A Message from the Premier

On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Saskatoon for the 11th annual Art Now Saskatchewan Fine Art Fair.

Events such as Art Now celebrate the creativity, talent and entrepreneurial spirit that embody Saskatchewan's vibrant arts and culture sector.

Our arts and culture sector, made up of talented and creative individuals and organizations, helps strengthen our economy and our quality of life.

This event creates an opportunity to showcase the amazing quality and diversity of our fine arts sector, here and across Canada.

Thank you to all the artists, the organizers and the volunteers that have made this event possible.

Enjoy!

Welcome to the 11th annual Art Now Saskatchewan Fine Art Fair in Saskatoon.

This amazing event showcases some of our province’s premier modern and contemporary fine art and the galleries that support Saskatchewan artists.

We are fortunate to have a strong arts community in our province providing individuals with a forum for self-expression, and employment opportunities that contribute to our economy and vibrant quality of life.

Once again, there are two shows in one location, the SaskGalleries’ Art Now, Fine Art Fair and Craft ls ... an Elevated Craft Market that held by the partnership with the Saskatchewan Craft Council. This provides a forum for entrepreneurs to showcase their creative efforts to buyers from near and far.

Thank you to SaskGalleries and the Saskatchewan Craft Council, with support from Creative Saskatchewan, for strengthening the visual arts and craft sector in Saskatchewan and for putting together this wonderful event.

I hope you enjoy all that Art Now and Craft Is offers and that you find that certain something that will hold a special place in your heart and your home.

Enjoy!

On behalf of Creative Saskatchewan, we’re proud to support Art Now and Craft Is…, Saskatchewan’s premier fine art and craft fair and a celebration of the outstanding talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that define our province’s visual arts community.

Visitors can look forward to an inspiring showcase of Saskatchewan’s finest visual art and craft. With galleries, artists, and makers from across the province gathered under one roof, attendees will have the opportunity to discover new work, meet creative entrepreneurs, and experience a wide range of artistic practices. Art Now and Craft Is… combines to create an exciting destination for collectors, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking to connect with Saskatchewan’s vibrant creative community.

As the economic development agency for Saskatchewan’s creative industries, Creative Saskatchewan is committed to helping creative entrepreneurs grow their businesses and reach new audiences. We are proud to provide operational and programming support to both SaskGalleries and the Saskatchewan Craft Council, whose leadership and dedication continue to foster meaningful opportunities for artists while strengthening Saskatchewan’s creative economy.

We extend our thanks to the artists, galleries, makers, volunteers, and partners whose passion and commitment make this exceptional event possible.

On behalf of Creative Saskatchewan, we’re proud to support Art Now and Craft Is…, Saskatchewan’s premier fine art and craft fair and a celebration of the outstanding talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that define our province’s visual arts community.

Visitors can look forward to an inspiring showcase of Saskatchewan’s finest visual art and craft. With galleries, artists, and makers from across the province gathered under one roof, attendees will have the opportunity to discover new work, meet creative entrepreneurs, and experience a wide range of artistic practices. Art Now and Craft Is… combines to create an exciting destination for collectors, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking to connect with Saskatchewan’s vibrant creative community.

As the economic development agency for Saskatchewan’s creative industries, Creative Saskatchewan is committed to helping creative entrepreneurs grow their businesses and reach new audiences. We are proud to provide operational and programming support to both SaskGalleries and the Saskatchewan Craft Council, whose leadership and dedication continue to foster meaningful opportunities for artists while strengthening Saskatchewan’s creative economy.

We extend our thanks to the artists, galleries, makers, volunteers, and partners whose passion and commitment make this exceptional event possible.

Erin Dean is the Chief Executive Officer of Creative Saskatchewan. Erin is responsible for the overall operation of Creative Saskatchewan, by providing strategic leadership and working closely with the provincial government, industry stakeholders, the Board of Directors, and the senior management team. The best advice Erin has received about collecting art is to buy what you love! Erin knows firsthand how hard it is to leave Art Now empty-handed. Her finds from last year included a scarf from Kathleen O’Grady Design, a painting by Cindy Obuck from Black Spruce Gallery, and two crystalline vases by Harm Maathuis (HM Crystalline Pottery). She hopes you’ll find a few must-have items of your own!

On behalf of Saskatoon City Council and the residents of our city, I am pleased to extend greetings to everyone attending the 11th edition of the Art Now Fine Art Fair.

Art Now is a remarkable celebration of the creativity, talent, and diversity of Saskatchewan’s visual arts community. As the only fine art fair of its kind on the Prairies, it brings together artists, galleries, collectors, and art enthusiasts while creating opportunities for learning, inspiration, and connection.

The City of Saskatoon is proud to support initiatives that enrich our cultural landscape and make the arts accessible to all. Events such as Art Now showcase the important role the arts play in building vibrant, inclusive, and connected communities.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of Art Now. I encourage attendees to explore, discover, and celebrate the outstanding artistic talent showcased throughout this year’s fair.

Welcome to the 11th edition of the Art Now Fine Art Fair.

Art is always influencing and reflecting the culture and community it emerges from, bridging gaps between cultures, challenging what is perceived as normal, and inspiring change. Often the language of art transcends words, enhances our personal and public spaces, and makes them more vibrant and meaningful. Public installations strengthen the identity of a community, as well as enrich our urban landscape.

In a world so full of distraction, superficial and confusing information, art has its own therapeutic benefits. It continues its fundamental role, which is to inspire, challenge and connect us. Thank you for contributing to this initiative to ensure art remains a vital and dynamic force in our province of Saskatchewan.

SaskGalleries would like to thank our participating artists and artisans, Creative Saskatchewan, the City of Saskatoon and our generous sponsors, partners and volunteers. Creative Saskatchewan’s ongoing support provides us this unique opportunity to celebrate the visual arts through this annual event.

Boozhoo and Tawow!

Boozhoo is a common greeting from my Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) roots. At first, it’s easy to think it was influenced by the French; boozhoo is very close to bonjour, but it is not.

In Anishinaabe culture, there is a prominent character named Nanaboozhoo. When we see one another as Anishinaabe people, we say Boozhoo to acknowledge our culture and relationship, and it has now become a way to just say hello or greetings.

Tawow is Plains Cree; its meaning has to do with “there is room.” Today, it has the understanding of “Welcome.”

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the 150th year of Treaty #6! I could spend a long time talking about this topic, but I will just say thank you to all of you who are on your learning journeys toward truth and reconciliation, including SaskGalleries. I say thank you to their board and staff for bringing this important component to their organization. Again, I am honoured to be acting in an advisory role with SaskGalleries as their Indigenous Advisor.

Finally, I would like to congratulate all of the artists whose works we showcase and all of the many art galleries that make up our membership, and say happy 11th birthday to Art Now, the Saskatchewan Fine Art Fair!

Miigwetch, nanaskamon, thank you.