If you're participating in the 13th Annual Riverdale Art Walk, you may need the following materials:

CONTRACTS

Park Contract (PDF)

• to be filled out by those artists exhibiting in Jimmie Simpson Park
• outlines the artist's responsibilities for the weekend
• to be signed by the artist

Retail Venue Contract (PDF)

• to be filled out by those artists exhibiting in a retail venue or in their own studios
• outlines both the artist's and vendor's responsibilities for the weekend 
• to be signed by both the artist and the vendor

The signed contracts must be returned to the Artists' Network NO LATER THAN Saturday, April 30. You can either mail or bring them to the offices during regular hours (Tuesday-Sunday, noon-5pm) at 756 Queen St. E., Toronto, M4M 1H4, or email them to artistsnetworkevents@gmail.com.
 

2011 TENT RENTALS

If you are exhibiting in the park, you can rent a tent, chairs, tables, dollies, signage, and fasteners for the weekend from Absolute Tent Rentals:

• RAW Spec Sheet (JPG)
• Riverdale Art Walk Exhibit Form (PDF)
   

PARK MAP

The park map will be put together once all artists have signed and returned their contracts.
 

EVITE

The evite will be available in May.

Early Preparation

Business Cards

• www.1000cards.net
• www.vistaprint.ca
• www.topnotchprint.com
• Longboat Alliance, Chris, 416-531-8058, 651 Queen St. E.
• You can get 5000 for $99 at GFX Inc.

Print Material

• Artist's Statement
• CV (resume)
• Biography
• Your own postcards
• Portfolio
• Business cards - people seem to like to pick these up more than the larger show cards (see above for printers) and you can include your booth number on them
• Postcards - leave pace to insert addresses and/or "custom" information such as your booth number

Mailing List

• Send out our/your postcards and evite to your mailing list
• Get a blank signup book to collect new addresses and emails for future use
• Try to make it attractive - include images, links to the show site and your show it - and make sure to proofread!!!
• Put columns in your guestbook - name, email, comments - so people know what you'd like them to include and where to put it

Spread the Word

• Link us on your website
• Carry our postcards everywhere
• Send out your own press release
• Tap into your peer groups: the gym, work, spouses, friends, church, book club
• Include a map/directions to your location on your website/emails/mail

Pricing

• Research by talking to other artists & visiting galleries
• Make it appropriate to your work and the setting; consider a variety of price points for every pocket
• Bring a receipt book
• Bring red dots if delivering later - but be careful of editioned work as you may need to let people know additional copies are available
• Are taxes over or included?
• Do you do discounts on multiple sales?
• A useful reference for pricing your work is Artist Survival Skills - How to Make a Living As a Canadian Visual Artist by Chris Tyrell

Preparation

• Plan your setup and test it out if you can - make sure everything is sturdy and secure
• Make sure your setup allows for a clear view from outside your tent and easy access
• Will coloured booth fabric enhance or detract from the display of your work?

The Talk

• Are you interested in doing commissions?
• Know your story: 1 minute, 5-10 minutes
• Attitude - total optimism all the way!
• Decide on a courteous "out" for people who want to talk technique
• How will you handle people who want to photograph your work?
• People who want a deal/or to haggle over the price?
• How to handle (or choke) people who criticize your work...
• How to respond when people ask "What are you trying to say with your work?"
• Keep upbeat and attentive - leave the book/laptop/ipod/newspaper in the bag

Setup

• Tents - rain or shine event!
• Be aware of weather changes - wind, sun, etc.
• Bring materials to display work that is secure
• Backup pieces in case you make lots of sales
• Packaging in case collector wants to take piece home or arrange for delivery later
• Chairs, tables, hanging devices, signage (your name), pens

For those in Retail Locations

• Make close contact with your site host and make notes as to exactly where, how, and when you may hang your art
• You may want to sketch it out for each of you to understand
• Is there a chair you can sit on or do you need to bring your own?
• Is there anything special to know about your site?
• PLEASE return your site to its original condition
• PLEASE say thank you to your host at the end

Support and Comfort

• Consider having someone to sit with you
• Bring money for food and drink
• Hat, sun block, cell phone, water/snacks, and clothing for all weather

Final Preparation

Promotion

• 2 weeks prior, mail out postcards
• Make sure you indicate your site and location
• 1 week prior, send out evites
• Remind your guests that they can pick up a catalog in NOW Magazine

Money Exchange

• Float/cash
• Do you accept checks?
• VISA/MC (you may need to set this up earlier)
• Send evite again the Friday before the RAW
• Get a good night's sleep!

