Where to Buy Custom Canvases?

Ok so I normally get my canvases made by Jam Jar when I am in Dubai but they have changed their price structure recently and they now seem to be way too expensive (I was quoted 432 dirhams for a 120x120cm gallery wrapped canvas). So I need to find somewhere else to get custom canvases made. Either that or I will have to stick to standard sizes.

A few years ago there were quite a few carpenters around who were making custom canvases for reasonable prices but they seem to have gone by the wayside. I know that Emirates Trading sometimes have custom ordered sizes in their shops so I will try them but otherwise if anyone knows someone who makes them then can you please let me know?

DXB Store at Art Dubai

All UAE based artists and designers are invited to submit their ideas for proposals and products for the 3rd installment of the not for profit initiative which takes place during Art Dubai.

More info can be found on the Art Dubai website but applications must be in by 4th January.

http://artdubai.ae/dxbstore

Festiva Bazaar by Anahata

Below are details of another Bazaar that is taking place in Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi. Again this is a new one that I have not tried before but if you need more info then contact Info@anahataspa.ae

We are pleased to invite you to join us for  A.N.A.H.A.T.A.’s  upcoming bazaar ;

Event Name:     FESTIVA Bazaar
 The 1st Annual Bazaar of Arts, Fashion & Wellness by A.N.A.H.A.T.A. Wellness Spa

Event Date:  23rd November 2012,  Friday

Event Time: 11:00am to 9:00pm

Event Type: Outdoor Event ( Anahata Garden)

Event Details:

A.N.A.H.A.T.A. Wellness Spa is having its 1st Annual Bazaar for Arts,
Fashion and Wellness for the benefit of Labour of Love UAE which a
charity group that works to improve quality of life for labourers in
Abu Dhabi, focusing on education, social activities and provision of
basic goods.

FESTIVA Bazaar is a whole day event which will be joined by vendors of
all types promoting their own fashion, clothing, jewellery and craft
lines. There will be variety of stalls showcasing different products
that guest can choose from. A  perfect holiday shopping for
A.N.A.H.A.T.A  patrons and potential clients.

Discount Vouchers will be given during the event for all participating guest.

Tables are available for 200AED. Vendors may leave early as they wish.  Payment can be done personally or thru our bank account.

Start Residence Program for Artists in India, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine & UAE

Calling Creative Minds

START's Residence Programme invites ARTISTS from across the globe to become volunteers in the field of humanitarian aid and education by mentoring refugee and orphaned children in START workshops across the Middle East.

Locations: India, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine & UAE

Who can apply: START welcomes all artists of different art forms and nationalities that are passionate about children and wish to give back to the community. 

The START team will organize transportation, prepare the workshop supplies and support each artist to conceptualize an interactive workshop for the refugee, orphaned and special needs children.

START provides: Complimentary accommodation in the START House for the Jordan and Lebanon Programme. 

To find out more click here to watch our START Film on

Selling Your Art in Dubai

So I often get notified of arts and crafts events where you can sell you art in Dubai and once summer has gone they seem to come thick and fast. There are 2 art markets that I have been notified of recently and they are as follows:

The Cultural Night Market at Safa Park
This is on next weekend 28/29th September from 3 to 11pm at Safa Park, Dubai. This is a new event so I can't comment on whether it is any good or not - often it depends on what kind of publicity they do and who lives in the area and is likely to visit the event. Safa Park can go both ways, although you have a rather affluent area surrounding it, the usual visitors to Safa Park may not have so much disposable income in terms of buying art so it could be quite hit and miss. You can find more info here.

Armenian Community Bazaar
Another event that I have not participated in yet but have been invited to. This takes place on 24th November at the Beach Rotana Hotel in Abu Dhabi. The cost for a table is 250 dirhams and it is an all day event being open from 11am til 8pm. For further information, please call or e-mail Gulizar Jonian:
Mob: 050 494 0455
E-mail: gjonian77@hotmail.com

Exhibition in Dubai

Well I have been asked to share info about an exhibition in Dubai that is taking place next week. To be honest, I am not sure I totally get it. It seems to be about creating something around a  New Era 59FIFTY . I have no idea what that is but judging from the pictures it is a baseball hat. Not being a connoisseur of baseball hats without pictures I would not have known! Anyway, it seems the Middle East winner came from Sharjah and the winners are being displayed in this exhibition. An interesting concept similar to a few things that have gone on in the past in Dubai e.g. red bull, Johnsons and those little robot things (sorry can't remember what they are called!). Anyway there are some details here - https://www.facebook.com/New.Era.ME

Get 6% Off Discount Art Supplies

So I have already posted about discount art and that they are the best low cost art supplies site that I can find. I get all of my canvases from them and have not found anywhere that can beat their prices (unless you just want 1 or 2 canvases). But now if you join TopCashBack you can get a 6.06% discount on all of your purchases from discount art, making it even better value!

Get Cheap Canvases in the UK

If you are looking for cheap canvases in the UK then I have checked through quite a large number of websites and I have found that the cheapest place to buy canvases, particularly if you want to buy them in bulk, is Discount Art. You can check them out by clicking on the image link below. 

 I have ordered from them more times than I care to remember and they have also always given me a great service. Invariably my canvases will be sent the next working day by courier and so will arrive within 2 days of ordering. The customer service is great and the best thing is basically the prices. You can also order paint at a great price and in particular if you are looking for a large (5l) tub of white or black I would recommend them. 

Heading Back to Dubai

So I will be back in Dubai in February primarily to sell my paintings at the Dubai Jazz Festival. For I think 6 years I have been part of the arts and crafts village at the festival (a part that some people do miss) and have sold quite a few paintings there.

This year not only is the Jazz Festival bigger than ever but also the arts and crafts village is expanding and there will be at least 10 tents in the new location (Festival City) selling many different styles of painting. I will have at least 3 very large paintings up for sale (size 150 x 150cm) and have ordered my canvases from Jam Jar who will make custom sized stretched canvases for you.