Thank you Maggie for the inspiring idea, the multitude [...]]]> First you take blank art paper the size of a playing Card.  Then you decorate it with whatever art supplies you have.  And then when you meet another artist, you trade one of yours with one of theirs. Simple Recipe that turned into an International Craze!

Thank you Maggie for the inspiring idea, the multitude of supplies and the memorable fun!

What are Artist Trading Cards?

Artist Trading Cards are a popular activity for artists all over the world. These original works of art are the size of a playing card at 2.5″ x 3.5″. Collecting cards is a fun way to own original works of art, and artists find the small scale pieces a good way to experiment. They are made with a number of different mediums, including paint, paper collage, rubber stamps, wax crayons, photography. Trading sessions allow artists to meet, discuss and trade their own Artist Trading Cards.

The number one rule of Artist Trading Cards is that they should never be sold, only traded.

History of Artist Trading Cards

The concept of Artist Trading Cards began by artist m. vänci stirnemann. In May 1997, stirnemann held a gallery showing of 1,200 cards in Zürich, Switzerland, where he collaborated with artists Cat Schick and Gido Dietrich. Visitors who attended the show were told that if they wished to have one of the cards they must bring one of their own creations to trade for it. Canadian Don Mabie (a.k.a. Chuck Stake) attended the first trading session in Zürich and brought the first North American Artist Trading Card Session to Calgary in 1997 (in collaboration with stirnemann) at The New Gallery in Calgary, Alberta. Regular trading sessions are held all over North America at various art galleries, schools and colleges – and now Mudpies & Butterflies PARKDAYS.

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Cards Created & Traded by Our Kids

…………………………………………………………………….. And for some other events that took place through out our amazing parkday.