After the Show

• Send emails/mail to the people in your guestbook and thank them for attending - let them know what's coming up and any other pertinent information
• Take time to evaluate how it went and what you'd keep/improve for the next one
• Deliver your sold items prompty!

Helpful Hints

• Feel free to approach people - they are there to see your work but might not be comfortable starting a conversation
• Offer up some interesting info on your work: how you handle your medium, your inspiration, the location, future ideas, etc.
• Our visitors enjoy hearing from you on a personal level!

Frequently Asked Questions about the RAW

1. How do I find a retail space to exhibit at if I am not showing at Jimmie Simpson Park?
   
   Toward the end of March the Artists’ Network will make available to all artists accepted to show during the Riverdale Art Walk, and wish to show in a retail space along Queen Street a list of vendors who have agreed to host an artist for the weekend. On that list will be a description of the venue and what medium the vendor would prefer so that you can judge which one will be receptive to your work. You will need to speak to the vendors and find out about their space so that you can determine if they will be a good fit for you. You may also, find your own vendor in the designated area of the RAW. We will assist you wherever possible.
    
2. Do I have to be at the venue for the entire weekend?
   
   YES! It is what you have agreed to do by submitting to the Riverdale Art Walk, and signing the contract. You agree to be accessible to potential clients of your work. No one else is going to sell your work. Do not expect the retail vendors to sell your art work when they have their own merchandise to sell. The patrons come to see the work and speak with the artists, and that is a key factor of the event.
   
   
   
3. If I show in the park what other costs are there? 
   There are no other Artists’ Network or RAW artist fees but there are exhibition costs artists might need to consider:
   
   • You will need a white tent which can be purchased or rented. You can most likely get one from Costco for around $250.00.
   • You will need a hanging system and weights which could range from as little as $50.00 to a few hundred dollars. If you are going to do many out door shows it is a cost that will pay for itself and is certainly less expensive than renting every time.
   • You can rent tents through Absolute, which can be convenient they will put up and take down the tent and can also provide.
   • If you are showing in the park, a retail space or your own studio you need to have business cards printed. It is recommended that you have at least 500 cards to give out and this may cost you $50.00 to $100.00 depending on the printer. If you are taking the step to show your work at the various outdoor shows then this is a capital cost and an investment in your art career.
    
4. What happens if it rains?
   The RAW is a rain or shine event and your are expected to be there regardless of the weather. Some artists have commented that their best day was the day it rained heavily. Those who are out there are serious so take advantage of it.

   Be sure to bring plastic sheeting to protect your art – you can buy rolls of this at Home Depot. If you own your tent, it’s also a good idea to apply seam sealer to your canopy as that’s where water usually makes it through. Camping supply stores like Mountain Equipment Co-op and Europe Bound carry this. If you own your tent, it’s also a good idea to apply seam sealer to your canopy as that’s where water usually makes it through. Camping supply stores like Mountain Equipment Co-op and Europe Bound carry this.
    

5. When can we expect to get information about loading in and out for the weekend?
   
   In April you will get an Artist Package with information, the contract, load in times for your booth number, a form for tent rentals and anything else that we need to provide to you. We will also have two information sessions at the end of April and beginning of May to answer any of your questions.
    
6. Do I need to remove my art on Saturday night?
   
   Although we hire a security firm to patrol the grounds, they, the Riverdale Art Walk, or the Artists’ Network is not responsible for any loss, theft, or damage to any property that you leave overnight. It is highly recommended that you remove your art work and anything of value from your tent if you are showing in the park.

   Those of you in retail venues need to work out overnight arrangements with your vendor. It is highly unlikely that you will need to remove your artwork for the retail space Saturday night.
    

7. How many people come to the Riverdale Art Walk?
   
   It is estimated that approximately 10,000 people attend the RAW weekend. We are looking at programming for the weekend which will hopefully increase these numbers. This is the first outdoor art show of the season and usually proves to be a well attended event.
    
8. What advertising is done for the event?
   
   The Artists’ Network has produced a catalogue through NOW Magazine for the Riverdale Art Walk. All artists are represented in this catalogue as are galleries, restaurants and other venues that might be of interest. The catalogue is distributed in NOW’s Hot Summer Guide which is publishedthe Thursday before the RAW weekend. NOW estimates that approximately 400,000 people see this catalogue. Two sizeable print ads will also run in issues of NOW prior to the RAW.
   
