ART WORLD EXPO at Telus World of Science, May 3, 2013

Written by Colleen Tsoukalas (Treasure Seeker Colleen)

A big thanks to Monika Blichar, Impresaria of "Art World Expo" and owner of MAB Ventures, Inc.for keeping Vancouverites well aware, all year long about the importance of Art and Art Programs in the lower mainland.  This night's event: ART WORLD EXPO, provided us with an opportunity to see Art and Science combined, as well as to experience a feast for everyone's imagination.  These are our artisans, hard at work, displaying their craft and making the world a more beautiful place.  The theme,  this year, "An Italian Love Affair" revealed Venetian Masks, Gold painted Icons, Jewelry, Tuscan rich colors, paintings, fashion, (Blushing Boutique), business, fortune telling, music, wine and so much more. 

This event served many purposes: to promote Art, to fund raise in support of Art Programs, to celebrate and award student artists, to host a competition for Body Paint Artists, to provide a networking event for the community and to truly showcase the achievements of Visual Artists, Jewelers, Designers, Galleries, Studios and local businesses.

Oh and now inspired to learn a new craft or join friends in this world?  Opportunities abound! One display we visited was by Soigne, which offers Mixed Media Jewelry Design, Accessory Design and Making and Soap and Beauty Products.  Go to soigne.ca for more info. There is much encouragement and support here to actively participate!  Loved how so many sponsors for ART WORLD EXPO really show a high level of contribution to making our community more dynamic through the ARTS.

So much to commend about ART WORLD EXPO so plan to be there May 2, 2104!  Visit the website here.

Gorgeous straight for the first time hair by Ludovic Jan of OPUS Salon

Can't go to anything Art/Fashion without thinking about what to wear.  

Black and white seemed to be the fit for May 3rd!  

Simon Chang Straw hat with black and white ribbon 

and black knot necklace (My sister's Closet) 

and 'pearl' and black magnetic bracelet or necklace (Value Village) 

ART WORLD EXPO 2015 - Original Art, Body Painting, Dance - Gallery of Delights.

A Fairyland Fantasy theme for Art World Expo 2015 prompted us to dress accordingly so I went as a Mad Hatter and Dianna was costumed in an emerald green ball gown, with intricate black jewellery and a clutch (for camera and keys) from Vegas.  And there was certainly a Vegas vibe, especially with the largest Body Painting Competition in North America, (https://www.facebook.com/paintedcookie?fref=ts) and lots of music courtesy of DJ Dustin Sparks.  Early in the evening, OMNIKA IN MOTION, got us moving towards the dance floor.

A huge auction included original paintings, gift baskets, Aboriginal Masks, jewelry, crafts and much more, was open all night, with proceeds going to Make &Break Foundation, for kids' summer camps and Art Education and Art Programs.  More at: MAB Ventures Inc. and MAB ART STUDIO AND BOUTIQUE GALLERY, Spring and Summer 2015

We were invited into this, the 5th Anniversary of ART WORLD EXPO, down a flower strewn path, towards a wall of fame and professional photographs.  The first booth, I saw, grabbed my attention for its wonderful display of fascinators and hats from OVER THE TOP Creations by Ilona, ilona.marshall@yahoo.ca and further along, I met Enterprising Women Making Art(EWMA), a program of Atira Women's Resource Society. More EWMA store and ww.facebook.com/EWMA802

I really wanted to toss the jewellery I was wearing, in favor of anything designed by Carolyn Bruce. It is described as "Steampunk wearable art jewellery and as you can see in the photos, it is all," one of a kind pieces, made of antique silver and bronze, with lead free base metals and found objects."  Find her at www.facebook.com/paintedcookie or paintedcookie@gmail.com  Have a look into jewellery that will definitely make your eye travel.  Her jewellery will be featured at the arts centre, port moody, in a show: A Space in Tme - June 25-July 16, 2015.

Stopped at the marvelous displays of clothing (FESVEDY) and paintings.  Marita Mamuchashvili and Kakha Beri's artistry was featured on our blog (reference) as I interviewed them at Vancouver Eco Fashion Week, just last week.  They are everywhere.

ART WORLD EXPO is a moving Art Gallery, an opportunity to wear your own 'wearable art' and see what local artists create by doing so greatly enhance  our community.  Although this is a grand showcase, their studios do this work, year round.  Congratulations all, and thank you!  And Monika Blichar, it wouldn't be, without you!

Colleen and Photographer Dianna

 I love the real world but Fairy Tale Worlds appeal, too!

Carolyn Bruce's Designs go dancing!

The jewellery of Carolyn Bruce Designs, up close

Carolyn Bruce models her fabulous earrings 

and necklace (Carolyn Bruce Designs)

The staircase is graced!

Art World comes to Science World, Vancouver

Below photos by Dianna Drahanchuk

Jewellery by Carolyn Bruce Designs

Colleen and Dianna

Art World Expo 2017 at Telus World of Science, Friday May 12, 2017

This is my third blog about Art World Expo, founded and produced by Monika Blichar. This has always been a fantastic event that provides a platform for artists and a magnificent array of Art in all of its many forms, including Performance Art and Music. I attended my first one in 2013 here and in 2015, here. 

It is different each time, with different themes, performers and lots of new artists and designers. This year, the theme was the seven wonders of the world. Naturally I went as my own wonder: a wearer of local Artist/Designers, jacket/coat by Chloe Angus, local First Nation Designer, necklace by Carolyn Bruce and multicolored suede leather shoes by John Fluevog. Diskordance held a fantastic show at the central staircase at what we know as Science World. It seemed to me that everyone was wearing Carolyn Bruce Steampunk jewellery and accessories, even Carolyn. She says anyone with 'attitude' can wear her work, so that means all of us, right!

Rich Abarquez (Rich Connections) co-hosted and was wearing, what else?, an amazing bow tie by Carolyn Bruce. A great dancer, model, writer, teacher and emcee, I am sure Rich met every single attendee and introduced us all, too.

Masks by First Nation Artist, Randy Frank of Comox, called out for bids at the Silent Auction to raise money for the Make and Break Arts Foundation whose main goal is "Creating a foundation for arts to thrive in mainstream culture". You can find more information at here. The Silent Auction was a massive collection of Art, Jewellery, Vacations, Food and Beauty Baskets and more.

The midnight finale of the body painting contest is a great wrap up to a very colorful event for a great cause. Awards are given each year and rightly so! Painting on skin is much more difficult than on a flat surface and if not permanent, it is still a work of wearable art and a lasting memory.

Kudos to Monika Blichar and team for keeping ART at the front of the line. Look forward to Art World Expo in 2018.

Photos by Dianna and Colleen

Monika Blichar wearing Carolyn Bruce

All in Chloe Angus Designs

Marilyn R. Wilson and Dianna Drahanchuk

So many Vancouverites dress up for Monika's AWE (Art World Expo) and here is author and Vancouver Fashion Week Ambassador, Marilyn R. Wilson, "Cariboo" and Dianna D. who inspires me with her fashion bravado and always helps with photos. 

Diskordance Dance

Carolyn Bruce and her designs!

Carolyn Bruce and Randi Winter

Rich Abarquez

Rich Abarquez wearing Carolyn Bruce

Rez Zed (Photographer of Zed Studio 7) and me wearing Carolyn Bruce

Randy Frank of Comox masks

West Coat Hatters