vancouver art show

Fall Sales Ideas for Artists

by Monika Blichar

As an artist, looking for new ways on how to market, promote and sell your work this fall can be intimidating. Many of us fall into the same routine and often forget that seasonal promotions are a great way to engage new customers, create special products or service packages, and most importantly have fun doing so! Today, I have compiled five fall sales ideas for artists to help you take advantage of a this wonderful fall season!

1-Create a Fall Promotion for your Product or Service

It sounds simple and it can be! What is your best selling product or service? What do you enjoy making or doing the most? Start with these two questions and then build from there. If you are a photographer, offer a Fall Mini Session for Kids in a Pumpkin Patch. If you are a painter, create an image of a fall harvest scene and then offer prints or greeting cards in time for Thanksgiving. Be sure to offer a special or incentive for customers to buy from you such as limiting the number of sales you will make for the promotion or offering a limited edition run of your prints. The possibilities are endless!

We partnered with WAVES Coffee in Yaletown in 2010 to host a Pumpkin Carving event.

2-Buddy Up!

Working together can be better than working on your own. Who can you partner up with to offer a special package, gift basket or service package with? Some of the benefits of working with others include reaching new markets, sharing the task of marketing, and cross promoting on each other’s networks.

3-Run a Contest!

A simple thing like “Guess How Many Candy Corn are in this Jar and Win” can help you gain new customers, get shared and also keep your followers engaged. If you’re always posting about your product and your service without giving your fan base something to look forward to like a contest or a special, you will loose opportunities for your fans and followers to help you build your brand by sharing it and tagging their friends. What could you do that will help engage your fan base this fall?\

4-Plan an Event!

Aside from things you can do to promote your business this fall online or via social media, be sure to host an open studio, special event, or workshop for your business! There’s nothing like connecting with people face to face! Here are some ideas for events:

-Fall Sidewalk Sale

-Start or End of Fall Season Sale

-VIP Fall Shopping Party

-Fall Customer Appreciation Event

-Fall Themed Art Show

-Halloween Event

Hosting a special event is a great way to feature your space and your business in person. Ask other businesses to donate door prizes, get involved or even donate their space and partner up with them if you don’t have a space that is suitable for the public. When I first started my business, I didn’t want people coming to my home studio so I often partnered up with other businesses and would host events, shows, and openings in cafes, restaurants and even car dealerships.

We have partnered up with Two of Hearts Boutique in Kitsilano to host a Halloween Party and Shopping Extravaganza! Monika will have her legging launch and we are pairing that with Cici Clothing, West Coast Hatters, and Carolyn Bruce Designs Jewellery! Get your ticket for only $10 HERE! Includes a drink, door prize entry ticket, and fashion show!

5-Community Events

There are lots of ways that you can join community events-and not just markets or fairs! Here are some ideas for you to look into this year or next:

–Kids Sporting Events: sponsor a tent and hand out samples, give out water with your logo on the bottle, or enter attendees into a draw.

–Pop Up: Ask a coffee shop if you can do a pop up for a day in their cafe, bring a table with your work and promote to the cafe goers!

–Local Businesses: Find other businesses in your area who are hosting events and offer your time, a product to donate, or ask if you can have a small table at their event.

So what are you waiting for? Pick something and get going on creating a cool fall promotion or event that will help you generate more brand recognition, new customers and followers, and most of all, create more fun and joy for you in your business!

monikaheadshot Monika Blichar has a B.A. in English and French and a British Columbia College of Teacher’s Certificate. She is the owner and founder of Art World Expo, Monika’s Art Boutique, Painting Dreams International Art Tours and her own brand Monika Blichar. Originally from Wroclaw, Poland, Monika is actively connected to her culture in Poland and works heavily to promote Canadian artists via her events. She is an avid creator, passionate about creativity and creating authentic connections in the communities where she works. Monika has produced Art World Expo in Vancouver since 2010, one installment in Toronto in 2015, an annual show in Edmonton since 2017 and has launched two Art World Expo Christmas Fairs in Vancouver and Victoria, BC. To learn more about Monika, visit www.monikablichar.com

Art World Expo Christmas Fair!