   In addition to magazine advertising, we are planning to also target key residential areas through direct marketing. This has proven helpful in the past. Media kits will be sent to television, radio and print outlets at the beginning of April and May with a follow-up two weeks prior to the event. Public Service Announcements will also be utilised to gain exposure for the event. A poster campaign along Queen Street is also planned.
   
   To help artists promote their attendance in the RAW, a web banner will be available on the Artist’s Network website for download for inclusion on artist’s websites informing your clients of the event.  An e-vite will also be provided for your email campaigns.
   
   This year we are seeking the involvement of the community and merchants along Queen Street to emphasize the neighbourhood and the many shops, restaurants, bars and art galleries located in the area.
   
   
   
9. How can I contact you to ask further questions?
   
   You can email artistsnetworkevents@gmail.com to ask any further questions. You should know if you have been accepted by the beginning of April. We will email you with the result of the jury.
    
10. Can I appeal the result of the jury?
    
    The decision of the jury is final and there is no means to appeal. This year the jury was made up of Nancy Grenier from Rouge Concepts, Geoff Pearson from O'Connor Gallery and Nelson French from the Artists' Network.

The following RAW artists are available for interviews by the media. You can view their work in our RAW Gallery of Artists. Their medium, availability, and bio are below. Please contact artistsnetworkevents@gmail.com to arrange an interview.

Drawing

• Anthony Jim
  after 5pm weekdays, anytime on weekends
  I am a structural engineer that has a passion about historical architectural art. I love to draw free hand pencil sketches of historical buildings on site. I feel that this kind of art activities can make our city more interesting. It is also an education process that makes people curious about these historical buildings and our city’s history. In 1998, I started to draw the houses in Wychwood Park and in 2003, I started to draw historical buildings of Riverdale. My goal is to make a sketch book of historical buildings of Riverdale (my retirement art project). At the moment, I am drawing the Fire Hall at Woodbine and Queen. It would be fun to meet a reporter there while I am drawing the Fire Hall.

Mixed Media

• Callie Gray
  available any time
  For my current work I am exploring the unique texture and depth of corrugated cardboard! Yes, the boxes that normally and ‘hopefully’ get thrown into the recycling bin, I recycle in a unique way by turning them into stunning pieces of art. After many years of experimentation; pushing further and deeper to find my own unique true form of artistic expression, I have found it! My corduroy road! I have long since let-go of tying to ‘control’ the outcome of a painting. Each work is a unique and organic experience that simply comes from within me. I try not to reference an image, event or place, leaving the viewer to embrace their own interpretation. I want my paintings to appeal on a sub-conscious level - to evoke the spirit. Through layers of collage and paint come depth, texture and vibrant color until I am completely satisfied.
• Sari Zon
  flexible during the day
  I make my own encaustic paints, staying close to a historical recipe of beeswax, pigments and damar resin. I begin with a visit to an Ontario honey farm to purchase my beeswax, which I then melt down with the resin and pigments and mold into individual pucks of paint. The paints become solid at room temperature and are melted as needed on a hot palette in order to be brushed onto my panels. Each layer of encaustic paint must then be re-melted into the layer beneath it in order to fuse the painting together. I often use a heat gun or iron for this process. The art of painting with encaustics is a tactile, multi-sensory experience; a union of rich scents, warm, soft textures and smooth, glossy surfaces. It is the organic nature of this process that keeps me enthralled, as it encourages the journey to be equally as moving and relevant as the finished work.

