December's Holiday Gathering

Cathie shows Reg how to get started....

Our December get together happened in Cathie Hamilton's studio at NGB Studios down on Cataraqui St.  Thanks to Cathie and the others we had lots of Christmas treats: shortbread cookies, fruit, hot apple cider and tangerines!


We talked about  'Square' update that you can now process American Express credit cards online.

Of course we chatted about our shows over the holiday sales season and about the smaller shows that have cropped up.

...and away he goes!

There are a lot more small in house/studio 'open house' selling weekends, I did one with Tamara of Latimer Soaps and Corinna of Nikita sauces (find her in the market in season) and Yolanda of Yolanda's Glass Jewelry. We had a lovely weekend though not a lot of traffic...the idea worked well and our set up was good. We had munchies and hot apple cider and, though we all made sales, it's always nicer to do more.

We need to do more promo....learning!

Anyway, after the official part of our morning Cathie had set up for any of us who would like to try encaustic to give it a whirl! Reg and Carolyn (me) were enthusiastic and sat down to learn about the wax, and a fairly simple technique with a small iron and other hot tools to melt and work with the wax.

Carolyn's work.

I was intrigued by the way you move the different colours of wax around to create things such as the sky. Maybe I'll go back one day to experiment with patterns.

Here is what I worked on....really fun!















Cathie is offering more workshops in the New Year...here are the particulars...

With 2014 fast approaching it seems like only yesterday we were all panicked about Y2K scuppering all our computers and online stuff! Now we're panicking about global warming and the crazy weather...at least all the shovelling and breaking up of ice keep us fairly fit...it's becoming a regualar thing.

Our first get together of the New Year and I'll host it at my house:

January 7th 2014  11am

Carolyn Barnett

14 Richard Street (in Portsmouth Village)

613-545-5986

September's Artists Round Table

This month we to meet at Anglin Bay Pottery studio, Jane Thelwell's busy going concern, as the weather is warm and we could sit in her delightful seating area.

Jane ran with the group and lead us with topics to do with upcoming shows, current shows, calls for entry and such.  We talked about shows and what kind of size they are, what kind of attendees there are and the nature of work which fits best: high end work or small gift ware.

As artisans we have to have both our treasured art pieces, large and expensive and also smaller less expensive items as 'bread & butter' items which can be purchased as impulse buying. It is so exciting when you sell a $400 item to someone who sees it, loves in an decides it has to be there but those sales are the exception. 

Also, lots of people would love to have our work but cannot afford our main pieces so it is lovely to have small pieces for impulse buying, a gift of just a treat for themselves. I have wraps, scarves and pins, photographers have their work on not cards or small prints, potters have mugs, jewellers might have small silver rings or charms, and so on.

We went over some dates such as the Downtown Art After Dark is on September 27th.

Also, Fat Goose Art Fair is coming up and there might still be time to sign up for a table. 

Nicole Couture-Lord is exhibiting at Wolfe Island Bakery 311 Queen Street from Sept 3 - Oct 15th during restaurant hours.

Anglin Bay Pottery at NGB Studios.

Sarah Washbush, Project Manager at the Ontario Crafts Council, is coming to Kingston to do a leaning session on...

Craft Export Rediness

It will be at the boardroom at Innovation Park, Mark Hanley from KEDCO has graciously

assisted me with this.

Tuesday October 1st

5-7pm

Jane showing us a group firing ready to be taken out of the kiln.

Our next get together will be at Tina Roeder's house on Maitland October 1st....

I'll send out a reminder.

 

August's Artists Round Table...

....trying to have real 'Summery' get togethers we met on my deck in Portsmouth Village (we got comfier chairs now) and be surrounded  by sun & flowers (well...we tried).

Not only did we have a nice group - what is is with the photographers in our midst...we always have about three?! Anyway, Reg kindly brought too many cookies, Cathie brought cookies  and I had made Ikea ginger cookies so we had a bit of a cookie swap at the end of the get together.

Ilana McGrath joined us.

 We had a guest of honour (sort of) - Ilana McGrath daughter of Joan McGrath of 29 years of Fanfayr fame. She had called me to say in turning our her late mother's cupboards there was lots of wool and a collection of knitting and knitting needles. I told her I would see that what I couldn't use would be passed on to a good home. I have already taken some pieces to Value Village so someone who hasn't quite the funds can still knit that warm sweater.  Ilana talked to us about her Mum, Fanfayr and joined us for most of an hour.
We had our usual  catch up, introducing each other to Ilana and talking about our get togethers and how we catch each other up on new shows, review shows we've just done, discuss the ins and outs of the business side of being and artist. I think I was about to do the Sheepdog trials.





