imagination of the viewer through my strange, and sometimes-goofy pieces, I think this connects with the onlooker reminding them that art can fun. If my work has any type of message I would say it’s for people to take a step back, and not take themselves so seriously.
5-Where do you see yourself in your art business in the next five years?
I would love to have really established myself at least within the Toronto art community in the coming years. My dream would be to sustain myself entirely on my art, and that is something that I am really working on accomplishing. I think it is important especially for artists to set goals set for themselves and their art, and to always be striving to grow creatively, and professionally.
6-What kinds of works will you have for sale at Art World Toronto? Will you be offering attendees any show specials?
I will have a variety of pieces available for sale at Art World Toronto from patches to stickers to prints. In terms of special offers I really value meeting, and networking with new people at these events. Chances are if you come and say hi you’ll end up with a discount on some pieces, or maybe some stickers for free.
To order tickets to the Toronto Art World Expo, please visit This Link
by Monika Blichar
Each year, we are fortunate enough to take several trips related to arts and culture locally and internationally. In 2017, we have several trips planned including workshops in Toronto, REO Rafting in North Bend, British Columbia, Wroclaw, Poland in Europe and Las Vegas, USA. Maybe more, who knows! We love to travel, see and make new art while participating or leading workshops and conferences related to the arts and culture sector.
As I’m sitting at the Vancouver International Airport waiting to board my flight to Toronto for a world languages workshop I’m attending this week, I wanted to introduce our current and past sponsors for our annual Logo on our Luggage Program. In what began as an unconventional way to advertise local businesses in Vancouver, has now become one of my favourite accents to our annual travels. Not only do I look forward to traveling and seeing new things, meeting new people and enjoying new cultures, I also enjoy sharing passionate companies with my network via these experiences! It is a win win for everyone!
Our Logo on Our Luggage Sponsors past and present include:
Twin Peaks Construction www.twinpeaksconstruction.com
Art by Edy https://www.facebook.com/artbyedy/
Personal Travel Management-Robyn Freels https://personaltravel.ca/travel-agents/robyn-freels/
Carolyn Bruce Designs www.carolynbrucedesigns.com
Coastal Storm Gallery
http://www.coastalstormgallery.com
Daddy Blogger http://daddyblogger.com
Jirehstone Vancouver www.jirehstone.com
Daughter for a Day Senior’s Care http://daughterforaday.ca/
MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery www.mabartstudio.com
Make and Break Arts Foundation https://www.facebook.com/Make-and-Break-Arts-Foundation-154109301295870/
Painting Dreams International Art Tours https://www.facebook.com/Painting-Dreams-International-Art-Tours-968374583192403/
Art World Expo www.theartworldexpo.com
World of Hydration
http://www.worldofhydration.com
Please connect with us and these great companies online! They each have something unique to share including construction, travel, senior’s care, art, jewellery and more! We will be posting regularly on our feeds about what makes these companies unique so stay tuned!
In exchange for a minimal advertising rate of $100, these companies not only contribute to our travel expenses, workshop fees or program development, they receive some excelelnt exposure via our numerous networks including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and our YouTube videos. I’m excited to share the works of these companies and invite you to have a look at the advertising program HERE We have only 7 spots left for the rest of the 2017 season!
Thank you to our past and ongoing sponsors and affiliates! We appreciate all your support for BC Arts and Culture!
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.
See you on May 12!
Media register at artists@theartworldexpo.com
by Monika Blichar, Owner and Producer Art World Expo
I first met Marilyn Mckee in 2010 when producing the first of a series of events; now known as Art World Expo produced in Vancouver and Toronto. Drawn to her talent in jewellery making back then, I knew that she was a treasure and kept my eyes on her. I think back to all those phone calls I made to check in over the years and wonder at how she could stand me asking about her art and progress. I wasn’t a customer after all; just an agent and promoter keeping tabs on her. Through my eyes, I knew that she was something special. I am really pleased that I kept in touch as today, she is the first feature artist of 2016 in my studio and gallery in North Vancouver.
If you haven’t met Marilyn, I will tell you that behind the stunning pieces is a truly wonderful woman who is not only a talented artist but an accomplished professional, mother and community member. Marilyn McKee is a member of the Tsit Gitanee (Eagle) clan of the Haida Nation, whose roots are from the islands of Haida Gwaii; world famous for its natural beauty and talented artists. Aside from creating, Marilyn is an active mother and grandmother and contributes to the community regularly. She is currently the President of Raycam Community Centre; the only community center in the Lower Mainland to offer free programs for kids and adults. She has been with the organization for over 10 years and has done everything from leading art projects to sewing 50 Halloween costumes.