Painting

• Rosemarie Armstrong
  most Sundays - Wednesdays
  Rosemarie's painting begins with an adventure which includes photographing the area or subject of interest from a number of angles and in different lights. Depending on the weather, she works outdoors, or combines field work with studio time when creating a new work of art. Rosemarie’s fascination with the changing moods of the natural world leads her to rugged, windswept coastlines, old growth forests, tiny islands in crystal seas and often, her own colourful backyard. Rosemarie finds unlimited opportunities for creative composing with the paint brush! She is currently working on a series of paintings which depict rural life in Ontario. Her objective is to capture moments, places and memories of our rural heritage, which formed the foundation of our present communities.
• Linda DeLuca
  flexible
  Linda DeLuca grew up in Welland, Ontario where she was born and raised. In her kindergarten class she produced a colourful necklace made out of construction paper and straws. She remembers wearing it proudly. This was a beginning development to exploring her creative side. Her work is colourful, whimsical, with repetitive elements and playful with all the varied media that she has been exploring. Through her travels, the theme of cities, and places has been a constant theme. She has explored past motifs and archetypal monuments such as the iconic Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame. While studying at Sheridan College and Concordia University, Linda developed her own creative ideas as she continues to develop her growth as an artist. She has currently produced a series of portraits, where the process is spontaneous and the works have a rawness. The use of vivid colours and patterns give the portrait a unique and refreshing aesthetic creative interesting results.
• Julie Himel
  very flexible, home studio
  My work primarily investigates the human condition figuratively through quiet moments of inner reflection. When the figures are removed from the view, still life and interior paintings result as portraits just the same. I attempt to capture the personalities and relationships of the people dwelling in those spaces or study the anthropomorphic qualities of the objects. I have painted since I can remember, and have always explored what it is to be human through art making. My father was a psychiatrist, so I think the questions of human psychology were always present for me. My work is representational but painterly. Each brushstroke carries energy, adding layers of emotion and subtext to the image. I am showing at a few galleries around Toronto, and surrounding areas. I’m painting full time, doing both self directed work as well as portrait commissions. I consider myself very lucky to be able to do what I love for a living.
• Elva Hook
  noon-8pm in studio personal interviews, phone OK
  I am a Toronto based contemporary painter.  My paintings are multi-layered, impressionist, expressionist, abstract and realistic representations inspired by Toronto’s High Park and Grenadier Pond. I was awarded the Ontario Arts Council Emerging Artist grant 2008.
• Hanna Kunysz
  schedule very open
  I grew up in a fisherman’s village along the shore lines of the Atlantic Ocean where sky and water were plentiful. After moving to Toronto I became immediately fascinated with the city and it's lack of horizon lines and open spaces. My work documents my reaction towards Torontos growing sky line and the ability downtown Toronto has in creating monumental archetectural spaces. Instead of open skies we have instead a new walled city. Where buildings shape the way we move and think, and where the sky, once open and available, becomes harder to experience. I pour my paint to replicate the movement and airyness of the sky and couteract that with sharp, oblique lines and shapes, reminscent of what it is like to look overhead in downtown Toronto. In pursuit of making art I quit my job and took to painting fulltime. I built up my portfolio for grad school applications and just recently got accepted into the San Francisco Art Institute where I will be working on my MFA. Aside from painting I work within the electronic music circuit creating fun installations, sculptures and interactive art in interesting warehouse spaces, Cherry Beach and outdoor festivals.
• Gordon Leverton
  Tues. & Thurs. 9:15am-3:15pm, weekends anytime
  Gordon Leverton's interest in urban settings stems from his longtime status as a resident of Hamilton, Ontario. The houses and alleyways of his home city have a direct reflection in his art, and his vibrant colours belie the myth of the “dirty” inner-city.
• Lisa Ng
  in studio flexible schedule, phone OK
  Lisa Ng draws her ideas from her surrounding environment, the people around her, and life in general. She was born in Hamilton, Ontario, and went to the Ontario College Of Art And Design, where she mostly learned about performance and computers, and was greatly exposed to the many works of other artists. She's worked as a towel folder, a cashier at a convenience store, a caricature artist, a maintenance person at a medical clinic, a dog walker, a furniture painter, and a copy and print associate. Currently, she is studying nursing. Art is something she makes every day. She was a real big fan of colors, crayons, spiragraphs, and origami as a kid, and still is. She is also currently the Rogue Leader within The Spooky Astronauts Drawing Club, the Co-Director of ArtMichael Gallery, the treasurer of ArtClub Intl., and a personal friend of Pablo Jueves. All these experiences manifest themselves in her art. Her art attracts people of all ages and backgrounds. Her youngest known collector is turning ten this year. She has won several awards, and this year, she will be featuring her 100th painting. A painting that depicts a miniature version of every 100 paintings she did before it.
• Karen Taylor
  fairly flexible schedule, home studio
  I came to Toronto from Scotland in 2004, not knowing any other artists until discovered the Artists’ Network. Since then I have taken the jump to being a professional artist, exhibiting since 2007, I have even served a board member for the network and helped organise the RAW a few years ago. This is a big leap from previous careers, I started out as a scientist and then moved on to work in computing. I am an abstract artist working with acrylics. After many years of working with pastels I still work in a similar way, creating depth by building up separate layers. I have also started up two different abstract art groups in the last few years.