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.

Final Call for our Art World Expo Christmas Fair Vendors!

Are you an artisan or independent rep looking for a holiday event to participate in this year? Look no further and join our exciting Christmas Fair this year!

We have a limited number of tables left for vendors at our Christmas Fair on December 16! Submit your registration today here: https://theartworldexpo.com/exhibitor-information/ Questions? Call Monika Blichar 6049996177

We love to small businesses and Artisans and our Christmas Fair will be no exception to sharing the love for all things unique and local this December!

Thank you to Two of Hearts boutique in Kits for donating $5-$25 gift cards to spend in store! Lots of raffle prizes every 30 minutes!

Preview products, join the convo and connect with participants on our Official Facebook Event Page!

When you attend this COMPLIMENTARY ENTRY EVENT, you’ll find:
-Over 50 vendor tables including art, jewellery, fashion, hand knit goods, make up, skin care, chocolate, baked goods, kids accessories, essential oils, dog accessories, home decor, and health and wellness products and services and much more! Everything you need in one venue to complete your holiday shopping and networking! Ask our vendors about collaborations, participating in your events or if you’re a gallery or boutique owner, come browse to see if you could work with one of our Artisans in 2018!

-Fashion Shows by John Pfaff, Carolyn Bruce Steampunk Jewellery, and West Coast Hatters on models provided by award winning female body builder fitness models from Team Fitness! Yes! Exciting!

-Cheeses Crust Food Truck-Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Drinks! Really good sandwiches!

-Raffles every 30 minutes-Prizes from local vendors and of course, many of our sponsors from Art World Expo! Tickets sold on site!

-First 100 people through the doors receive a complimentary goody bag! No purchase necessary! Just be one of the first 100 people at 11:00am sharp!

-Face Painting for kids and adults by award winning body painter and visual artist Francoise Boise ($10/person) She’s amazing! Don’t worry, she will do Holiday themed paints too!

-Silent Auction Benefiting Make and Break Arts Foundation-all proceeds support independent Artisans and Arts Programs and Exhibitions in BC. It’s a win win! (Huge line up of awesome stuff to bid on-great for holiday gift ideas and of course-gifts for ourselves!)

-Arts & Crafts Station for Kids-leave them at the craft station and go shop and mingle! We have you covered!

-Finally, when you’re all done, take a photo at our photo booth with visitors from the North Pole! Capture a memory and celebrate Christmas 2017 with us!

Current vendors:

Monika Blichar

Art by Edy

Carolyn Bruce Designs – Steampunk Jewelry**FASHION SHOW**

West Coast Hatters**FASHION SHOW**

John Pfaff Art & Fashion**FASHION SHOW**

Fashion Show models sponsored by Team Fitness-Award Winning Female Body Builders from BC!

LumberJax Custom Wooden Jewelry

Karolyn’s Tupperware

Inner Harmonious Peace

Kathline Essential Oils Accessories

Jennifer Haase, Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

SPOIL YOURSELF, Cristina De Vellis

Jessica’s Homemade Alfajores-Baked Goods

Fifth Avenue Collection by Pardeep

Younique, Amanda Cherewick

The Sweet Doodle

Whisk Premium Matcha

Copper Paw Designs

Coastal Storm Gallery

Dagmar Doubkova Herbal Life

Bodacious Butterflies

Scentsy Kristi Weaver

SweetLegs Vancouver with Julia

Love Eco Jewels

Spain Gourmet Canada

Radiant Life Hoops & Styles

Petite Hippo

Earth Meets Spirit

Boise Art Works-Face Painting for Kids On Site $10/each

Deanna ArtFORMS

Diamond Movement

Andrea Renée Blackett MONAT

Diva’s Niche

All Day Shine by Julie SeneGence Independent Distributor # 384814

Crafts By Julia

Bryce Musil Azrael’s Forge Gems and Fine Jewelry

Taylore Mcmanne Jewellery

Soulshine Yoga and Jewelry at Art World Expo

Interview with Jennifer Wosk for Soulshine Yoga and Jewelry

by Monika Blichar

1.What inspired you to start a yoga and jewellery busi ness?

