Monika's Art Boutique

We love to share art with you! Join us for a class or participate in our various special events. We always have something great for you to experience and also feature one of a kind art in our boutique! Stop in and get creative today! 

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Check out our new online art classes! Stay inspired and get creative right now with our online art tutorials, printables, Ebooks, and colouring sheets! Art resources for kids and adults alike! http://mabartstudio.com/store.php#!/Online-Classes-&-Resources/c/47187490/offset=0&sort=normal

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w03bULlyVWs 

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Fall and Winter Markets and Events

We love our studio but we know that many of you aren’t able to come all the way to North Vancouver! This year, we will be attending events in Vancouver, North Vancouver, Chilliwack and Abbotsford! Have a look at our Markets and Events Page for more information about upcoming events including Culture Days, our 5th Annual Monstars & Beasts Haunted House, the West Coast Women’s Show and more! We look forward to seeing you there! http://mabartstudio.com/markets-and-events.php 

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Wise Owl Kids Craft

September is here and with that, so are our after school kids art classes! Fall is a magical time and with learning at the forefront of children’s (and hopefully adult’s too!) lives, we wanted to share one of our first fall kids art project in our after school program.  

We chose to start with an owl because it is related to knowledge but also fall. Owls live within the darkness, which includes magic, mystery, and ancient knowledge. Related to the night is the moon, which owls are also connected to. What a better way to start our kids after school art classes that with this very magical and mystical creature?

If you would like to create this creature at home, here is a DIY step by step that you can follow! 

 Step One: Cut the body, wings and eyes from a stack of white paper. We used 8 pieces above with regular white paper. You can try thicker stock paper and cut out one at a time. 

Step Two: Lay out Wise Owls and paint the body and wings. This is where you can be creative with kids and ask them to do stripes, polka dots, patterns, or even use sponges. Anything is possible for this step! 

Step Three: Cut out small triangles for beaks and add eyes! There you have them, Wise Owls! You can leave them as is, or as we are doing, laminate them and use for decorations in windows or on walls or even at story time with your kids! We love the idea of gifting these and you could even put your kids into frames or put them on the cover or a greeting card for a fall birthday. The possibilities are endless! 

Next week, we will have our second after school class of the season. Watch for our next blog post about one of our activities or better yet, register your kids for our afternoon art class and join the creative fun this year! Register here: http://mabartstudio.com/store.php#!/Kids-After-School-Classes-at-MAB/p/71213451/category=6112466 

Feel free to send us your ideas too! We love to hear from you! 

Stay Creative, 

Monika Blichar 

MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery 

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You’re Going to Make It-A Creativity Workbook to Help You Make Your Best Art

I’ve been teaching professionally since 2007. Since that time, I have worked with all sorts of students; language, arts, ESL. I’ve simultaneously worked on perfecting my own artistic crafts through creating art work, events and programs for people who want to learn new things. What always inspires me to help people learn something is not only the sharing of knowledge and wisdom, but the beauty of possibility of what they can achieve with that wisdom. 

A few months ago, I thought it would be a great idea to compile a short, beginner workbook for people who want to start making art. I currently teach painting classes three days a week and most of my students are beginners who come in to learn some basic skills because it is something that they have always wanted to do. I thought one day out of the blue that it be nice to offer these students a simple manual for creativity, tips and inspiration. 

Check out the EBook version of the book if you are a beginner student coming to the studio for the first time or just someone who would like to learn how to draw and paint a little better. There are 10 exercises inside along with creativity starters and motivational tips and quotes. An Ebook copy is $17+gst and comes right to your mailbox! We also mail hard copies or have them ready if you are coming for your first session. 

To order, visit: 

http://mabartstudio.com/store.php#!/Youre-Going-to-Make-It-A-Creativity-Workbook-to-Help-You-Make-Your-Best-Art/p/68326028/category=6112466

Should you have any questions, feel free to email us at [email protected] or call 604 999 6177. 

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You're Going to Make It-A Creativity Workbook to Help You Make Your Best Art!

The first of Monika's "You're Going to Make It" Creativity Workbooks! This is the first and for a beginner artist who wants to be creative, spark imagination and make his/her best art! Inside, you'll find 10 exercises, tips and tricks, and inspiration to keep you motivated and excited about being a…

Monika has just published a book! Order your copy and start making your best art today! The first 100 copies sold help support the studio, arts programs and Painting Dreams International Art Tours via Make and Break Arts Foundation!

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Saturday in the studio means busy classes filled with enthusiastic and dedicated students. Today was no exception! As a studio and gallery owner, it is so amazing to watch as people of all ages challenge themsevles to refine their creative skills. With that in mind, I thought I would post my top three tips to achieving success as a beginner painter. 

1-Don’t be afraid. 

Whether or not you are a beginner has nothing to do with your ability to paint and produce amazing pieces. Same goes for gender, age, or background. Creativity lies within all of us and the more you give yourself the opportunity to endeavor into the world of art and imagination, the more you will discover about your process. 

2-Be dedicated. 

If you try to drive a car only once and never again, you will not become better at driving. The same goes for painting and being creative overall. Be sure to stay dedicated to your craft by staying motivated to learn new techniques, skills and approaches. There will be moments where your painting will be hard or when you will want to abandon it, but if you power through your struggle, you will succeed! 

3-Ask and you shall receive. 

I cannot emphasis this last tip more. When you are first starting out anything, and you don’t know what to do, the best thing to do is ask someone who does! If you don’t know how to blend or mix a color, ask your instructor. Same goes for when you don’t know which materials to use or which to buy for adding texture or varnishing. As you grow in anything, you need to remember that it is with study and expertise from others as well as trial and error that is the key! 

