I was accepted into The Christchurch Art Show  and began preparing for this huge event.
Then we had a pandemic.
The result is that The Christchurch Art Show is going online this year.
What a learning curve!
Not only do I need to create, scan, print, frame and prepare my art work,
I also need to photograph it, and create a video of me. 

If you have ever tried to photograph a framed artwork with glass you will know this is not an easy task. I tried different filters, rooms, positions, outside, times of day (and night), lighting and even waited for overcast weather in the hope the clouds would filter the light to avoid the glare
...but all to no avail. 

I did have professional scans of all my artwork prior to framing, and considered using them, but they didn't show the finished product. Then I had a brainwave ... I recreated the frame, matt and image (all to size) in publisher. This required measuring each component of the original artworks. The overall size, the width of the frame, the width of the matt board, top, bottom and sides, and the size of the image. In the end I was happy with the result - and pleased I'd chosen black frames which I was able to recreate. 

So with the photography sorted I then set my mind to the video. Again, not an area I know about. All I knew was I wanted the video to look good as it would be my presence at the show. 

The Christchurch Art Show's point of difference is that they encourage the artists the be there, to manage their own artworks, but more importantly to meet the potential buyers. Online this is being achieved via video introductions and having artists at the end of the telephone throughout the event.

So, the video had to look good. After a few attempts with my point and shot camera I put an SOS out to the team at Happen Films.  They create inspiring films and podcasts about people making a positive difference in the world. Do take a look at Jordan and Antoinette's website   https://happenfilms.com/  They are also the talent behind the Hinewai Film.

Luckily, the country went to level 2 (covid) which meant we could get together. Jordan and Antionette drove out here, recorded, filmed and had a cuppa. The following week Jordan began two weeks in lockdown on his way to see his sick mother in Australia, so had the opportunity to edit my video. 

Thanks to the amazing team at Happen Films I now have a great video introducing me to the online audience of the ChCh Art Show.  You'll need to go to the show June 18-21 to see it.
​

Opening Night tickets for the Christchurch Art Show are available here: 
 https://www.chchartshow.co.nz/opening-night-tickets.html 
Opening Night: Thursday 18th June 2020, 7:30pm. 
This is your first chance to view the art at our exclusive opening night!

Online Show Day Tickets are FREE!!! 
Show days are Friday 19th - Sunday 21st June 2020
To access the free show days a link will be published on 
www.chchartshow.co.nz from Friday June 19th 2020!
Click on the link and it will take you to our online Christchurch Art Show
where so many talented Kiwi's have  produced art of all media and styles for your enjoyment.

I'd love to hear what you think of The "Online" Christchurch Art Show.
You can leave a message on this blog, send a message from the contact page, my facebook page, via instagram or by email: info@triciahewlettart.nz
​

Upcoming Exhibitions...
Spring and early summer are a great time of year for exhibitions.

Coming up in the next six weeks are:

October 12-13
Diana Issac Art Expo
at the Diana Issac Retirement Village
1 Diana Issac Way, Mairehau, Christchurch
Open from 10 am to 3 pm each day.
This is a Cash and Carry Show.

November 7-10
Dunedin Art Show
Edgar Centre, More FM Arena, Dunedin
Opening night is Thurs 7 Nov - tickets avaliable online at www.dunedinartshow.co.nz
Open Fri 8th (10am to 6pm), Sat 9th (10am to 8pm) and Sun 10th (10am to 4pm),
This is a Cash ad Carry Show

Nov 30th until Xmas
Orion Powerhouse Gallery
I Rue Pompallier, Akaroa
Open 10 am to 4 pm Wed to Sun
This is a Cash and Carry Show.

It would be lovely if you get a chance to see one of these exhibitions.
Feel free to contact me if you have any comments about them, or other issues related to my art.

​Nga mihi, Tricia

​I have a few exhibitions coming up.
​If you are interested you can see my work alongside other artists at:

Home Cash and Carry Exhibition
Pumanawa Gallery, ChCh Arts Centre
Sept 9 to 22

4th Annual Pegasus Art Show
Pegasus School, Pegasus Town, Canterbury
Sept 20 to 22

Forever Art Cash and Carry Exhibition
Diana Issac Retirement Home, Maiehau, ChCh.
Oct 11 to 13

Annual Cash an Carry Exhibition
Orion Powerhouse Gallery, Akaroa
Nov 30 to Dec 22

It's both exciting and nerve racking planning for art exhibitions.
There are many art show and exhibitions on around the country, but we can't get to all of them. Choosing which ones to attend and ensuring enough artwork for each one is a task on it's own. Then there is the administration involved; applications, pricing, biography, transport, and packaging to name a few. It's also a huge learning curve for someone like myself who is only a year into the "business"of art, and certainly not the image of the artist spending all day creating artworks that is pictured by many. 
But, guess what? I love it! Not just the creating but the planning, administration, logistics and most especially meeting all the art appreciators at these events.
Thanks for coming to these events and chatting about art....my favourite subject!

Thanks for taking the time to look at my blog.
If you think my art would suit an event or gallery near you, contact me. 
​Nga Mihi, Tricia