about / ART NOW FINE ART FAIR
Art Now is the only show of its kind on the prairies and celebrates the variety and quality of original fine art Saskatchewan has to offer.
Art Now's mandate is to provide an accessible and comfortable fine art experience showcasing Saskatchewan's commercial galleries and the quality of Saskatchewan art, and to provide education and promote Saskatchewan's vibrant fine art industry. Our show offers free admission to all attendees and is family-friendly because we believe fine art is not just for the seasoned collector, but for everyone.
Our objectives for Art Now are to showcase the quality and diversity of fine art in Saskatchewan and Canada, engage the community by providing exceptional art experiences and cultural opportunities, provide exposure and sales opportunities for participating galleries, and to establish and maintain partnerships with supporters, organizations, and corporations.
HISTORY
After three years of hosting a group exhibition of Saskatchewan commercial galleries abroad, SaskGalleries set its sights on showcasing the diversity, quality, and appetite for fine art right here at home and began planning for the very first Saskatchewan fine art fair in late 2015. With funding assistance from our major supporter, Creative Saskatchewan, SaskGalleries produced the inaugural Art Now Fine Art Fair in Saskatoon in September 2016. This show surpassed all expectations in attendance, sales, and in feedback from attendees and galleries alike.
In 2017, Art Now was held in Regina, producing impressive sales for galleries and a unique fine art experience for the community. The second show also brought exhibitor applications from outside the membership and the province.
The 2018 show returned to Saskatoon and culminated in strong sales and high public engagement. The third edition of the fair featured 11 exhibitors from Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba. Sustaining the growth from previous years, the fair had over 2,300 attendees throughout the weekend. The fourth show was held in Regina in September 2019 with 12 galleries, again from Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan and had 2,500 attendees.
The fifth and sixth editions of Art Now were held on September 17-27, 2020, and September 16-26, 2021, respectively in an altered format than originally planned due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Although originally set to take place in Saskatoon once again, the 2020 event shifted to an Online format, with an On Location component at participating gallery locations. Art Now was able to reach a broader audience while still offering the same art fair feel and experience but in an alternative way. With the ongoing pandemic, the 6th edition was again held in the hybrid format of Online and On Location.
The seventh, eighth, and ninth editions in 2022, 2023, and 2024 returned to an in-person format rotating between Regina and Saskatoon with eleven gallery exhibitors and more than 3,200 attendees each. The show featured a hybrid format with a ten-day online component with online gallery booths, a 3D virtual tour, recorded programming, and more. In 2024, Art Now made another transition to hosting the show alongside the inaugural Craft Is… fine craft market hosted by our partners, the Saskatchewan Craft Council.
In 2024, the celebratory 10th edition of the Art Now Fine Art Fair will feature an in-person show in Regina, Saskatchewan, with an expanded online show, as well as once again, hosting two shows in one location with our partners, the Saskatchewan Craft Council.
SaskGalleries is grateful to our major supporter, Creative Saskatchewan, and all supporters and sponsors of the Art Now Fine Art Fair.
PLANNING COMMITTEE
A special thank you to our volunteer planning committee who make this amazing show happen each year with their efforts, guidance, and expertise.
2024 Committee
Adele Tosh, Dervilia art + design, Saskatoon
Linda Stark, The Gallery / art placement inc, Saskatoon
Joel Graham, SaskGalleries Board Members, Regina
Emma Johnson, Assiniboia Gallery, Regina
Kristin Wagman, SaskGalleries
Karlie King, SaskGalleries