This blog area tells you everything you need to know about the Art Exchange activity at the conference and provide “intent to enter” information. You can post questions at the bottom of this blog page or contact fanconfevenyr@gmail.com
Updated April 11th______________________________________________________________________
Why do we do the Art Exchange?
Although a FAN member for many years, my first conference was the on-line one during covid. Linked by Cloth was the theme of the Art Exchange. My first thought was – who would want something I made? But after being encouraged by others, I submitted a piece.
Even though it was done on-line, the Art Exchange activity proved to be very exciting. In the end, I received a piece by Christine Johannick, which I was happy to hang in my studio.
Next year in Winnipeg, I received Thelma Newbury’s work. Wow! Sadly, she left before I could hug her … this piece is also in my studio. In Penticton I added a piece by Annette Cameron to my collection
Count them! That’s 3 original pieces of fibre art from 3 distinguished artists. Get where I am going with this.
And as a huge added bonus FAN members can put a face to my name and perhaps discover a kindred spirit.
You can check below for instructions on how to enter and size requirements. Can’t wait to see all your creations in September.
Darlene Bayley
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Important things to note about the art exchange:
Online Intent to Enter is NOW OPEN & Closes Sept 3, 2024 . The Entry Form opens April 1st & Closes Sept 10, 2024 (no fee). You cannot access the Entry form, until you have completed the Inter to Enter.
(note: about payment – It is free but you still need to check off how you are paying, even through you are not sending a cheque or paying by interact. Darlene checks each day and will mark you off as paid. It is just what the the FAN intent to enter form we are using expects)
Where to find the link? Just go to the FAN Member Exhibits page. On the right hand side there is a purple box that say River City Artwork Exchange. Click on “Read More”. Or if you are in the members only area, this link will take you there. https://www.fibreartnetwork.com/members/member-exhibits/
Happy creating!
Art exchange requirements
- Any fibre type or technique
- Any art style (abstract or representative)
- Either 2D or 3D
- 2D artwork – maximum 48” perimeter, max of any side is 12″, minimum is 6″
- 3D artwork .- Maximum any side 10″, minimum of any side 3″
- If you submit a 3-D artwork, it should be easily carried by hand, or stowable in a carry-on suitcase for recipients who travel by air to the conference.
This year, the Art Exchange will be ‘river city’ inspired. We hope you will interpret some aspect of the North Saskatchewan River Valley, Edmonton itself as a River City or any river theme. Whether fun or serious, your artwork will be a valued keepsake for another FAN member attending the 2024 conference. It is so much fun to share!
___________update February 20, 2024_________________________________________________________________________________
As I was walking in the river valley recently, I was thinking that as it was such a perfect moment and place, it was very hard to leave.
When I travel, I like to find out about the history of a place. I find the most entertaining way is to go on a ghost tour. Key West had the cursed “Robert” doll. Do you recall the Chucky movie? Quebec City is haunted by Canada’s worst marine disaster – the sinking of the Empress of Ireland. In Galveston, I found out I was staying in the most haunted hotel room in the city!! And yes, I did stay in the room and did not experience anything ghostly 😊 Of course, I have checked our conference venue and you will be happy to know that you should not hear any strange bumps in the night!
So, what does this have to do with our conference art exchange?
In my research of ghostly sightings in Edmonton, except for the creepy hospitals, many of the resident ghosts seem to prefer to be near its beautiful river valley location. At the Macdonald Hotel, you might hear a horse galloping on the top floor. Avoiding the former La Boheme B&B is a good idea, especially if you don’t want to deal with the murdered owner’s wife whipping back sheets in the middle of the night. On the south side of the river valley, a short walk from the Paint Spot, a women jilted by her fiancé, who died in a room above the oldest theatre in Edmonton, still wanders the Princess Theatre.
Both sides of the downtown river valley seen to have more than its fair share of hauntings. A block away from our venue, Sam, the lobotomized caretaker, still shows up in both the lady’s washroom and former CKUA studio in the Alberta Block building. A little further away, McKay Ave School has a spectacular view. Can you blame a ghost for staying? Could it be a teacher who never left? And speaking of teachers, be advised that you need to be prepared for sudden temperature drops associated with a former Concordia University professor. Perhaps some of these spirits wanted to continue to enjoy the amazing views from high up on the steep banks of the river.
I can understand why perhaps some spirits, if they do exist, would want to stay near a perfect place. Is there a place imprinted forever in your memory that’s special for you? If you close your eyes and think of it, what do you see? That could be your art exchange – It’s that simple.
Mark on your calendar…. Art Exchange Intent to enter opens March 1st till Sept 3rd. Online entries accepted May 1st to Sept 10th.
___________Update January 10, 2024____________________________________________________________________________________
How does your environment influence your art?
I was musing about this today as I watched a flock of bohemian waxwings, likely numbering close to 400, swoop and seemingly dance across the sky as one. Although when I think about it, it’s the all-year residents, the magpie and chickadee, that put a smile on my face. If a bird shows up in my art it would likely be one of those two. Why them? Is it personality, boldness, resilience, appearance, abundance? Sometimes I wonder with plummeting bird populations, if we no longer see them, will they still show up in the art of future generations.
According to this year’s Edmonton annual Christmas bird count the black billed magpie was the most frequently observed bird and the black capped chickadee came in 3rd. So maybe it is familiarity. But I think it is more than that. Even if you didn’t like the magpie’s personality you have to admire its sense of family and striking appearance. On my river valley walks, especially where people leave out seeds, you have to laugh at the chickadee’s boldness and assumption that any outstretched hand is a perch and potentially a food offering to them. Thankfully you don’t have to be concerned a flock of waxwings will make that assumption!! (BTW they came in 2nd)
Are birds a favourite subject in your art? i wouldn’t be surprised to see a magpie or chickadee show up at our FAN art exchange. What do you think the FAN conference 2024 “bird count” will be ?
(photo’s by Greg Wallace and0 can be used by FAN members)
Send us comments or questions through the comment section at the bottom of this blog page.
I entered an Intent, and marked that the Entry Fee (which is $0) would be sent by cheque. At the end it said that my Intent had been received but not accepted because the fee had not been paid. I’m confused. Can you clarify please?
Not to worry. You are fine. Darlene checks the intents each day and marks you down as “paid”.