vancouver artists

Top 3 Reasons to Exhibit at the Art World Expo Shows!

Whether you are an artist or business, we want to help you at our events this year! Join the Art World Expo family today! Gain a spot on our roster and gain a whole new family too!

#1 Reach new markets!

Every year, we work hard to get thousands of people to our events in British Columbia and Alberta! Not only do we see lots of new guests attending our shows each year, we also offer free admission to our Christmas Fair so that guests do not have to buy tickets at all! Since 2010, we have seen over 20,000 people attend our various shows in Vancouver, Edmonton and Toronto! Pretty amazing! This doesn’t even include our mailing list features, social media followers or online events that we host either!

Aryn Effert in Edmonton, Alberta-March 2018 Show! Photo by Richard Beaudoin.Amazing body painters in Edmonton’s March 2018 show! Photo by Richard Beaudoin.

Line ups each year at the Vancouver show at Telus World of Science! Get your ticket early!
#2 As a vendor, you get support!

Our mission is to continually help our members grow their business. We know it can be hard to be an artist out there and we pride ourselves as being one of the only shows in North America with an extensive services menu for artists which includes things like a vendor only membership group, advertising in our newsletter, one on one coaching calls or meetings monthly as well as support on social media! We also host Art World Expo Speaker Series every few months! These are free events for our members to learn about all sorts of things related to business! Learn more about our membership benefits here!

Billie Sinclair came to speak in May 2018 and we had a Social Media Training in August 2017. We have an array of opportunities for vendors to learn how to grow and get better at business all year round! These sessions are always free for members!

#3 Brand Recognition

When you show your work in one of our events, you gain ongoing brand recognition year round! We post event photos of all of our vendors, body painters, performers and business booths after the event which stay up indefinitely! We also do cool things like post your photo on our social media throughout the year including tags to your page, share your work on our Facebook cover albums, feature your upcoming events in our membership group or newsletter and if we can, we do live interviews with you via cool marketing with other well known brands. Check out what we did with Genesis Richmond this past spring on our Youtube Channel. Here’s our cool Interview with Carolyn Bruce Designs! She’s amazing by the way!

We pride ourselves in not only putting on exciting events that appeal to a variety of guests, but also to our continued dedication to the arts professionals and businesses who participate in our events. We have been offering these shows and services for almost a DECADE and aren’t planning on stopping anytime soon! We have worked with some amazing artists, brands and corporations who continuously support our shows and we want to help you succeed as a business too!

Looking forward to seeing you at the shows this season!

Call us today to book your booth or fill in the online form here today!

Interview with Edmonton Artist Marty Johnson

By Monika Blichar

It’s exciting to expand Art World Expo. Our latest project in Edmonton is only adding fuel to the fire for making this event stand out from the crowd. Today, I caught up with Edmonton based artist Marty Johnson for MJ Designs to ask about his work and what we can expect from him at our March 16 event in Edmonton!

1-When did you start making art?

Art has always been a part of my life as a creative outlet and a way of procrastinating from things I should have been doing as a child. I chose a profession in massage therapy as I ventured into the ‘real world’ out of school. It wasn’t until a decade later that I felt I had learned what I needed in terms of self motivation to be able to create on a schedule. It was about that time when I started focusing on my art more. I had met some like minded people that wanted to create as well. This and with my training in massage therapy I started to put my creative abilities and comfortableness with bodies together. This was a challenge in the beginning. These open minded friends helped me venture into body painting. I now have such a wide variety of artistic mediums that I like to work with. Challenging myself to step out of my box has become a way of life with my art. And I love each new challenge as I succeed and fail because that is what growth is.

2-Your project for Canada’s 150th Birthday was amazing! What inspired you to use body paint in this project?

This project was a team effort between myself, a wonderful Photographer Christine Young and a creative Hair stylist Hollie George. Hollie first proposed the idea of a group body paint project. Us 3 met for a creative meeting about ideas and quickly developed into this amazing Canadian Body Paint artwork. As a team we narrowed down what aspects to show for each province. We know there are many beautiful and wonderful things each province has to show but we chose specific aspects that impacted us.

This was a 2 year long project and I specifically wanted to challenge myself more than I had in the past. I wanted artistic poses instead of painting just backs of people. I also decided to include a sunset, daylight and night scenes highlighting different aspects of Canada, like the beautiful aurora borealis in the northern provinces and territories. As you look at this piece keep in mind that we did not paint each province in sequence. For example BC was painted almost a year apart from AB.

