Friday, September 5, 2014

Celebration of Colour - Saskatchewan Style

I'm ready for my Saskatchewan Exhibition - Celebration of Colour.

We are packing up the car on Sunday and heading out to the prairies for our bi-annual art show in Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan. I lived there for 7 years and I have a strong following of patrons. It also gives us an excuse to go on a beautiful drive through the mountains visiting friends and family along the way.

Getting ready for my show:
Last fall, after deciding on a date for the show, I went on a quest to find a venue. Fort Qu'Appelle is not a big place, approximately 2500 folks call it home. There are a few vacant buildings in town, which I could rent, as well as an arts centre. I first approached the arts centre to book the show, however, unfortunately I was unable to negotiate a contract with them. I decided on renting the Old Train Station which now is the information booth. It is centrally located, right on highway 10 and a funky place to have an art show. It closes after labour day weekend, so I can have the whole building to myself. Cool!


A month ago I mailed out my invitations. Yes I still like to use Canada Post for this. I believe receiving an actual invitation in the mail is powerful and makes an impact. A paper invitation can be put on the fridge or stuck on the wall in your office as a constant reminder.


I sent out email blast invitations as well and did my due-diligence with Facebook postings.

I set up a gallery page on my website with a preview of some of the paintings that we are taking.

Next I sent a press release and advertisement to the local newspaper, to be printed a week before the event. I also sent press releases along with images to arts councils and newspapers within 100 mile radius of the event.

Yesterday I talked to my mom about making me a nice sweet treat to serve at the show. I thought she would like to contribute to my success. Thanks mom.

That's it for now. All we have to do is pack up the paintings on Sunday, along with signs, lights, a few snacks and drive the 1991 kilometres to Fort Qu'Appelle Sask. (thanks L & L)

Once we are there, I have posters to put up around town, a liquor licence to buy, pick up the key to the old train station and set up for a 'really big show'.

Easy breezy!

Till Next Time ...
From the Prairies, to the West Coast and Beyond...
Susan