Art + cafes = success!

When I started out on my venture as an artist in 2007 the first place I ever hung my work was Blighty's Bistro on Oak Bay ave in Victoria. I was thrilled to see my work on the walls.. but never did I think I would sell 15 original peices in 6 months! From there I hung my work for a 2 month show at Mo:le resturant on Pandora st in Victoria. I sold 12 original paintings! wow! At first I did not think that cafes and resturants would be a great place to sell art but quickly learned I was wrong! And why wouldnt people buy art from these places? unlike galleries and art shows, people get to sit with the art for a long period time (most people spend at least an hour going for dinner)... and really ponder over the peice .. where will I put it?... how will I pay for it?.... can i convince my husband to buy it for me for me birthday? ect... Its a great deal.. the artist gets exposure and the Cafe gets great art on thier walls for free! Its a win win! Since then I have done several resturant/cafe shows with great success! At the moment I have my work hanging in Serious Coffee Cook st Village in Victoria and am looking forward to hanging my work in Pedros Cafe on granville island in February 2010!

Mole Resturant Victoria 2008

Blighty's Bistro 2007

Serious Coffee Cook st village Victoria-now showing!

Featured artist Article.

Featured artist at this year's faire presents acrylic and multimedia
Comox Valley EchoPublished: Friday, November 13, 2009

The featured artist this year at the Charles Dickens Christmas Craft Faire is local acrylic artist, April Lacheur. She is known for her bright, bold and unique acrylic paintings and best known for her whimsical trees that express for her the meaning of life and growth.
Lacheur is new to the Comox Valley within the past year and is enjoying all that the Valley has to offer. Having moved from Victoria, she is loving the inspiring surroundings and energetic art scene which our Valley has in abundance. She is influenced by her world travels and love for color.
As well as her bold acrylic paintings, Lacheur is "branching out" into multi-media using papers and fabrics and creating functional artwork, including her new hand-painted bags. As a self-taught artist, her style and technique is ever-evolving and she is enjoying developing her creative spirit. April's work is shown around Vancouver and Vancouver Island and is also available in her online store. You can find her work at Island Treasures at 1787 Comox Ave. in Comox. To view her work, visit www.yapespaints.com or contact her at yapespaints@hotmail.com . Fresh from the One of a Kind show in Vancouver, she is looking forward to sharing her latest work with shoppers at the Charles Dickens Christmas Craft Faire coming up this weekend.
Don't miss the chance of seeing April Lacheur and other talented artists at this year's Faire. The

Shi Studio artist series

There is a new product at Shi Studios.. April Lacheur and Cory Judy (of Shi Studio) are super excited to launch the Artist Series! The work of April Lacheur is encased within Shi studios beautiful pendants and belt buckles! Truly wearable art! The pieces will be available from Shi Studio at all of the upcoming Christmas shows as well as online at www.shistudio.com/artistseries.php

One of a Kind show 2009

Wow! what a beautiful show! The 2009 One of a Kind show took place at the Vancouver Convention center under the sails at Canada Place Oct 8-11. The new venue brought forth new challenges in setting up.. but once that hard part was over the fun began! Met tons of great people, made great connections and found some new fans! yeah!... I felt special to be amungst over 200 amazing north american artisans. Being part of the visual arts district allowed me to rub elbows with some very talented artist from Vancouver, Toronto, Oregon and Montana! The experience was one that helped me learn about being an artist and a bussiness women and made me realize how lucky I am to have such a fun job!.. back home now and working on upcoming christmas events which can be found at http://www.yapespaints.com. Cant wait for next years One of a Kind show!! Check the pics of my booth below!

Yapes Bags!

Yapes Bags are functional original artwork! available in totes and messenger bags.. and now available in purses!.. the purses are hand made by my mom (she is awesome) and painted by yours truly.. I use a textile medium and heat set them so they are totally washable (cold water inside out)... check out these samples pics.. im painting new ones all the time;>

Handpainted tote bags and messengers. "Eco-line bags are PVC free!

Wristlets! with zipper and cell pocket!

Purses with long straps, zippers and cell phone pocket!

Yapes bags make a unique fashion statement.... and a unique gift!

Been a busy summer!

As summer comes to end (sad) I can reflect on a busy season. Lots of outdoor shows and events! funny how it used to be one of my favorite weekend activities in the summer.. to hang out with Ren and check out local art/food markets in the summer.... and now i am selling my work at them! Must say once and a while its nice to have time to really take my time admiring other peoples work! I really have a new appreciation for the time and work that goes in to peoples displays and work.. its not easy being an artisan.. but its hard work i am really enjoying! ..

The arts in bloom festival May long weekend at Kitty Coleman gardens Courtenay BC... its was a bit chilly.. but what a gorgeous setting!

The Harmony Arts Festival in West Vancouver August 09.. beautiful spot on the ocean! too bad bout the wind and the rain!

Opening Night June 09 at No 5 Gallery in Victoria.. what a gorgeous new space!

Looking forward to upcoming shows including One of a Kind Vancouver, Charles Dickens Courtenay, Out of hand Victoria and Portobello west Vancouver!.. guess i better get to work!