One of us arrived on her new wheels!!!! Annette rode up on a brand spanking new e-bike in zingy purple. I got all excited because for a number of years when I was in my twenties I rode around on a Honda 70 motorcycle and loved it.











 I really wanted to see what the ebike is all about.
It seems great for a town like Kingston to get around and do your shopping, get to work etc. They are easy to park and have lovely luggage compartments......of course I had to have a 'go'!

Isn't this great art? I thought it looked like a serpent's head.

Helmeted and ready to go....

Since the meeting the Sheepdog Trials have happened and I did about the same as usual, it was good for me. I moved my felted vests, a sweater and gleaned one or two more for my latest workshop.

On my way up our street!

That's one thing about shows, if you are teaching, looking for participants for workshops a good group of people can be reached, seeing your work and taking an interest in trying it for themselves...even as a one time thing and taking it no further. I have known people taking workshops, not pursuing it but still supporting artisans with their purchases as they have a better understanding of what goes into the creation.

Now we start to talk about the Fall events we have booked, shows, exhibitions, workshops. New work for these and for the holiday gift giving in a few months.

More discussions at the September 3rd A.R.T..... We'll let you know where we are going to meet....any offers? If you have an interesting studio and feel like having a small group out for coffee and cookies....let us know.

A Little Potty...

Digging around my computer and the internet I found this and wondered if I had posted it here....apparently not...so here goes.

Clay Journeys at the Grist Mill in Westport Ontario opened today. 

Remember ... Augusts Artists Round Table get together...Carolyn's place..

14 Richard Street

Tuesday August 6th 11am. 

June's ART

Another ART gathering, at my house this month. I had hoped to sit outside on the deck but the weather just wasn't cooperative.

We had a good gab about shows and what was going on in Kingston and surrounding area. Here are a couple of pics taken by Reg and by Tina. 

As a note, Reg is looking for anyone who wants to go to Algonquin Park in mid to end of September for a couple of days to look at the galleries, take photographs and to paint....who knew Reg painted!

Anyway, if you are interested get in touch with Reg: gaitken3@cogeco.ca 

We'll have our July, August & September gatherings outside and I'm happy to host them on my deck as we have done in past Summers. Also there are no parking problems here in the village.  If anyone has something they want to do/present/show do let us know and we can go to your place and work on something different.

This weekend is Art Among the Ruins in Newburgh on Saturday. A few of us will be there, like Jane Thellwell....with her wheel.

Drive out and enjoy music, bbq and Summer in the country.

Check out the info for AATR web site.

Also, Artfest Kingston is coming up on Canada Day weekend in City Park.

See you next month - July 2nd 11am.

April's A.R.T & Business

Well, we had our meeting at Tina Roeder's and there were seven of us all with news about things we have just done or are involved in now. It was a busy meeting with lots explored and great rhubarb cake made by Tina.

Joanne Hoftyzer is looking for two or three other artists to exhibit with her in Amherstview...give her a call or drop her an email:  613-384-5508  jhoftyzer@cogeco.ca.

Nicole Coture-Lord announced the photography exhibition at the Central branch of the Public Library in the Wilson Room, the Kingston Photographic Club....go take a look, I went to the opening evening, which is always a great time to go as you meet the photographers and get to ask questions. A wonderful exhibition.

Cathy Hamilton talked about her work being on exhibition at the Wolfe Island Bakery for June & July, also at the Vaga Gallery in Gananoque which is open from May to October.

Reg Aitken who is a photographer, talked about wanting to get back to his painting, with oils, acrylics, something which was a surprise to us that he painted! Also he wants to add stones to the walking sticks he makes....as we are all getting on a bit we might want a well made, smart cane in the future!

Annette told us about some of the groups she has come to Reg's Ceramics, groups of folk with disabilities and also teens. Something popped into my mind and I suggested she might approach real estate agents to come and have a fun afternoon or evening making gifts for their clients. Many years ago when I closed on a house in the Beach in Toronto my agent came and gave me a beautiful dried flower wreath which she had purchased from another Beach artisan....who I came to know. I still have it. One of Reg's vases hand painted by an agent would make a memorable gift to a home purchaser....I thought so anyway.