Since a child, Marilyn has always had an artistic ability. Even when asking her about her work and photographing her for this article, her childlike joy and wonder shine through in her smile and in the way she talks about her work. She is at ease with her imagination and an innocence about her talent has stayed within her spirit. She is inspired by traditional stories and moulds them into her art with a modern twist, incorporating Celtic design, Fairies and mermaids amongst more traditional Northwest Coast elements. Her most popular are the Fairies; which are breathtaking in both jewellery and paintings to say the least.
As an artist myself, I feel privileged to have seen her art evolve into an array of beautiful works ranging from jewellery, drums, and paintings. I look forward to sharing our space with her essence this month; not only because of the beauty of the works but also to see an another artist’s work through my eyes and through those of our visitors.
Unafraid and experimental with her work, MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery is pleased to have Marilyn McKee as the January 2016 feature artist. Her use of many unconventional methods in her artwork result in a fresh look at the knowledge and richness her Haida culture.
For more information, please visit Mab Art Studio
All pieces featured are listed in the Facebook.
Thank you to our sponsors BLUSH Vancouver Magzine and Twin Peaks Construction.
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!
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!
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!
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!
By Alyssa Laube
About: For Transylvanian painter and poet, Hajni Yosifov, art is all about self-discovery. Her paintings (“painted diaries/journals”, or “dreamscapes”, as she calls them) use bold colours and heavy texture to evoke emotions of love, wonder, and struggle. Despite starting out her artistic career as a jewellery designer, Hajni has found her true passion in painting, and will be exhibiting at this year’s Expo.
When you mention the “idea of existing” as a key concept in your work, what do you mean?
My artistic journey is more than seeking; it’s a chance to go on, deeply and permanently, into the idea of existing. Art is how I record life.
The way that you’ve described your work on your page is quite poetic. Do you write poetry?
The dance between words and pictures is unlike anything else. Nothing compares with the discovery of your own verse, and some of my paintings gives my mind the power of words. “The Dreamer” is my self portrait in words.
Which artists inspire you?
There are many inspiring artists, but none touches my heart and soul like Emily Carr.
How did growing up in Transylvania (and then moving to Canada) influence you?
When I came in Canada in 1990, the course of my life changed. My first show happened to be at Hamilton Art Gallery, where I met the gallery Director, Ted Pietrzak. His encouragement and guidance led me to the most rewarding journey as an artist. That was the beginning.
How did you get started in jewellery design?
At the end of the high school I decided to become a jeweller. It was a fascinating process between melting gold and polishing the final piece. The finished piece always became someone’s treasure.
How did you discover that painting was your true passion?
Painting must be my true passion, because I paint after working at my job, even if I don’t have a showing or commissioned piece. I’m painting when I’m hopeful or hopeless.
Would you describe your work as abstract and why/why not?
I don’t consider my art abstract because abstract art seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colours and textures without representing an external reality. I call mine “dreamscapes”, because when I paint, my intention is to touch an emotional chord with such intensity that I can’t distinguish if it’s pain or happiness.
How do you like to use colour and texture in your art?
My inspiration comes from a thought, building textures and bright colours, and then balancing with soft pastel.
You’ve participated in over 190 exhibitions. Is there one, or a few, that stand out in your memory and why?
After over 240 exhibitions, each of them is important. I had so many amazing moments and met so many people that inspired me.
How do you think that your work reflects the “awakening of life”?
I’m collecting bits of nature, human forms, and sparkles of light and putting them back into my artwork romantically. The awakening of life is an endless wonder.
How have you found your “new self” through your art?
I’m an artist; this is what I do. My art is the bridge between me and the world.
Why is creating art important to you?
My art gives me the courage to be vulnerable, and to be myself.
What will you be showing at the Expo?
At the Art World Expo, I’m showing my recent work. As a collection, each painting orchestrates the mood and story behind it. The theme, ”Shades of Love”, echoes through each of them.
You can see or purchase Hajni’s work at this year’s Expo, or:
http://www.absolutearts.com/portfolios/h/hajni/.
You can also follow her on Facebook and Twitter!
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor Twin Peaks Construction!
by Aly Laube
About: At the age of seventeen, Andrea Alcala fled Venezuela with her family and settled in Canada to find a new home. Despite the initial culture shock, Andrea developed a love for creating art in her senior year of high school, which led her to continue pursuing it throughout her life. For six years, she studied at The Alberta College of Art and Design, until she moved to Vancouver with her husband in search of greater opportunities. Today, she attends The New Image College of Fine Arts, where she is developing her skills as a makeup artist, in hopes of fulfilling her dream of working in the film industry! You can support Andrea and her work at this year’s Art World Expo.
How did growing up in Venezuela affect you? Specifically, how did the change in government effect you and your family?
It changed everything! I am immensely lucky for the parents that I have; they never made me and my sister feel like we were lacking anything. However, their bravery to stand up for what they believed in cost them their jobs and possibility of working anywhere else. After a few years, my mom got the chance to work in the oil sands in northern Alberta, and she didn’t think twice about it. She accepted the offer in 2006, and a year later, we moved to Fort McMurray. Personally, it made me grow up and realize that nothing is given to you in life. You have to work hard. I was twelve when my parents lost their jobs, and seventeen when we got the opportunity to move to Canada. Here, I found a new home, my passion, and the love of my life.
