Canvas #343: Home Depot, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

Trina is an incredible woman: a loving mom and wife, a talented actress and director, a compassionate teacher, and an all around wonderful person. I'm lucky to have her as a friend and part of our creativity collective.

Here's her beautiful three-dimensional canvas. It has letters all across it and says, "No matter how you spell it, YOU are ENOUGH" in the corner.

Trina writes, I placed my canvas in Home Depot as I thought that it would stick out like a sore thumb!  I truly wanted to place this little gem in an obviously unexpected location to bring it the most attention to the recipient. My recent trip to Home Depot proved to be just the right location for such an unexpected and surprising oddity to discover. So I set it amidst the ubiquitous bathroom vanity choices on a display bathroom sink counter top. Voila!

Canvas #341b, Cibo Restaurant, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

I forgot to write down the last canvas so I mislabeled this one. There's two Canvas #341s out there, so we'll call this one #341b.

I have a group of friends who are my sisters in soul. We get together from time to time to create and play together. We met today, and decided we should create some canvases. In the next little while, expect some posts from these incredible ladies about the canvases they created.

Here's a sneak peak:

The canvas I created today has a simple symbol on it: the ampersand. The ampersand means something that at first seems quite ordinary: and. But if at first glance this symbol doesn't seem to hold lots of meaning, it does. It's what comes after the & that's important. The ampersand joins things. The ampersand implies more. The ampersand means growth.

So let's take that attitude to life, shall we? Let's think about the more & the next & the after. Let's think about the fullness. Let's carry on forward and grow.

We finished our creative day by going out to dinner at Cibo, an amazing restaurant in Calgary where the food is made to be shared (another hint of the &). We ate like queens. Let me give you a taste: polenta fries & handmade ricotta gnocci with sunchokes & mushroom pizza with truffle oil & hazelnuts. I left my canvas on the table after we had finished our delicious meal together.

What happened next was something I wasn't expecting. As we were putting on our coats, we gathered near the door, and were saying our goodbyes. The waitress went to clear away the glasses and cups from the table, & I watched her as she discovered the canvas. She carefully picked it up, and looked at the art, & the sticker. She flipped it over and found the label on the back. She glanced over at us, uncertain. This was a first for me - witnessing someone discovering a canvas. It was quite awesome to watch.

She came over to us, clutching the canvas, and held it up, and said, "Thank you." I said, "It's for you." She said, "This is so nice." She seemed a bit speechless, and definitely touched by the gesture. It was pretty amazing seeing the reason why this project was started in the first place - to bring joy to strangers - in person. & definitely more special that I got to experience all of it with my brilliant group of friends. & it helped me remember that even though we don't see the reactions of the people who find our canvases, & sometimes we don't even hear from the people who find them, we need to remember that people do find them and do feel joy when they do. So let's keep this project going!

On that note, I have decided to stop providing the canvases for this project, but I do want it to continue. If you are reading this and wish to participate, please send me an e-mail at quinn.erin@gmail.com. I will give you a number for the back of the canvas and let you know what to write on it. And you can go and find yourself a little canvas to decorate. Sound good? Drop me a line!

Canvas #340: The Mint, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

I don't know Amanda, but I get a clear picture of her through her words and art. I think Amanda is a vibrant young woman who seems to bring a bit of joy wherever she goes. I've seen crayon art before, but Amanda did such an incredible job blending the colours, and I absolutely love the message she pasted on top. What a delightful surprise for someone to find!

She writes, My name is Amanda, and I received my canvas a couple of months ago where I live in Calgary, AB. I did my artwork on it and left in the city I was visiting, Victoria, BC. I have a couple of in-progress photos, and couple of my canvas where I left it.

I wanted to make my canvas as colourful and bright as possible. By taping some coloured wax crayons above my canvas and then blow drying them, I created what looks like a rainbow exploding on my canvas. After letting the wax dry, I cut some letters out of the newspaper and glued them to the canvas. I said "love your life," because when I think about spreading a message of positivity, I think about making sure that everyone in the world is happy and appreciates the life that they have, and lives that life to its fullest.

I left my canvas in a lovely lunch place on Douglas Street of Victoria, BC, called The Mint. I had a delicious curry chicken wrap there (twice, I might add), and I just thought the place was so cute and enjoyed myself so much that I decided to leave my canvas there. I hope someone finds it and that people enjoyed the message my artwork was trying to spread.

Thanks so much for participating, Amanda!

