It is almost a month and a half now since Covid-19 was declared a global Pandemic and our lives here in North America went topsy turvy. I think a lot of people are appreciating the warmer weather, but not sure how they are going to enjoy it this summer. All of our plans are under revision now.
Amidst a whole raft of summer event cancellations, it was announced this week that the Calgary Exhibition & Stampede is officially cancelled for 2020. I anticipated this, however I know that the organizers, competitors, exhibitors and vendors were all hoping that somehow it could go ahead. The event brings millions of visitors from all over the globe to Calgary, and generates multi-millions of dollars of revenue. There are visual artists in the Artist’s Studios section for whom substantial incomes are made from just this one 10 day event. I am not one of them; this would have been just my second year participating in the commissioned sales section. However I will miss the chance to connect with art lovers and build audience while making a few sales and engaging in the lively spirit Stampede brings to the city. If you are interested in buying one of the paintings I would have shown, contact me. They are 6″ x 8″ oil on canvas and priced at 295 CAD each.
Butter Tart 
Nanaimo Bar 
Saskatoon Berry Jam II
We are a little over a week into the pre-sale on originals and limited edition prints of a selection of the Covid-19 drawings. I am really appreciative of the people who have already purchased originals and prints. Each person who purchases during the pre-sale will also receive an 11 x 17 portfolio of the first 19 for Covid-19 Sketchbook drawings. Be sure to order before the pre-sale closes on May 11th to get that.
I am amazed that, even though times are uncertain, so many people are supporting the studio. Because of this, I am making a few videos about my experience making art during Covid-19. The first one (below) was posted to my Youtube channel yesterday, and asks the question: can an art business grow even during Covid-19? I answer that question with my story (spoiler, the answer is yes).
I am still thinking about why this is possible; it makes no logical sense to me. I have always been told that art is a luxury, and the first thing to be sacrificed during times of insecurity. Perhaps art is not such a luxury after all? Perhaps it serves some vital purpose? My next week video will be about lessons I learned making art during Covid-19. If I have any insights to that question by then, I will share them in that video. If you are curious to see that video be sure to subscribe to my Youtube channel so you don’t miss it. I appreciate your subscriptions as, should one day I reach 1000 subscribers (I’m a long way from that yet), Youtube will actually send a little money my way when people view my videos. It is a great way to support my studio at no additional cost.
Okay, how about we all get some sun with a socially distanced walk or some yard work? I think I will be cleaning and setting up my patio after my work is done today. Thanks for reading, see you next week!