Photography

• Rick Brazeau
  phone interviews with 1/2 hour notice, available for TV interviews any time with notice
  Beginning with straight photography as my medium of expression I have developed what I term “mash ups) to give voice to my creativity. These photos are amalgams of different shots, sometimes of the same object, but from a different perspective, other times they are layers of different things entirely. Which ever way I go I hope to force the viewer to look more deeply into the piece and by doing so discover different aspects of the beauty that I find in every day things that surround us. I have also travelled to both to Malawi and Zambia to shoot for charities and ope to travel to Kurdistan in the fall to document work being done by a local NGO.
• Scott Garant
  after 4pm weekdays, anytime on weekends
  Scott Garant is a Toronto-based artist who 'paints' with his camera lens. His vibrant, colourful photographs of reflections of light on water , inspired by the works of Jackson Pollock, Marth Rothko and Claude Monet, capture the elusive and dynamic nature of light moving across windswept ripples of water creating images hat merge the elements of painting with the techniques of photography. He is currently a Grade 8 teacher of deaf students in Milton, as well as an ASL/English interpreter for the GTA. This is his fifth year showing at RAW.
• Liz Gesicki
  available at any time
  Liz Gesicki, a self-taught photographer, began her artistic career "later" in life. Her journey began as a medical technologist in microbiology at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Six years later she went on to study at Ryerson University’s preeminent School of Radio and Television Arts. After graduating in 1990 Liz worked in television and theatre for a short time. She returned to Ryerson in 1992 and built a career there, eventually becoming Student Affairs Coordinator for the School of Radio and Television Arts. In 2008 Liz made the decision to leave Ryerson. Liz now began a dual role; one, as an artist and two, as her mother's full-time caregiver. Drawn to macro photography and using the interplay of light, texture and focus, Liz brought an essence of peace to her images. Liz has participated in several juried exhibitions, including the Ben Navaee Gallery where her piece "orange gladiola" won third place in the 2008 International Fine Arts Competition in Aram Art. This is Liz's first year participating in the Riverdale Art Walk.
• Chris Hutcheson
  available at any time
  I'm a Toronto-based photographer, specializing in images of people and places. In capturing images of performing artists I'm interested in immersion - that point when performers are completely absorbed in their performance - when it just flows. I've been working mostly with a variety of performers at the Free Concert Series at the Canadian Opera Company's Four Seasons Centre for the past three years, as well as burlesque performers, here and in Montréal. For landscapes, I'm interested in images of placesat rest - for a season, or at the end of their useful lives. These places, once active, are now silent, often ignored, and isolated, even in busy surroundings. Their presence is often a surprise; something happened on rather than looked for. I use film and digital processes to capture these images and personally print them on archival quality fine art papers. My work is in private and commercial collections here and in the United States, and appears in promotional literature and the website for the Canadian Opera Company as well as related blogs and performer websites. I'd be happy to photograph you.
• Dale M Reid
  in studio flexibility with notice
  Canadian fine art photographer, Dale M Reid exhibits regularly in Canada and the United States. Key highlights of her photography career include: for the 2011 Contact Photography Festival, her exhibition ‘Minus Color’ was selected by the Festival Director, Darcy Killeen, as one of the Top 10 Exhibits to be seen; for the 5th Annual Black and White Spider Awards, her Pear Affair #2 image was nominated in the Still Life – Professional category; photography always played an important role in Dale’s life, however, since 1999 she has developed and moved into a second career as a fine art photographer; exclusively using black & white film and the traditional method of photography, her artwork has depth, feeling and an underlying sensuality; with an affinity for pears, her still life portfolio generates life, energy and emotions; it is far from ‘still’.
• Pamela Williams
  after May 11
  Just back from photographing in Buenos Aires’ La Recoleta Cemetery, Pamela Williams is known for her romantic black and white photographs of European funerary statuary. Nominated for the prestigious Roloff Beny Award, Williams is the author of three award-winning books of photographs. She has exhibited at galleries and museums across North America, and in Italy. Her work which appears on the covers of Margaret Laurence's, Stone Angel, and Timothy Finlay's Dust to Dust, was the subject of a documentary that aired on BRAVO.