We couldn’t have been happier to complete it on our Nation’s 150th birthday year.

3-What is your favourite medium to work with?

At present I have enjoyed acrylic paint the most but I have not ventured into oils or water colours. Sculpting I have enjoyed sand, snow, ice and foam.

I am a person that loves to try new mediums based on the creative job presented to me. If you ask me the same question next year it may be completely different and that’s what I love about art, we are our only limitation.

4-What kinds of work will you have at the Edmonton Art World Expo? Will you have any show specials?

I will be bringing three different series with me. The Canada Body Paint images of course. A must see! The other two, you’ll have to come check out for yourself. I’ll have originals, prints as well as some products with my art on them so there will be something for anyone.

5-Where would you like to see your business in 5 years?

Hmmmm…business and art, what an odd mix. At present I am guest curating a project with the art gallery in my home town. I continue to have doors open up to me that I never even knew existed. It will be a wonderful time these next five years. I love competing. I love creating custom artworks for people. And I love working on my own projects. I believe I am at a cusp of discovery within myself and the direction I am headed. My direction has been more custom work for individuals but I will be creating works of art based more on what moves me. I believe the next five years will have two paths; moving emotional artwork and products as well as competing in more renowned competitions.

6-What advice would you give to emerging artists?

Simply I suggest to try and fail, but try again. Creativity is always a learning process so don’t be afraid to fail. Some of my best lessons I have learned from not succeeding. Do not ever think you can’t learn more and from many professionals in different fields. Be open to any lesson that is being presented because they are everywhere.

Learn more about Marty on his website and make sure to get your tickets to the event! http://www.mjdesignsart.com/

Boxing Week Specials!

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

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.

Artist Feature Galina Lukshina

Статья на Русском

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By Iryna Petrenko

Artists are people who live in their own world of fantasy, dreams, emotions and feelings. Each one of them chooses a way to express their ideas of the universe and show their inner world.

Graphic artists choose sharp lines, creative thinking and unstable space. They are able to reveal the infinity and variety of such laconic graphic work. Traditional painting requires the artist to obey the established canons, but it is the graphics that open up the whole breadth of possibilities, freeing the imagination of the artist, limited only by the white sheet of paper.

Galina Lukshina is a visionary artist. She is an amazing woman who creates truly beautiful, mystical and unique pieces, expressing her own perception of the world, revealing feelings and emotions, flaunting human weaknesses and joy. Because of her talent, skill, desire to create and irrepressible imagination, these incredibly beautiful, bright and at times bizarre drawings make it impossible to remain indifferent.

The secrets of the artist are very simple: the creation of an image, regardless of the subject, must pass through the prism of their own sensations and emotions. By investing part of her own soul in each painting, Galina fills it with positive energy and feelings that she wishes to convey to the viewer. What makes her work entirely different from other artists, is the sincerity with which she animated her subjects. The author chooses unusual angles and creates dynamic images. Sharp hatching makes the picture come to life, the characters soar, taking the viewer into their realm.

The main theme of Galina Lukshina’s works is the inner dialogue of Man with God. These conversations encompass the whole universe in her paintings, where you are greeted with silent sadness, hopes for the future, parental joy, and childish naivety. All this is closely intertwined with surrealism, mysticism, and sometimes esotericism. Somehow, surprisingly, this emotional whirlwind is brought into balance and harmony by the artist.

There is a deep connection with folklore in Galina’s art. Belief in one’s own creation is present in many ancient rituals. Ukrainian folk embroidery is one of them. Our ancestors believed that you can embroider your destiny. In the modern world, we call it visualization. Galina found her way to create the future. She embroiders it in her paintings, and it projects into her life. When she was a child, Galina painted her daughter, and this drawing became a reality. Her daughter Alisa is not only the artist’s favorite creation, but also an endless source of inspiration for her work.

“I drew her when I was a child and was working on finishing this drawing for a long time. And now we often draw together, and together we see much better vision ahead. Alisa now lives in another country, married, but space does not separate us at all. On the contrary, the world in our minds is compressed to convenient values and this does not affect the quality of our communication. Here is Alisa, this is my most Important, the Best and most Significant Creation. I understand the world more clearly and distinctly through her now. I had a quantum leap because of her birth. Transition to a new level of consciousness. “(From an interview with the artist)

Alisa Lukshina is also an artist, and an actress. Actively filming, she also helps with sales of her mother’s paintings and organizing exhibitions.