Hope you have some time this weekend to enjoy something creative! Be sure to check our class schedule for times you can come be creative with us!

Best, 

Monika    

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Creativity Takes Courage!

Whether you are just starting to dabble in the arts or an established artist, one of the most difficult things to do is allow yourself to express yourself creatively. Do you remember the last time you painted or when you first started? It was likely a challenge to be inspired to start a something new and also a learning curve at the same time. 

This month, we have had the pleasure of working with Haida Gwaii artist Marilyn McKee. A passionate artist, she really has been courageous in her practise. Marilyn is working with traditional Haida imagery, but is one of the only Haida Gwaii female carvers who experiments with new images in her pieces. Often, she uses fairies in her work and integrates very feminine symbols in a traditionally male dominated arena.  

As we grow as people, we want to be sure that we foster our creative outlets, whatever they may be. If you are just starting to paint or be creative, be sure to keep going and surround yourself with people who inspire, motivate and encourage you! You never know what you will end up creating and ultimately, that is the fun of letting go! 

We invite you to join us for the artist reception this evening from 4:00-9:00PM. Complimentary tea and meet the artist.

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#Repost @artworldexpo with @repostapp. ・・・ Stay tuned for a live broadcast with our owner at 4:00PM PST today! Today's talk on #periscope are 20 tips on how to sell your art! Be sure to tune in and follow #MONIKABLICHAR on Periscope! #Repost @monikaanna with @repostapp. ・・・ Office work! #artworldexpo #artbc #mabartstudio #northvancouver #yvr #northvanarts #bcarts #socialsavvygals #marketing #monikablichar #blackandwhite

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January 2016 Feature Artist Marilyn McKee-Thru Haida Eyes 

Over a dozen pieces are now on display and for sale at our studio and gallery. Reception is January 30, 2016 from 4:00-9:00pm. Artist in attendance. Jewellery and paintings. 

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Are you an art studio owner and looking for success ideas? This week, have a look at our suggestions for running a successful studio. Whether you are an artist working solo or working with a collective to operate a studio, there are many ways to create success for your business! Here are our top three tips this week! 

1) COLLABORATE 

Collaborating with others is by far one of the best methods for running a successful art studio. Some ideas are to Invite other aritsts to show and sell their work in your space. You could even ask local businesses in your area to promote “One Free Painting Class” or a “$10 OFF” promotion when they sell their product and you could do the same for their company! It’s a great thing to work with others, and an even better thing to help one another grow business.  

2) OFFER WORKSHOPS 

Offering workshops in your studio is a sure way to help others be creative but also bring in new clientele. Are you a painter? Why not host a painting workshop or even teach regular classes? You’ll find that when you help others learn how to create art, you’ll be inviting many new clients to see your space, learn about your art and possibly even book your space for something they are thinking of. We recently had a painting student book a baby shower painting party! How cute is that? 

3) HOST EVENTS 

Another excellent way to help you run a successful studio is to host events.and openings. A small gathering where you open up your studio to the general public is great but you can also think outside the box too! Why not host a birthday party art sale or a fundraising event where you sell your art with partial proceeds to a good cause? Remember that briging people into the space is your goal-but be creative in your approach so that the events are interesting and different! Wine and cheese always help too! 

Do you run a studio? We would love to hear from you! Be sure to send us your ideas and how you succeed in running your studio. You can always email us or comment our our posts! If you think this post might help another studio owner, be sure to share! 

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We're open 11-4 today! Two full painting classes 11-1 and 130-330 but also a great sale on this month! 10% off all merchandise in store plus 50-75% off select work by owner @monikablichar! Great time to start your holiday shopping! Come on by! 1335 Pemberton Avenue, #NorthVancouver #art #jewellery #fashion #accessories #artwork #cards #books

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Friday the 13th today! Our next event in Vancouver is also on #fridaythe13th Are you ready? Dress code: black, white and red. Join us to see, experience and meet over 100 artists including artisan vendors from Canada, USA, Europe and more. Live entertainment, fashion, music and of course, #northamerica's largest #bodypaint competition. RSVP: www.theartworldexpo.com #art #vancitybuzz #vancouver #artvancouver #vancouverart #artists #bcarts #red #black #ehit #glam #friday13

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Did you register for @artworldexpo yet? We are looking for amazing artists to work with this year for our 6th annual event! Criteria: professional art, unique and interesting and of course, ready to be on team awesome! #teamawe #teamartworldexpo #artworldexpo #adelleairey #artist #callforart #art #vancity #vancitybuzz

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Visit our website for our latest #artworldtip on how to sell your work online! www.theartworldexpo.com Be sure to register for the show-early bird gets the worm! #artists #artworldexpo #arttip #artsales #artcareer #artist

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The kids at our studio are working hard in the after school program! They're creating something special for the holidays! We'll post more via @mabstudio-stay tuned! #artists #artforkids #northvancouver #art #yvr #vancitybuzz #artworldexpo (at MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery)

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Thank you! SOLD! #monikasnovbersale 20% of my November art sale goes to an emerging artist who needs some help this holiday season! I choose an artist to support each Christmas, so by purchasing one of the #monikasnovembersale pieces, you're supporting an emerging artist follow their dream! Artist doesn't even know it yet! Visit @monikablichar for most recent art sale items! #artsale #studiosale #artistshelpingartists #abundantartist #artworldexpo #artists (at MAB Art Studio & Boutique Gallery)