The Whyte Avenue Art Walk provides new patrons with the opportunity to meet emerging local talent. It is our hope you will become a patron and a collector of art, not just a consumer. Many people come back year after year to add to their collections. Investing in a painting means you are investing in an artist’s career, or at least providing some money so they can keep painting. 

See professional art exhibitions 

Bringing the studio to the Avenue is a foreceful way to promote visual artists. Pedestrians are exposed to a rare feast of diverse artistic ventures, and, if they are curious about what they see, they can strike up a conversation with the artists themselves. 

Buy what you love; not what matches your sofa.

You can always get a matching sofa later. Many patrons worry about the art in their home matching. Often they will buy only from one or two artists. Other collectors prefer an eclectic approach and will choose similar themes created by different artists. Not sure where to start? Walk several blocks before making your decision. You may notice a theme that appeals to you. Whether it is birds, skulls, or landscapes, there is bound to be a lot of diversity from which to choose. 

Don’t be shy to talk to artists.

The best art is a conversation piece and focal point for your home or office. Why not get the whole story? Make time to talk to the artists. They are just as nervous as you. Please don’t evaluate the art by asking the dreaded question, “So how long did it take you to paint this?” Most Art Walk artists have been educated to respond “ALL MY LIFE!”. This is true. There is a lot of research, practice, and failed attempts that go into each painting. Many layers of paint are hidden behind most finished works. Few artists keep track of time anyway. Time is irrelevant; a painting is finished when it is finished. Even Picasso could work quickly creating some works in minutes but then took years to complete other works.  

Here are some good questions to ask artists:

  • Why do you paint this subject matter?
  • What medium(s) do you use?
  • How was this work created?
  • What is your technique called?
  • Who inspired you?
  • Where else can I see your work?
  • How did you decide to become an artist?
  • Where do want your art to take you next?
  • Do you do commissions?

How much to budget for art? There is little need to haggle at The Whyte Avenue Art Walk. The work is all affordable but there is no standard pricing. No two works are the same. No two artists are the same. Prices along the venue vary greatly and are related to the experience level and confidence of each artist. Size of work and cost of materials are other factors.

Suggestions for setting your art-buying budget:

  • Still in school? Your budget is the cost of your favourite outfit (or sports equipment).
  • Your minimum budget for Art Walk is the cost of dinner and movie (trust me, art lasts longer).
  • Looking to start a serious art collection? Your annual budget for art could be a week’s salary. 
  • Just moved into your first home? Your budget is the price of your last piece of furniture.
  • Thinking of redecorating? Art could be half your decorating budget or 20% of your last home improvement project.

You have no idea how pleased you will make an artist if you stop, talk about their art, and buy it.
Hope this helps. Enjoy The Whyte Avenue Art Walk this summer! 

– Kim Fjordbotten 2020
Owner of The Paint Spot and past organizer of the Whyte Avenue Art Walk