Galina Lukshina has repeatedly participated in international art competitions in Spain, France, Germany, China, Australia, the USA and Mexico, and in 2004 her personal exhibition in Russia was held. Her works are in private collections in Ukraine, Europe and the USA. Among other things, the artist and her team are now working on preparing for another personal exhibition in Moscow.

There is a wonderful person and a musician, who needs to be mentioned. Alexandr Balunov, the founder of a famous music group Korol & Shoot (The king and the jester). He loves Lukshina’s art and has commissioned a few paintings. He decorated his new house with the art. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFtfxzYOJWU.

Today, Galina’s works can be seen and even purchased on the pages of the Internet store https://www.etsy.com/shop/LukshinaArt where the detailed photo gallery of the finished works is presented, and there is an opportunity to make an order for original artwork, as a custom order printed T-Shirt.

Unique presentation, bright and memorable images, kindness and true human warmth are all present in the artwork of Galina, who invites everybody to travel through her magical worlds.

Let’s Touch Base with Ryan Broderick

by Monika Blichar

Ryan Broderick first came to our studio in North Van with his dad in 2015. He was barely 19 at the time and on record, our youngest exhibiting artist. Though he was young, his talent and drive to succeed in the arts has been a pleasure to watch since his first exhibit with us. He has had his work up in galleries, arts councils and has been creating innovative and unique work since we met him and likely, long before then! We caught up with Ryan and look forward to his exhibition at the 2018 Vancouver event on May 11, 2018 at Telus World of Science.

1-What inspires you as an artist?

I strongly believe that art comes in many forms, but it is all created for the same reason. It is a form of expression. Certain moments and interests in my life assist in inspiring what and how I paint. I am a story teller, but without words being spoken or written. I provide the viewer a story with the intention of sharing similar emotions through the aesthetics.

2-You showed at AWE 2017 and one of your pieces, the razor blades, was really striking and made impressions on a lot of guests. Can you tell us about this piece?

In this piece, I explore the idea of creating skin with X-Acto blades. Giving a found object a new purpose was accomplished by using the two different coloured blades to create the human head. The X-Acto blades create a sense of dimension, as well as a layer of protection for the figure. The eyes have been painted in order to create a glare that pulls the viewer into feeling this figure is a real human. The eyes create questioning of the thoughts going on in the figures mind. The X-Acto blades on the other hand, creates a distance and pushes the viewer back. The X-Acto blades are to represent the first layer of skin that humans put up against others.

3-What mediums do you like to work in the most?

I ideally work with acrylic paint as it dries fast. This allows me to work on a piece for a long duration of time. However, I have recently found an enjoyment using found objects, for instance the razor blades. I found this to be a challenging material to work with, but it gives a mesmerizing result. The use of the razor blades created a dimensional wall piece rather than a flat image.

4-As an artist, what do you think has been the most significant piece that you have made to date?

My razor blade art piece has had the biggest impact on people and has created the most conversation. The style creates a distinct touch that can further be noticed as a piece done by me. This art piece takes on a new aspect on materials and a new element to art. I found a lot of people were surprised once they realized what it was made out of and it hadthem asking questions. The want of asking questions is exactly what I try to create through my art.

5-Will you have Art World Expo special offers or limited edition works available this year?

I will not have any special offers or limited edition works but I will have on display more art like the razor blade piece. These will be ongoing art projects I do over the next few months and could range in materials. The Art World Expo is intended to be the first showing of these pieces for the public to view in person. Photographs online will be the only interaction to get a feel for the art before getting up close and personal.

6-Where would you like to see your art career go in the next 5 years?

I plan on having my Master’s Degree in the Fine Arts Visual Arts. This will hopefully open up opportunities to have galleries represent me and allow my art to be more available to the public.

To view more work from Ryan Broderick, please visit his Facebook Page.

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 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 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

Last Day to Submit at the Early Bird Rate-Vancouver!

Are you an artist who needs some exposure for your art? Do you create something that is unique and out of the box?

We are looking for YOU! Be sure to take advantage of the early bird rates as an Art World Expo TM exhibitor and join one of the most interesting shows in Vancouver, and now Toronto!

Application forms for Vancouver artists and more information can be found: HERE