Gananoque Reporter
* Two local artists debut at One of a Kind show
Two local artists debut at One of a Kind show
Posted By Anne Craig
Posted 10 months ago
With a financial boost from the Thousand Islands Community Development Corporation and the assistance of the Eastern Ontario Artists Marketplace, 24 Eastern Ontario artists including Kathrine Christensen and Karen Schaack from Gananoque are off to the One of a Kind Show in Toronto April 1 to 5.
The show is one of the top shows for artists and artisans in Canada and booth space is reserved for only the best in their field.
Both Christensen and Schaack have been looking to crack the Toronto art world for years. They applied along with 125 other artists and were selected in the top 24. The TICDC provided the entrance fee and the EOAM will have a section of show the dedicated entirely to them. Susan Fournier from the TICDC said this is an excellent opportunity to showcase Eastern Ontario artists.
“I’m one of the lucky artists that got selected,” said professional painter Christensen. “For me this is a good opportunity. On my list of things to do is to get into Toronto. Toronto is a big nut to crack.”
Christensen said she is represented by a number of galleries in Ontario but the Toronto area remained elusive. The One of a Kind Show allows her to rub shoulders with other top artists and show her work to dealers and potential buyers. She has also created a unique show cube with the help of the Playhouse’s Dan Rider.
“This is actually overwhelming to be chosen,” she said with a smile. “I’ve done a lot of shows but this is a whole other level. I do this as a profession and want to sell paintings and get the attention of more people.”
Schaack, who works under the name Canadian Twig Furniture, said she also considers herself a full time professional artist but, like many others in her field, the twig furniture maker has a 40 hour a week job in a factory. Her big break could come at the One of a Kind Show and allow her to set up a professional studio and give classes.
“I know this is an elite show and I have to admit, I never thought of going to it,” she said. “I was shocked to be picked. I’m very critical of my own work and I often underestimate it.”
Schaack started tole painting in her 20s and then joined the Visual Artists of Gananoque and Area as a painter. About 10 years ago she took a class at St. Lawrence College which taught her to make twig furniture. From there she developed her own designs including end tables, coffee tables, chairs, dining room tables, plant stands, hutches and pretty much any other type of furniture. Along with her own designs, Schaack also makes custom pieces. All of her wood is either purchased from lumber stores or collected while working in local gardens. Schaack also has a diploma in horticulture.
“I want to get back to working on furniture and continue gardening,” she said. “I’d also like to have a store set up and bring in other artists to sell. I’d also like to eventually teach classes in twig furniture.”
Along with her booth at the One of a Kind Show, Schaack has been asked to create pieces for a large show window at the entrance to the show. The setting is a bedroom and her work will include a queen size headboard, a dresser and night tables.
“This show is about getting my name out and if I’m popular, I’ll be back to concentrate on selling,” she said.
Karen resides with her husband, in their home near Gananoque along the St. Lawrence. She spends much of her time creating. She does gardening for people, makes twig furniture and accessories, paints and spends time on the river with her husband Edgar when she can. With her busy schedule, it is best to phone and leave a message with your phone number or email her to set up an appointment. Ed sometimes lends a greatly appreciated helping hand when Karen needs it.
This is a picture of Karen and Ed at her 50th birthday party.
Lots of fun!