2010

• Weekend Planner: June 5-6, Torontoist.com, Ryan West, June 4
• Art Lovers Invited to Riverdale Art Walk's 12th Year, Inside Toronto, Joanna Lavoie, June 3
• My Art Fair Checklist, Moshe Mikanovsky, June 3
• Save The Dates*: Riverdale Art Walk June 5 & 6, Riverdale Homezilla, May 18

2009

• Annual Riverdale Art Walk features dozens of artists, Inside Toronto, Joanna Lavoie, June 5
• Celebrating 11 years in the RAW, Inside Toronto, Joanna Lavoie, May 28

2008

• Art in the RAW on Riverdale Walk, myTownCrier.ca, Lorianna De Giorgio, June 16
• Walk it off: Brush up on your art collection, Weekend Living, Toronto Star, Jan Van Der Voort, June 7
• Celebrating 10 year in the RAW, The Mirror, Joanna Lavoie, June 6
• Q+A: March Gregoroff: artist & founder, Riverdale Art Walk, NOW Magazine, Joanna Lavoie, June 5
• Cheeky poster pushes local art in the RAW, Riverdale-East York Town Crier, Lorianna De Giorgio, May

 The following media kit items are available for download as PDFs. Additional items will be developed as they are available.

RAW Morsels (578k PDF)

Three unique participating artists, each with an interesting story about their work, technique or background presented in media-ready morsels with web links and images. Additional images for editorial purposes available upon request.

RICHARD AHNERT 
Jury's Choice Award Winner 2011

Although he can see the potential for a painting in almost everything he looks at, every so often Richard sees a simple twist of the usual, real or imagined, and that is when he sees actual art. Once his vision is captured comes the thrill of releasing on canvas, back into the world, something that is by nature transient and spontaneous. With the aim of humouring the viewer with his work, he uses his friends, enemies, and characters from novels that don't exists (and noone would ever want to write) as the subjects of his stories, told with a swish a brush, a stroke of a pencil, and a good portion of wit. "Having spent the last dozen years channeling my creativity into graphic design, I've learned discipline, followed rules and designed with framework," expounds Ahnert. "In my paintings, there are no parameters. No Pantone colours to be replicated. No visual standards. I am free to express myself in an unlimited capacity and execute without boundaries."

LUCKY | UNLUCKY 13
13th Annual Artists' Network Members' Show

In honour of the RAW's 13th anniversary, we're exploring all things lucky and unlucky surrounding the number 13. Do you suffer from triskadecaphobia (fear of the number 13)? Do you think Friday the 13th is an unlucky day? Is 13 your lucky lottery number? Have you noticed that many hotels don't have a 13th floor? Our member artists explore their own ideas surrounding this mysterious number, letting their imagination flow into the dark and mysterious realm of myth, superstition, urban legend, curses, and phobias and their own beliefs about this luckiest of unlucky numbers. This 3-week juried exhibit runs in conjunction with the Riverdale Art Walk at the Hang Man Gallery, 756 Queen St. E., Toronto.

Media Contact: Olena Sullivan, artistsnetworkevents@gmail.com

We invite you to attend one of two Artist Orientation Sessions covering the RAW weekend, park logistics such as set-up, promotions, and other items of interest. These fun and informative sessions are also a great opportunity for you to meet other RAW artists and get your questions answered.  They'll take place at the Hang Man Gallery at 756 Queen Street East.

We'll be running two identical sessions in May, on the 12th and the 19th, starting at 7 PM. Please confirm your attendance for one of these dates be clicking on the appropriate link below:

• Wednesday May 12 - 7PM
• Wednesday May 19 - 7PM

If you're participating in the 12th Annual Riverdale Art Walk, you may need the following materials:

CONTRACTS

Park Contract (PDF)

• to be filled out by those artists exhibiting in Jimmie Simpson Park
• outlines the artist's responsibilities for the weekend
• to be signed by the artist

Retail Venue Contract (PDF)

• to be filled out by those artists exhibiting in a retail venue or in their own studios
• outlines both the artist's and vendor's responsibilities for the weekend 
• to be signed by both the artist and the vendor

The signed contracts must be returned to the Artists' Network by Friday, April 30. You can either mail or bring them to the offices during regular hours (Tuesday-Sunday, noon-5pm) at 756 Queen St. E., Toronto, M4M 1H4.
 