Canvas #319: the Folk Fest, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

There's a real kinship between music and art, so it makes sense that Megan and Danielle decided to place this canvas at the Winnipeg Folk Fest. Two busy moms, Megan and Danielle made their canvas with the help of their kids' fingers. Check it out!

We placed our canvas at the Winnipeg Folk Festival.  We have been attending for years now and this was the 40th Festival celebration.  We  decided that we would make fingerprint art.  We made one of the finale songs chorus, and we all had a great time.  I hope it brought everyone who saw it some happiness at this year’s Folkfest.

- Danielle Shannon, Megan Donald and Juliette, Clark, Molly, Maya & Evelynn

Canvas #292: a dentist's office, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Ginny is a hilarious, incredibly warm woman who is currently battling cancer. Ginny writes, I am so sorry that it has taken me months - not 1 month like it should have - to finally finish my canvas and take it somewhere to give it away. I just had the worst time liking what I'd begun and so then I'd scrape it all off and begin again- I did that process 3 times!!!! I'm hoping that maybe you'll accept my excuse: I was awfully sick with my Chemo treatments. I spent days at a time, during each 3 week treatment cycle, lying in bed sleeping and watching TV. I was extremely exhausted like nothing I've ever felt before - for 3, 4 or sometimes days 5 in those weeks, to get up out of bed and down the stairs from my bedroom to the main floor and then back up to bed was more that I could do in a day. 

So my canvas lingered, along with other major parts of my life. I don't remember much of the last half of winter and most of spring. I was worried that you wouldn't accept the canvas if it was this late BUT I went ahead and finished it and put it out into the World anyways. [Editor's Note: We wouldn't DREAM of refusing a canvas past the deadline! Creativity is creativity is creativity. If any of you who are reading have a canvas past the deadline and are wondering if it will still be accepted, the answer is YES! Send it in!!!] I hope that it's was okay to do so. I left it at my Dentist's office, took some pics and "kissed it good-bye"! I am glad that I did this though and appreciate the work that you have put into the project.

p.s. I have surgery tomorrow to get the tumours OUT!!! Wish me luck!

Let's all send Ginny some positive vibes, shall we? Huge amounts of luck to her!!!! Ginny needs to be cancer free NOW! Fingers crossed!!!

Canvas #241: Orlando Airport, Orlando, Florida, USA

Avery is one of Ms. Currie's students. I am so happy to see these canvases created by kids going so far in the world!

She writes, My name is Avery and I am in Grade 3. I painted this canvas at school. I knew I was going on a vacation to visit an aunt in Florida. So I colored a picture to say "Hi" to my friends in the USA. I'm from Canada. I left my canvas in the Orlando Airport in between the bushes beside a sitting area. It's not easy to see. I hope someday a bored traveler will discover my canvas and make them smile.

How awesome is Avery?! I am so thrilled to see these kids being the change they want to see in the world!

Canvas #196: the biological sciences building, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Kim's message to the future doctors of our society is such a welcome reminder!

She writes, I put the canvas where our 'up and coming' doctors and scientists will see it, when handing in assignments.  It is my hope that our loved ones, studying so hard, will remember to take the time to do what makes them happy, outside of school work. 

Kim is such a beautiful soul and this artwork definitely reflects what an amazing person she is!

Canvas #276: FOUND! A Tim Hortons, Merritt, British Columbia, Canada

It seems that lots of canvases have been found lately! Love that people are taking the time to write in about their finds.

Here's what Ashy said: My little niece Ashy found this canvas as we walked in to our usual coffee destination. Her eyes lit up and she gasped, "What is that!?" She picked it up and asked us to read it to her. She clung to it for the remainder of our stay and brought it home with her. All the while asking why it was there, what do we do with it, and who put it there. She seemed quite excited and would like to make one of her own to surprise someone else. <3

 

Isn't Ashy so cute with the little canvas?! Love!

Canvas #270: FOUND! The Skytrain, Burnaby, British Columbia

Shalyn found Canvas #270!

She writes, I was coming home from a rough day at work and saw it sitting there..curious, I picked it up and was really happy. Completely brightened my day and made me think people are still sweet and kind and generous. Thanks!

She took a photo of the canvas:

People ARE sweet and kind, aren't they? I love people. :)

Canvases #237 - 255, all over the place, mostly in Merritt, British Columbia, Canada

This is, without a doubt, my FAVOURITE post yet.

Jasmine is a teacher who decided to do the Blank Canvas Project with her students. I've had several teachers approach me about doing the project with their classes. Since the budget for this project comes from my own pocket, what I propose to teachers is that I send them the labels for the back of the canvases, and they take care of getting the canvases and easels.

