March 5, 09, Art Events in Toronto, Invitation Reminder: Portrait Society of Canada’s Annual Juried Show, Opening Reception Tomorrow Night. Please Join Us!
The Portrait Society of Canada’s annual show includes the work of 42 member-artists. One piece was chosen from each. I was at the host gallery (John B. Aird) on the weekend, for delivery, and got a preview. What a wonderfully varied exhibition! No two paintings are the same in any way: size, media, scale, theme… There truly is something for every taste and interest, and some of the pieces are for sale. For those who love portrait painting, and are curious to meet the artists behind the paintings, this is a great opportunity. For those who are unfamiliar with portrait painting, this is also a great opportunity—to learn more about it, and get involved with fundraising efforts for a contemporary Canadian portrait gallery in Toronto.
Possible schedule conflicts: Toronto Art Expo and the The Artist’s Project (Toronto) open the same night (March 5). Having participated in both of these shows last year (The Artist’s Project as part of Artropolis in Chicago), I am happy with my decision to not be involved with them this year.
Artists are repeatedly approached to submit applications and pay big bucks to display their work. Once their money is down, there can be multiple organizational disappointments (not of their creation). Unfortunately, usually, those who gain the most (financially, especially) are those who own and/or manage shows and/or run competitions, or offer to represent artists and/or sell their artwork, in person, on location, or on-line.
Artists, please beware! General public, please be aware! What really happens behind the scenes matters, and not just at the time, subsequently. Another blog post will be coming shortly, about scams and advantage-taking of artists, particularly those who are just emerging. In the meantime, please look back to earlier art show blog posts. These include:
• Art Shows: Business Priorities Versus Exhibitor Satisfaction (July 23, 2008)
• Change of Date, Change of Fate: Toronto Art Expo 08 Snowed Under (March 16, 2008)
Numerous unreturned e-mails and phone messages later, the organizer of Toronto Art Expo still hasn’t provided me with receipts from last year.
To see examples of my portraiture (recent and past) please check out the Figurative Gallery on the DocSusan site.
