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

Spring Thaw

Goodbye my friend! Enjoy your new home.

"Spring Thaw", 20 x 16" acrylic on canvas

This is an acrylic painting that I started a few years back when I was still living in the Qu'Appelle Valley in Saskatchewan. Look familiar?

After a harsh and long winter, it is glorious to see the first signs of spring; the lakes starting to thaw, the snow vanishing on the tops of the hills ...

Today I sent this painting to a gallery in Regina. How ironic that I painted it in Saskatchewan, moved it out to BC and now it is returning to the prairies.

"From the Prairies ... to the West Coast ... and back again."

Till Next Time ... Susan

June in Saskatchewan

As many may know I am born and raised a Prairie Flower. Going back and forth to Sask. several times a year keeps me grounded.

This June was no exception. We crossed the ocean, over the mountains, through the desert, through heat, rain, snow and fog, across the lone prairie to the glorious Qu'Appelle Valley just in time for Tuesday night wings and beer.

June 11th marked my 5-hour one-day only Art Show and Sale in Fort Qu'Appelle, "From the Prairies, to the West Coast ... and Back Again". The local newspaper ran a wonderful article which brought in several curious art lovers. Along with my usual marketing of invitations and email reminders, the flow of art connoisseurs was constant throughout the day. Of the 38 pieces on display, almost half were sold to art lovers and now make their homes in Saskatchewan. What a great reminder of my connection to the prairies!

The next day we were off to my dad's farm for a family reunion on the Schaefer side. With approx. 80 people, all apparently related, the weekend was wonderful, with great weather, a good BBQ and even fireworks. What would a family get together be without a few games of horse shoes?

The following week we were back in the Qu'Appelle Valley doing deliveries of the 8th annual Travel Guide, a yearly publication to promote tourism.

We took a leisurely drive back through Lethbridge along Hwy. 3 to Grand Forks for an overnight visit with my cousins and Uncle Jack.

I love my family and miss my friends ... but boy it was nice to be home!

Till Next Time ...

Love what you Do ... and Do what you Love.

Susan

I'm Listening

I would like to introduce you to my little friend, Sheldon.

He cocks his neck slightly as if to say "I'm Listening." This is 5x7" acrylic painting was painted just a week ago, but Sheldon is already flying the coop. He will make his new home in the Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchwan where his cousin Johnathan resides.

Although he will be deeply missed, it is nice that they will
be united.

Who knows what shenanigans they will get into - after all - birds of a feather flock together.



Johnathan, 8 x 10", acrylic painting

He flew the coop last summer after being featured in my annual Qu'Appelle Valley Travel Guide. The attention went to his little bird brain, and next thing you know .... he was off and flying.

Safe journey my little friends. I am sure a few more of their relatives will be showing up soon.



Till Next Time ...

Love what you Do ... and Do what you Love.

Susan

I'm Back

Just returned from a wonderful trip to the beautiful Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan. A little bit of work with lots of pleasure made for a great time. I lived in the valley for seven years prior to moving out to the Island. It feels like home, as both my parents still live there, my brother farms the family homestead, and there are lots of friends to catch up with.

Here is a picture of the early morning frost, just as I headed out to the airport last week. There is something very magical about a cool crisp morning such as this ... like frosting on a cake.

I also took some photos while at the farm. I can't wait to start working on this one as a painting. Any suggestions on what to title it? I would like to try painting this with a very limited palette - possibly only three colours. I want to give it a rustic feel, like that of a sepia photo.