Going to IAPS? Who Wants to Trade ATCs?

'Summer Dreams'     2.5 x 3.5     pastel      ©Karen Margulis

It occurred to me in the shower today (where I get most of my ideas) that the IAPS convention would be a great opportunity to trade paintings with fellow pastelists. But it would be challenging to deal with carrying work to and from the convention.  So why not trade small paintings?  Little ATC sized originals have been traded by artists for many years.  They are portable (only 2.5x3.5) inexpensive and quick to paint.

What are ATC's you may be asking?

• What are Artist Trading Cards? - Artist trading cards (commonly referred to as ATCs) are miniature pieces of art that are traded around the world. Artists create, trade and collect art at organized "swap" events, either in person or online. The only official rule for ATCs is the size: 2.5" × 3.5".

• How did the movement start? - In 1997, M. Vanci Stirnemann, a Swiss artist, created 1200 cards by hand as part of an exhibit. On the last day, he invited others to create their own cards and trade with him during the closing reception.

• How do I trade cards? - Today there are ATC swaps in almost every major city around the world. You can locate an in-person swap in your area, find an online swap, or organize your own swap. There are a number of Web sites that others have created to help artists get started.

'Southwest Impressions'       2.5 x 3.5    pastel

 If you have never painted these small 2.5 x 3.5 paintings you are in for a treat!  They are such a fun way to play with colors and compositions and try new techniques. I love to paint them. And I love to trade them too. Every year my group of artist friends have an ATC swap at our Christmas Party. It is fun to collect one another's work this way.  If you are attending the IAPS convention I would love to trade with you!  Read on for more information:

'My Secret Place'       2.5 x 3.5        pastel 

A collection of pastel Artist Trading cards

WHAT:  The Unofficial Artist Trading Card Swap at the IAPS convention in Albuquerque.

WHEN:  The convention kicks off on Thursday June 6th with a welcome celebration in the courtyard of the Hotel Albuquerque. Bring your ATC's to the party to trade.

WHERE:  I will be in the lobby 1/2 hour before the party begins with an orange bag and sign.

HOW:  If you just want to trade one card you can put your card in the bag and take out another artist's card. If you have multiple cards to trade you can  meet and mingle to find other artists to trade with. Artists who wish to trade can gather in the lobby. This is an unofficial meeting but it will be a great icebreaker to meet our fellow artists and share our work in mini form!

DETAILS:  The only rule is that the cards need to be 2.5 x 3.5 inches and they need to be Originals. Please protect your paintings either in a clear bag or wrapped in glassine paper. Be sure to sign them and include a business card if you have one.

So if you would like a way to meet and share at the convention consider paintings some ATC's to trade. You have a week to get them done!  By the way I just cut up my scraps of pastel papers to use for the cards. Check out my YouTube video for ideas on storing them. (on sidebar)

Comment or email me to let me know if you are planning to trade so I can be on the lookout for you!