Getting Ready for A Major Art Show

Cyndee Banister

Every September, I participate in the biggest art show in the Interior of British Columbia. It draws over 7,000 visitors and showcases as many as 300 artists.

Artwalk is my major show of the year. I've been extremely fortunate over the years to meet new buyers and make friends within the art community of the area. But it's a huge undertaking and while it may look like a lot of fun (it is!) it's also a lot of work to get ready for it.

I start in May - applying for space... planning my display... deciding my theme... and figuring out what I need to paint before the big weekend.

By June, the committee has let us know who gets in and who needs to work on their proposals for next year. The past two years, I've gone in as a gallery where the rules are a little different and as long as I can pay the fees, I can get a spot. But the first several years were nerve-wracking.

July I spend painting what I need to paint. And ordering the picture frames I may need. I get all my framing done at Classic Gallery Framing in Kelowna. They really understand the needs of artists and go above and beyond to make sure a painting is framed properly.

August I go into high gear. I make any new displays I want. Last year I changed my whole setup by buying a dozen interior doors, painting them matte black and hinging them together in twos. This allows a lot of versatility in my set up and really showcases my art work.

A lot of people commented on the display last year and it was my most successful year ever. I think I'm on to something!