Out of curiosity, how did you meet “the love of [your] life”, your husband?
My husband, Luis, and I went to the same elementary school when we were little, and when his dad was chased out of the country, his family followed him to Fort McMurray. His dad worked with my mom in the oil industry in Venezuela, and he recommended her for the job that helped bring us to Canada. I met Luis again in high school and he helped me learn English. We’ve been together since then! We’re both huge Disney fans, so he proposed in Cinderella’s castle in Disney World. We got married in Cancun, Mexico in August 2013!
When you say that your parents stood up for what they believed in (and were prosecuted for it), what do you mean?
There was a presidential election in 1998 which made Hugo Chavez president, and it brought a lot of change. He slowly introduced communism to the government (masking it as socialism) and gave a lot of money to neighbouring countries, but not much to Venezuela. Those who didn’t agree with Chavez rebelled and were marked as the opposition by the government, who made it clear that they had control. People were kicked out of their homes, and protesters were fired and banned. Some were even chased out of the country! Right now, Nicolas Maduro is president of Venezuela, the country is as poor as ever. It’s making it impossible for people to leave or for any progress to happen. There’s so much more to say, but this would be as short as I can get it.
What was it like to move to Canada, a country with so many differences from Venezuela?
It was very hard. I was raised in a different climate, culture, language…let’s just say that everything was different. I have a very large extended family as well and lived my whole life in one small town, so when we moved, I left behind everything and everyone I knew. The first shock I had was (like in the Disney movie, “Cool Runnings”) the temperature. Then came the language, food, culture, and finally, the silence. Being used to having a large family, the silence was certainly strange. Don’t get me wrong, I’m hugely grateful for all of the opportunities I’ve gotten in my life, but I have definitely learned to adapt.
Do you think that those experiences led you to becoming the artist you are today?
Definitely! Silence allowed me to listen to my own voice more. I had already graduated from high school in Venezuela, but when I came to Canada I had to repeat the twelfth grade to learn English. Because of that, all I had to take was English, Math and electives. I chose Art as one of them and never let go from there. I love making things and the art of creating, itself.
Why was there so much silence for you in Canada?
I think it started when I said goodbye to my family. I knew I wasn’t coming back and that everything would change as soon as I stepped onto the plane. It sure did! I only had a basic knowledge of English so I didn’t speak much, and for the first couple of months it was just me and my mom.
Do you still practice your South American culture, and do you think it can be seen in your work?
I still eat some of the food (that I can find here), speak Spanish, and keep close ties with my family. Can this be seen in my work? I’m not sure. It’s almost like trying to notice my own accent! Some of the work I did at the Alberta College of Art and Design was political and I meant it to be that way.
You’ve worked with various and unique artistic expressions. Which were your favourite, and how did you learn them?
I’ve always liked trying as many things as I can. My favourite was glass blowing but I did switch it up a lot in many of my projects! I attended the Alberta College of Art and Design from 2008-2013, which exposed me to mediums I had never tried before, and mixed things along the way.
How did you find the Alberta College of Art and Design, and what was your experience there like? How about your current school, the New Image College of Fine Arts?
I knew I wanted to work with glass, and ACAD had a whole faculty for it! I was also living in Fort McMurray at the time, and going to a school in the same province made sense. Attending ACAD taught me a lot and certainly made me a stronger person, but my husband and I moved to Vancouver for better chances at success than we would’ve had in Calgary. I did a lot of research and was lucky to find New Image College of Fine Arts! I’ve enjoyed every moment of it and truly have my family and husband to thank for helping me make my dreams come true.
You have experience with glass blowing, something that not a lot of people have practiced. What is it like, and what have you made with your skills?
It’s thrilling, fascinating, and can all go wrong in one swift moment. I love glass as a medium and I made a lot functional shapes such as vases, bowls, and decorative sculptures. Glass will always be in my heart, but it’s very hard to keep up once you’re out of school.
You’ve mentioned that you have a love for film. What are some of your favourite films, and which films have you worked on?
I have yet to work on a film, but I want to! Some of my favourite movies include Mary Poppins, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Alice in Wonderland, Mrs. Doubtfire, Pan’s Labyrinth, and so many more.
What are you showing at the Expo?
So far, I have a dress that I modified for an editorial photo shoot by adding different sizes of origami shapes all over it. I may have a couple more things, but i’m still working on it.
What are your goals for the future?
My goal is to work in the film industry. I love beauty makeup, special effects, and prosthetics. I’m on my way to learn more about these and can’t wait to be able to do it all!
To find out more about Andrea and her work, contact her at:
604-562-1307 or
info@akristina.com
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor Twin Peaks Construction!
Art World Expo 