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Slate Fine Art Gallery in Regina enjoyed a successful business trip to Toronto and Montreal recently, made possible by a Market and Export Development Grant.

In Montréal, Slate enjoyed its first appearance at Papier Art Fair, and in Toronto, it was a fourth appearance at Art Toronto. Both ventures delivered sales success, developed professional connections and deepened the gallery’s profile on a national level.

Papier Art Fair in Montréal has a unique focus on artwork created on or from paper. Slate’s participation resulted in strong sales for Saskatchewan artists Vera Saltzman and Gabriela Garcia-Luna who both work in the medium of photography. The gallery’s presence at the art fair opened up a new market for these artists.

Slate Fine Art Gallery Booth at Papier Art Fair, Montréal 2018 image features artwork by (L to R) David Thauberger, Jay Dart, Joe Fafard, Michael Hosaluk, Zachari Logan, Vera Saltzman and cardboard desk by Brian Gladwell. Image courtesy of Slate Fine Gallery.

After missing a 2017 appearance at Art Toronto, Slate found its return this year to be well received, with many visitors and artists remarking on its absence the previous year. Artists who were presented at Art Toronto for the first time all saw successful sales (Gabriela Garcia-Luna, photographic work; Peter Tucker, painting; Katherine Boyer, beadwork and soft sculpture) and artwork from two Saskatchewan artists entered the collection of the University of Guelph.

Our Annual Report, “Unlocking Creative Profitability” is now available. You can meet many of the creative entrepreneurs we invested in right here. Here’s a story about the challenges of sudden success.

What began as Catherine Blackburn’s love for creation, design and fashion rapidly became the foundation of a commercially successful business.

Blackburn’s been creating Indigenous handmade jewelry since 2010 when her first pieces, utilizing leather and feathers, completely sold out at Lei Gallery in Taichung, Taiwan.

In the years that followed, Blackburn’s jewelry began to combine Indigenous beading techniques with contemporary design concepts.

Sales continued to be strong and as of 2016, Blackburn’s work was represented through six retailers, including an online collective based in Los Angeles.

Now, Blackburn faced a challenge that many creative entrepreneurs are familiar with – her commercial success had become her biggest hurdle.

“The funds from this grant greatly improve the focus on my jewelry business and allow for proper growth to keep up with growing demand.”

“With my growing professional art career, I was finding it extremely hard to keep up with product demand,” Blackburn said.

“I pride myself on quality of product and customer service as well as efficiency. Losing customers due to turn around time was not an option for me. I realized I needed to find a solution quickly.”

Part of her strategy in 2017 was to secure an investment from Creative Saskatchewan’s Creative Industries Production Grant.

“The Production Grant helps cover costs for materials and labor that are essential for me, particularly through my start-up phase, to focus and grow my business,” Blackburn said.

“I currently need to split my time between my art practice and my jewelry business to solidify an income every year. The funds from this grant greatly improve the focus on my jewelry business and allow for proper growth to keep up with growing demand.”

Creative entrepreneurs know the pursuit of commercial success must be balanced carefully with a continued commitment to their craft.

Blackburn knows that her strong network of profession

“Having strong supports are key to success and longevity in the creative industries,” Blackburn said.

“As I continue to add to my strong community of mentors, supporters and professionals I am confident I can build my career as a high-end jewelry designer.”

August 22, 2018

Our Annual Report, “Unlocking Creative Profitability” is now available.

You can meet many of the creative entrepreneurs we invested in right here.

Our Annual Report, “Unlocking Creative Profitability” is now available. Here’s one of our favourite stories about our investment in Jay Kimball’s ceramics.

When you first encounter Jay Kimball’s two most commercially successful ceramic product lines, you might overlook the fact they were both created by the hands of the same artist.

But you’d be forgiven for not making the connection between intricate, tiny earrings, and bold, breathtaking platters. Kimball’s talent lies behind it all, and buyers are lining up to own his dinnerware and his jewelry.

“Before Creative Saskatchewan, I couldn’t access funding typically available to artists because my work is considered too commercial.”

“The investments Creative Saskatchewan has made in my ceramic production practice have been invaluable,” Kimball said. “I’ve been able to reach new markets with new products, to expand a line of jewelry, and create a new production line of functional dinnerware.”

As every creative entrepreneur knows, surging demand can lead to significant challenges.

“The jewelry had become so successful that I did not have enough inventory to supply many shops with orders,” Kimball said.

“It was all sold out within months at shows and personal sales, and dinnerware sales were stronger than I could keep up with as well.”

That’s the kind of success that helped Kimball secure another investment from Creative Saskatchewan in early 2018, which will help sales continue to grow.

“This year, Creative Saskatchewan’s investment will allow me to expand my jewelry and dinnerware lines,” Kimball said.

Kimball’s excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, and the unique role that Creative Saskatchewan continues to play in his success.

“I’ve never been able to access funding that is typically available to artists because my work is considered too commercial,” Kimball said.

“The investments available through Creative Saskatchewan have allowed me to expand my business plan and to generate more revenue for my growing business.”