Tina said not much had been happening business wise but now things are picking up and she's getting busy....perhaps wedding season helps in her line.

My booth in aisle I.

I had just come back from the One of a Kind show in Toronto where I had been for five long days over Easter.  As I hadn't done 2012 this was a fresh feeling for me and I enjoyed it and learned some new things I wanted to share.

Card Readers.

We often have conversations about taking credit cards in our studios and at shows and the different companies and ways. I have used Visa for thirty years, MC for about 15 and Am Ex for about 12 (I make one Am Ex sale per year but at least I don't miss it!)

We have discussed point of sale devices that you rent, PayPal, Moneris and other ways.  I found a new way at the show that I saw many artists using especially the woman next to me where I learned lots and got to pick her brain....she was great.

I have used PAYD since I enrolled last year for the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition but now I have Square...I enrolled on my laptop late one night and sent my husband out the next day to pick up a card reader at Best Buy. I made one sale, the company verified my account and the money is in my account.

You use these on your smart phones or iPad.

Pros & Cons:
PAYD has a sales limit of $2000 per month but up that to $1500 for shows. Square hasn't a ceiling.
PAYD is 2.75% whether you swipe or key in the credit card. Square is 2.75% for swiped but over 3% for keyed in. Square adds in tax (you set that up.


Those are the main things but Square has a wonderful app that if you are using it on your iPad (or even your smart phone) you can inventory your stock!

Anyway, when I was setting up I felt old as all about me were young things (30somethings) but I learned from them, shared with them and found out that my other neighbour recognized my name as she had been on the OAC jury for one of my grant applications!!!!! She told me she didn't understand the reasoning behind some of the awards and denials! (I think she thought I should have had one).

Fun & Inspiration with March's ART Speaker.

Deborah Windsor

Our March Artists Round Table group was a runaway success and really interesting. We had Deborah Windsor as our guest speaker and we also had a good bunch attending.

Cathie & I sit near the cookies!

Deb and I are on the Board of Directors for the Kingston Arts Council together and while doing one of our charity Bingo shifts together we got chatting about being an artist and making a living....maybe someone had just won $150 or something. Deborah was full of ideas for me to pursue in different directions with my work. I said I had wanted to write a book about my 30 years in my branch of textiles....she suggested I go for a writer's grant....now how long would it have taken me to think of that? I would have only thought of OAC craft project or development grants. 

Jane contributes.

It was a lovely meeting also because as we now hold them at various members homes or studios we were at Jane Thelwell's and got to enjoy looking at her collection of a)cups for the coffee she brewed and b) her art.

We also were joined by a new member from Bath, Janice Teare who owns and runs the Academy Gallery in Bath. Welcome, Janice.

We always go around introducing ourselves and telling of anything we have happening by way of shows, exhibitions etc. Deb's method was to go around our number and have us talk about anything we had done with our art/craft/discipline that made us money and was a great experience and fun. 

A good group.

She then pointed out how we should endeavour to do that again or enlarge upon it or work in a different way in the future. I had told her about the theatre costume work I had done, especially while I was living in Toronto. It was good work and well paid. With her suggestions I've started by putting a Theater Costume page on my web site! (why didn't I think of that!!!)

It was good to feed off each other which is what we try to do each month, sharing our ideas and events.  Finding out what each of us is doing that we might also participate in or shoot for.

Tina & Chips...rapt.

 Speaking of things to do, Lindsey Fair asked me to tell everyone about the new Fort Henry plans involving a market that will last all Summer in the Upper Fort. A place they want to showcase artisans, a place for visitors to shop without having to pay to get into the fort...they will have to pay to get into the lower fort. Anyway here's the link for more info......Fort Henry Market

I'm not sure who we will have next month or where we will have it. I'll work on that but welcome input as I'm preparing for and participating in the One of a Kind show from March 27 - 31st.

FYI... Kingston Arts & Letters Club recent events...  

http://kingartsletters.wordpress.com/2013/03/14/new-happenings-at-the-al-club/

March ART Speaker

Do come to  Jane Thelwell's place - 2 Bay St, Apt 306.  to listen to and talk with Deborah Windsor (my colleague on the board of the Kingston Arts Council).

We were doing a Bingo (OLG) shift and chatting about getting further with my work and career...couldn't think of what to explore next and she came up with a list of ideas for me.

