Artists of all levels and ages are welcome to participate in a new community-sharing event at Arbor Gallery – an Artist Trading Cards Swap. On Saturday, June 14, from 1 pm to 3 pm, participants can bring their handcrafted art cards and trade them with other participants.
Artist Trading Cards are economical to make and collect and serve as mementoes of a connection with other makers in the community.
Artist Trading Cards emerged in the late 1990s, when a Swiss artist initiated a collaborative card trading session to close his exhibition. The original ethos is still held to this day – that cards are never bought nor sold, but traded between those who have made them. Each card measures 2.5” by 3.5” and is dated and signed on the back by its creator. How the artist decorates the front is entirely up to them, and could include paint, pen and ink, watercolour, collage, fabric, sewn stitches, pastel, coloured pencils, etc.
The Swap on June 14 is free to attend and no registration is required. Artists are encouraged to bring at least 15-20 handmade cards to trade with other attendees. Full guidelines are available on the Gallery’s website at https://arborgallery.org/event/artist-trading-cardswap/.
“Each trading card is a small work of art,” said Arbor Gallery’s artistic director, Andrea Belcham. “At the same time, they encourage playfulness. They’re a chance for a maker to try a new technique without too much investment in time or materials. I’m sure we’ll see a dazzling array of examples during our swap!”
Those looking for inspiration or guidance in crafting their cards can register to attend one of two Making Artist Trading Cards sessions happening in advance of the Swap, on May 3 or May 17 from 10am-12pm at the Gallery. The cost for materials is $10. To register, contact [email protected] or call (613) 678-6171.
Arbor Gallery is located at 103 High Street, Vankleek Hill.