I started practicing and studying yoga before I started making jewellery, and I knew I wanted to be a yoga guide once I decided to take my first teacher training. Through the amazing people that I met in the yoga community and the healing that the practice brought to me, I started to tap into my creativity. My grandmother, Frances Switzer, is the original inspiration behind the jewellery side. She had her own jewellery collection, Frances Switzer Original’s, which she created from antique and unique beads and pendants she collected while traveling the world with my grandpa. My grandpa is an interior designer and had a local Vancouver, furniture manufacturing business for over 50 years, William Switzer and Associates.The creativity and love for beautiful things runs in my blood.

2. What does Soulshine mean to you?

To me, Soulshine is basically exactly what it sounds like. Bringing my inner light, beauty, and healing capabilities out to the world through my creativity and art, and by creating sacred space for people to tap into their intuition for what their body, mind and soul needs.

3. What has been a highlight of having a business?

I feel very grateful that I have this platform from which I can share what is in my heart and soul with others, when sometimes there are no words only art and energy that can portray these things.4. A lot of your jewellery includes the use of natural stones and metal work with symbolism. How do you choose and do you have a favourite?

When creating my pieces, I usually go with my intuition. I try not to think too much, but choose beads and materials that feel right. My creations turn out beautifully and sometimes they surprise me, often the final product is very different from my original vision but I like to just go with the flow of creativity.

If I am creating a custom piece, I like to speak with the client before hand to learn about them, and find out what they are looking for from their special jewellery. Many people come to me with a healing energy that they would like their jewellery to exude for them. With that guidance, I can choose the beads and stones that have certain healing properties.

It is too hard to choose a favourite stone, they are all so beautiful and unique, and bring joy in different ways. I find that I am drawn to work with different materials or stones at certain times, and then I will be drawn to something else. It is all very intuitive.

5. Where do you see your work in 5 years?

I plan to continue to ride the flow of creativity throughout my lifetime. I am sure that as I change and grow, my style and creations will change and grow. I took an intro metal work course last year, and I would love to take more courses in various materials, and it that way my work will develop.

6. Will you have any specials for Art World Expo visitors?

I plan to have many new and exciting pieces for Art World Expo 2018!

Jennifer Wosk

Soulshine Yoga and Jewellery

Jennifer is a Jewellery Designer, Yogini, traveler, and Spiritual Wild Woman of the world, who has a thirst for knowledge of the healing arts and our connection to nature and the divine. She is passionate about creating beautiful pieces of art that both heal and bring beauty to the world and the wearer.

Soulshine Jewellery was originally inspired by Jennifer’s grandmother, Frances Switzer. Frances had a jewellery line, Frances Switzer Original’s which she created from antique beads and pendants that she collected on her world travels. Frances was no longer able to continue her creative work and years later gifted her special collection to Jennifer. Jennifer has had the joy and privilege to honor her grandmother by creating her own jewellery line with her unique style, and by adding to the collection through her travels around the globe. Jennifer loves to work with semi-precious stones, yarn, and beads made from various materials. When collecting beads, it is important to Jennifer to know where and how they are made. She also loves to learn about and share the unique healing qualities of the different semi-precious stones and crystals.

Jennifer is also a yoga and meditation guide, with a focus on the gentler practices like restorative yoga, guided meditation and breath work. She feels that it is important for yoga practitioners to tap into their intuition and practice in a way that suits their unique body, mind and spirit.

Jennifer also works in her family’s business, SwitzerCultCreative, a local Vancouver high-end home furnishings company, where they focus on quality, materials and helping artisans bring their art to the world.

You can find Soulshine Jewellery at www.soulshineyoga.ca and https://www.etsy.com/shop/SoulCollection, as well as various shops in Vancouver, BC.

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 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!

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

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!

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/