Deborah Windsor

This is her pic from the KAC and it's not good....she smiles much more!

Deborah Windsor is a cultural industry executive with over twenty years experience in all facets of Not For Profit Management.  Deborah is a seasoned CEO with proven ability to identify opportunities, deliver on strategic objectives, energize teams, and improve financial performance. Deborah was educated at Saint Mary’s University and Dalhousie University in Halifax and has held senior management positions with The Writers’ Union of Canada, The Canadian Television Fund, CAW Community Development Group and Université Sainte-Anne Société de Logement. Deborah, a skilled communicator experienced in marketing, stake holder engagement and media and government relations, has utilized her skills to create festivals in Canada and India. She is a team builder driven by her commitment to community involvement. Deborah lives in Kingston, Ontario with her partner author Ray Argyle.

March 5th 10:30am Jane Thelwell's place

2 Bay St #306

phone:613.583.6398

jane.thelwell@sympatico.ca 

    

carolyn@barnett-knits.com

February's Really Fun ART

What do we do at an Artists Round Table meeting you ask. After this post you are going to be scratching your heads even more and wondering if some of us should be allowed out!

We had

Cathie Hamilton as Mermaid with Annie & Reg

On Tuesday we met at Puppet Annie's studio in the Upper Canada Academy of Performing Arts...a huge room overlooking Brock street and full of giant puppets, shapes, fabrics, sparkly things........

Annie brought out this mermaid of papier machè and Reg volunteered to model it....he had to stand on a chair...it's huge! Then Cathie climbed onto the chair.

Both Reg and Cathie are the two members who attended who have mobility difficulties but it was those two who climbed up behind this 'costume'!!! Annie are you working miracles with your fun?

Liza with a C!?

Well, then there was the hat and the phrase: 'Wilkomen, Bienvenue, Welcome'  jumped into my head. Yeah, that's me doing the Liza Minelli impression!!

I took this shot across the studio...in the foreground is a dragon with a purple dragon head by the door. I picked it up and realized it would take one person to hold the head alone. There are heads, hands, faces, hair, puppets...... Annie had just had a group of children in for a day so there was beautifully colourful disarray.

Yeah, Reg & Annie again.

We did settle down to talk about the 2013 Artist Educator Foundations Course for Artists which I would really like to take but I'm booked those weekends. Too short notice for this and we need to know more. Jane Thelwell might be taking it though ..... you'd have to ask Jane if that's what she is doing....if so I'm jealous! Next year perhaps.

As we have several photographers who meet with us Nicole brought us some information on copyright and licensing of photography. Here is a site to check out...
http://www.cipo.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/cipointernet-internetopic.nsf/eng/Home?OpenDocument

A costume maker's dream.

We are having Deborah Windsor speak with us next month about grants, making your dreams work for you and moving forward as artisans. As a fellow Kingston Arts Council board member I've had some great conversations with her and really want to listen to her more and pick her brain.You will have the opportunity on March 5th at Jane Thelwell's place (details will go out closer to time on the Artists Round Table Google Group email).

If the shoe fits...Cinderella!

I had a question about HST so we discussed the how's and wherefores of the taxes to which we have been subject over the past few decades and Jane suggested that as the cost of living goes up so should the GST/HST limit. It's been $30,000 since it came in in the eighties. Before that we only had to collect/remit 7%.  I've decided to drag someone in from the tax offices of the government to clear things up, inform us and answer questions...I'll try for our April or May meeting.

See you March 5th.

2013 January's Artists Round Table

On January 8th we met at Tina Roeder's house for our Artists Round Table meeting and we had a very fun and animated gathering...though there were only 4 of us...Tina, Annette, Annie (who I always call Puppet Annie) and me.

I was early so Tina and I sat and discussed shipping our work and the ins and outs of sending knits and precious metals around the world and having our goods arrive. No one at any post office will steal socks but Tina has had jewellery go out into the ether, never to be seen again.

We had last January's meeting at Tina's house and each time we get to look at her work and find out a little about her techniques.

Our February meeting will be at Puppet Annie's place on Brock Street.

Our March meeting (haven't decided where) will involve speaker Deborah Windsor who will speak to us about moving forwards, making our dreams work and about grants. She is a great brain to pick so do come out for Deb.

I'll post to the Artists Round Table email list more information.

Happy New Year.