TENT RENTALS

If you are exhibiting in the park, you can rent a tent, chairs, tables, dollies, signage, and fasteners for the weekend from Absolute Tent Rentals:

• RAW Spec Sheet (JPG)
• Riverdale Art Walk Exhibit Form (PDF)
   

PARK MAP

Download the park map.
 

EVITE

You can use the JPG evite to send to your mailing list and invite them to the Riverdale Art Walk. The evite will open in a new window at full size. To download:

• Right-click and choose "Save As" to download to your desktop
• For Mac users who don't have a dual mouse, you can hold down control+click to get a menu from which you can "Save Image As"

Download the JPG evite

Early Preparation

Business Cards

• www.1000cards.net
• www.vistaprint.ca
• www.topnotchprint.com
• Longboat Alliance, Chris, 416-531-8058, 651 Queen St. E.
• You can get 5000 for $99 at GFX Inc.

Print Material

• Artist's Statement
• CV (resume)
• Biography
• Your own postcards
• Portfolio
• Business cards - people seem to like to pick these up more than the larger show cards (see above for printers) and you can include your booth number on them
• Postcards - leave pace to insert addresses and/or "custom" information such as your booth number

Mailing List

• Sen out our/your postcards and evite to your mailing list
• Get a blank signup book to collect new addresses and emails for future use
• Try to make it attractive - include images, links to the show site and your show it - and make sure to proofread!!!
• Put columns in your guestbook - name, email, comments - so people know what you'd like them to include and where to put it

Spread the Word

• Link us on your website
• Carry our postcards everywhere
• Send out your own press release
• Tap into your peer groups: the gym, work, spouses, friends, church, book club
• Include a map/directions to your location on your website/emails/mail

Pricing

• Research by talking to other artists & visiting galleries
• Make it appropriate to your work and the setting; consider a variety of price points for every pocket
• Bring a receipt book
• Bring red dots if delivering later - but be careful of editioned work as you may need to let people know additional copies are available
• Are taxes over or included?
• Do you do discounts on multiple sales?
• A useful reference for pricing your work is Artist Survival Skills - How to Make a Living As a Canadian Visual Artist by Chris Tyrell

Preparation

• Plan your setup and test it out if you can - make sure everything is sturdy and secure
• Make sure your setup allows for a clear view from outside your tent and easy access
• Will coloured booth fabric enhance or detract from the display of your work?

The Talk

• Are you interested in doing commissions?
• Know your story: 1 minute, 5-10 minutes
• Attitude - total optimism all the way!
• Decide on a courteous "out" for people who want to talk technique
• How will you handle people who want to photograph your work?
• People who want a deal/or to haggle over the price?
• How to handle (or choke) people who criticize your work...
• How to respond when people ask "What are you trying to say with your work?"
• Keep upbeat and attentive - leave the book/laptop/ipod/newspaper in the bag

Setup

• Tents - rain or shine event!
• Be aware of weather changes - wind, sun, etc.
• Bring materials to display work that is secure
• Backup pieces in case you make lots of sales
• Packaging in case collector wants to take piece home or arrange for delivery later
• Chairs, tables, hanging devices, signage (your name), pens

For those in Retail Locations

• Make close contact with your site host and make notes as to exactly where, how, and when you may hang your art
• You may want to sketch it out for each of you to understand
• Is there a chair you can sit on or do you need to bring your own?
• Is there anything special to know about your site?
• PLEASE return your site to its original condition
• PLEASE say thank you to your host at the end

Support and Comfort

• Consider having someone to sit with you
• Bring money for food and drink
• Hat, sun block, cell phone, water/snacks, and clothing for all weather

Final Preparation

Promotion

• 2 weeks prior, mail out postcards
• Make sure you indicate your site and location
• 1 week prior, send out evites
• Remind your guests that they can pick up a catalog in NOW Magazine

Money Exchange

• Float/cash
• Do you accept checks?
• VISA/MC (you may need to set this up earlier)
• Send evite again the Friday before the RAW
• Get a good night's sleep!

After the Show

• Send emails/mail to the people in your guestbook and thank them for attending - let them know what's coming up and any other pertinent information
• Take time to evaluate how it went and what you'd keep/improve for the next one
• Deliver your sold items prompty!

Helpful Hints

• Feel free to approach people - they are there to see your work but might not be comfortable starting a conversation
• Offer up some interesting info on your work: how you handle your medium, your inspiration, the location, future ideas, etc.
• Our visitors enjoy hearing from you on a personal level!