August 6-29, we’re back at one of our favourite venues — MILK Coffee Bar in Windsor, ON. Directions are here.
ODD Universe, a Group Art Show at Milk Coffee Bar, Aug 6-29 2012
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Category Archives: Christy Litster
Co-op events page now online, and our upcoming Demo Day
Check out our new EVENTS listing HERE. Keep those dates free and come out and see us!
The next event on our schedule is DEMO DAY: Read all about it –
June 23 – Demo Day at the Back Room Gallery
10 am-6 pm, 4749 Wyandotte East.
You are warmly invited to stop by the Back Room Gallery and meet and greet some of the artists in the co-op, watch us demonstrate our craft and talk with us about the range of our work. Enjoy free demonstrations, and participate in inexpensive workshops with take-away crafts, including one of felt flowers. Learn how to make an earring and see a digital mandala be created.
You may even be moved to place an order for something totally unique made just for you. You can design a piece of jewellery and have it make for you (prices vary), order a made-to-measure hat, or order any one of 100+ mandala designs and have it printed while you wait.($20)
The demonstrations are free, as are the light refreshments. Workshops with take-away items might have a small fee applied or a free-will donation requested to help cover the cost of materials.
Participating artists include Kathryn Tisdale, Chris Ford, Lori Moore (The Gilded Lily) and others TBA
Print this pdf of a mini-flyer to put on your fridge: DemoDayFlyer-colour
Big News! We’ve opened a (physical) gallery!!!
Located at 4749 Wyandotte E in Windsor, Ontario, several members of the Back Room Gallery Artists’ Co-op have pooled their pennies and talents and opened a new gallery and store.
We went from THIS:
To the gorgeous space featured in the slideshow below, and we’re not done yet. Still more art and artists to install! Come check us out. Open Tuesday through Sunday 10-6 for December, January hours TBA.
Join us Friday, December 9 for our Holiday Open House. Food and food service generously provided by The Keg, wine provided by the artists and their generous friends, a fashion show by our in-house artists including Dilly Daisy Fashions, Chris Ford Jewellery, The Gilded Lily designs, and Nicola Ferguson. The evening will capped with an acoustic performance by Den-igan
Introductions: The Art of Being Part of an Artists’ Co-op
New artists and those who have experience in doing art shows and custom work for clients have one thing in common: No matter how experienced you are, you’re your own support. Family, friends, spouses, imaginary friends, etc. are there to tell you your awesome and all, but at the end of the day, it’s just you and your art. Being an working artist, or illustrator as I am, can feel isolating at times. Every show, or even application into a festival can feel nerve-wracking and overwhelming. It’s really an oxymoronic lifestyle. Most artists that I know or have met through my journey have been 2 parts dreamer with a dash of awkward, one part go getter. Each show feels a little like a cathartic expression or snapshot of yourself in that point in time. You’re putting it all out there and let’s face it – EVERYONE’S A CRITIC.
The difference between a seasoned artist, and a fledgeling one is the way in which you handle these situations. This has led me to an exciting new path in my journey as a freelance illustrator, part time artist.
“Hey there – it’s me!”
Well, who am I? I have a background in Fashion Design. I studied and received my Bachelor of Design, Specializing in Fashion from Ryerson University. Every job and freelance project from the time I moved to Toronto until recently has been fashion related. Making the switch over into exploring my own creativity without the boundaries of a client’s wishes hasn’t been smooth. I have had the opportunity to meet some great people by participating in shows throughout Windsor. However, as I am a full time illustrator, I have never really had the opportunity to build that portfolio of work which allows one to pursue an independent show.
Fast track to my introduction and initial experiences in working with a co-op. I am not going to lie and say that joining a co-op brimming with remarkable talent isn’t intimidating. At first I questioned whether or not I was really up to par with my fellow artists. However, over the past few months and with having the opportunity to meet with new people I have found it an amazing experience which has been totally welcoming.
Starting a co-op with fellow artists in your area gives you an exciting edge over being independent. Here are just some great characteristics of participating in a co-op:
- opportunities to do more shows in different areas
- sharing of tools and experience
- stimulating conversations which helps one grow into a better artist
- learning how to plan a dynamic show and promote your show to more people than your personal inner circle
- meeting new people who are like-minded and inspiring
- making lasting friendships
- opening doors to retail opportunities
I really could go on and on, but I am sure you get the gist. So, I encourage all readers near or far off in internet-land to start networking! Put yourself out there, and meet people who will inspire you to be better and to love where you are at this time. Start a co-op today!
-CHRISTY 
Update on the Syndicate Show
We have an addition to the artist line-up for the Syndicate Art Show at the Art House in Chatham. Welcome Christine Gold!
The full roster of participating artists is now:
Chris Ford
Irene Sekersky
Bev Fish
Sergio Mazzotta
Sandra Silva
Kathryn Tisdale
Nicola Ferguson
Sue Evoy-Oozeer
Gulnaz Turdalieva
Jodie Komsic
Samantha James
Mary Wheeler
Dayna Wagner
Heather Teahan
Lori Moore
Christy Lister
Christine Gold
Update: Diane Morin
It will be an amazing show. Will we see you there?
Click to enlarge
