FAQs for Artists
The Whyte Avenue Art Walk takes over Old Strathcona every year on the second weekend of July. If you are an artists looking to return, or signing up for the first time, here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate this year’s event as an artist vendor.
Q: Is the tent or table included in the price? Do I have to bring it?
A: Artists are fully responsible for bringing all display material, including tents, tent weights, tables, chairs, grid walls and or easels, paints, ways to accept payment, business cards, etc. Tents and tables are not included in the price. You can find our list of recommended suppliers here. We also have a handy packing list here.
Q: How big is a table space? How big is a tent space?
A table spot is 5′ x 8′; a tent spot is 10′ x 10′
Q: Is the Art Walk outdoors or indoors?
A: The 2022 Whyte Avenue Art Walk is all outdoors! Rain or shine.
Q: Do I have to set up and take down every day?
A: Yes. The Whyte Avenue Art Walk is not a secured site and the streets open at 7 pm every evening. There can be no setup left overnight.
Q: Can I have helpers at my table or tent?
A: Yes, please bring a friend to help you set up or be at your tent if you need to take any breaks throughout the day.
Q: What do I do if I have to leave my tent/table?
A: Volunteers are designated to each zone and may be available to watch your space while you take a break. If you have a volunteer watching your space, we discourage you from taking a break longer than 15 minutes. We encourage you to make friends with your neighbours if you need to take a short break.
Q: What time do I have to set up and tear down by?
A: Art Walk opens at 10 am and artists are ready and stay open until 5:00 pm. Street closures are from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. Artists have from 7:00 am – 10:00 am to set up and from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm to tear down. We discourage artists from setting up before 7:00 am as the streets will still be open and there will be no support from the Whyte Avenue Art Walk team.
Q: How do you recommend setting up for the weather?
A: Wind and rain are a regular occurrence during the summer in Alberta and this event goes forward rain or shine. For wind, weigh down your tent poles, easels, and grid walls to prevent them from moving in the wind. You can tie things down using sandbags, cement bricks, old paint cans or buckets filled with cement or gravel, and even old weights. Rain: Be prepared to cover your work with plastic and bring umbrellas. Remember you cannot use a tent to cover your work in a table space.
Q: Do we still have to set up in the rain?
Yes. We arrive prepared for the weather, which includes rain, wind, and heat, which includes set-up. Should the weather create unsafe conditions the Whyte Avenue Art Walk management team, zone captains, and volunteers will advise artists.
Q: Where can I rent/buy a tent?
A: Check out our recommended suppliers list here.
Q: Can I share a table at Art Walk?
A: Each artist should purchase their own table and have their own display. This way the art-buying public will be able to see everyone’s work distinctly and each artist will be represented in our website gallery and on social media.
Q: How much is a table or tent space at Art Walk?
A: Tent spots are $200+GST, and table spots are $100+GST. This fee is for the whole weekend.
Q: How do we load in? What time?
A: You will be given instructions on where and when you will load in and load out as part of your Artist Package. Tent zones and street closures will have a team to help manage the load-in and load-out process in a safe and orderly manner.
Q: Where is there parking?
A: There is paid street parking and several paid parking lots around Whyte Avenue. There is also paid parking in the Old Strathcona Farmers Market Parking Lot at 8404 102 St NW except for when the market is open on Saturdays from 8 am to 3 pm.
Q: Do I need to provide proof of Insurance?
A: The Artist assumes all responsibility for their display and its contents. The Whyte Avenue Art Walk shall not be liable for any loss, damage, cost, or other claims whatsoever arising from the Artist’s use of the space. All property left unattended at their own risk.
Q: Do I need a vendor’s license?
A: Activate Arts Alberta secures all vendor’s licenses with the City of Edmonton for the Whyte Avenue Art Walk directly. Your Artist fee covers this rental and licenses with the City.
Q: Where are the nearest ATMs?
A: There is a BMO Bank of Montreal at 8211 104 St NW, an ATB Financial located at 8008 104 St NW, and many ATMs located around the area.
Q: Is there access to power?
A: There is NO access to power.
Q: Where will I be located?
A: You will receive your location as part of your Artist Package.
Q: Do I have to participate in all 3 days or can I participate for 1 day?
A: Artists are required to participate for all three days or risk forfeiting their spot in future years. We recommend finding someone to watch your table if you are not able to make a portion of the event or consider purchasing one of the few “Sunday Only” tent spaces available for $100+GST.
Q: How do I price my artwork?
A: Check out this fantastic blog spot the Paint Spot prepared to help you price your work: https://paintspot.ca/pricing-your-art/
Q: What if I sell out the first day?
A: If you sell out the first day, return the next day with your paints or other materials and start creating something new. Whyte Avenue Art Walk patrons love to see artists at work!
Q: Is Art Walk just for visual artists? What if I sell jewellery or crafts?
A: The Whyte Avenue Art Walk is for visual artists. That said, we work with On The Spot Pop Up which creates a small market of jewellery and craft vendors that runs alongside the Art Walk.
Q: Is it okay if art has a curse word in it or nudity?
A: Yes, but remember this is a family-friendly event. We recommend placing work like that higher and towards the back of your display out of the direct site lines of little ones and if you would not want your child or Grandmother to see it, then keep it hidden and bring it out for customers that would be interested in it.
OTHER SERVICES FOR ARTISTS
As part of Activate Arts Alberta’s event management, we provide access to a compound area for Art Walk artists. This will be located in the Walterdale Parking Lot adjacent to Dr. Wilbert McIntyre Park. Porta-potties and an air-conditioned trailer with a sink will be available for you to use with your artist pass.