Here's Jasmine's story. After hearing about the Blank Canvas project through a friend I knew that this would be a wonderful message to send to my students. I am currently a first year grade ¾ French Immersion teacher in Merritt, BC.  I thought it was an inspiring project that would really cultivate some positivity in the class. 

Initially my students were upset that they would have to give up their precious canvases but once we took the time to look at examples on the website and read some of the stories, my students were inspired. They were excited to see that they could potentially make somebody’s day all the better with a small message. I liked hearing how much thought that they were putting into their tiny canvas and also the thought that went into the potential placement. Some wanted to leave them at retirement homes, take them on their family trip to the USA, leave them at Tim Horton’s or even leave one at the Ronald McDonald house. Students also wrote a small piece to accompany their art project and to explain why their art sent a positive or happy message. I was so pleased with how this project turned out and I hope some lucky people in the community of Merritt find a small bit of happiness in their day when they find these canvases. Our class had 19 canvases all together numbered 237-255. The majority should be placed throughout Merritt, BC. Others may be placed outside of this area.

 Here are some of Jasmine's students' canvases:

Love this so, so much! Thank you very much to Ms. Currie's class!!!

Canvas #288: Prima Strada restaurant, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Alison's story is so great. I love the lessons she's teaching her kids through their participation in the Blank Canvas Project!

Alison writes, We are a family of four, with two boys, ages 2 and a half and four months old. We want to ensure that as we raise our kids we are teaching them about Happiness and the concept of that by doing nice things for others, not only is it the 'right' thing to do, it is a sure fire way to increase  your own happiness.  We also want to promote contributing to our community.  

I saw a post about this project on Facebook and it seemed like a great way to demonstrate this to our toddler, and walk the talk

We painted a pizza, as food is also a big part of our family.  We love to eat and cook together and pizza is a favorite.  To make sure we were all apart of it, we made tomatoes with all of our fingerprints (there was paint everywhere, and it was great!).  

We placed it at our favorite restaurant, Prima Strada, Victoria BC - we have had great meals there as a family, and with friends.  The best part is they give our toddler pizza dough to play with at the table, and has brought so much happiness to him with this simple gesture.  We now often make pizza at home, and enjoy many moments of throwing the dough in the air singing 'Mama Mia, Pizzeria'.  We wanted to give back to the restaurant with the canvas to say 'Thank you'.  We took it last night, had a great meal with good friends, and left it in the middle of the room when the servers were not looking.  The best part was we talked about it all week to our toddler, about how we were making the world a more beautiful place, and how we were doing it as a surprise, and 'just because' - not for any credit, or anything in return.  He loved it, and was very proud (we had a great chat about it this morning at breakfast)

Thank you for the wonderful idea and helping create a fun moment and lesson for our family.

Aren't the fingerprint tomatoes the best idea ever!? I love it!

Canvas #284: Innisfail hospital, Innisfail, Alberta, Canada

Elisha makes beautiful art with newsprint. She's shared some of the process of the creation of her canvas for the Blank Canvas Project over on her Facebook site, as well as some of her other beautiful artwork.

Elisha says, I was very excited to participate in this project as it ties in so wonderfully with my artwork.
 

I use newsprint in my art and specifically incorporate positive words into each piece.
I chose to leave my piece at the local hospital/extended care here in Innisfail, AB. I arranged with the ladies in admitting to leave it in a patients room while they were out. Due to privacy I was not allowed to do it myself. So I left it in admitting and can't wait to see who received it!!

 

Don't you think it would be so inspirational for a patient to find that in his or her room?? Positive vibes all around!! Thanks, Elisha!

Canvas #41: University of Victoria Library, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

I am so sorry for the radio silence here the past couple of weeks. I had a couple of canvases waiting in my inbox to be posted but I had to finish my report cards, which is an enormous task indeed. So you lucky readers will get to see a few new canvases over the next few days.

Mary Jo went one step beyond and attached a little gift to her canvas!

 

Mary Jo's story is such a great one. She writes, I was inspired by a group of first year university students who commented that many students on campus are feeling a great deal of stress. I thought I would try to add a bit of joy to the day of those students who crossed paths with my canvas. So, I painted my canvas sea blue, added the word "JOY" to trigger a positive thought, adjusted the easel to prop up the canvas and cradle a beautiful moon shell that I found on the beach. 

For those who are curious enough to pick up the shell and take a closer look, they will find a small scroll inside with the following words: 

Although this wave is stringing us along 
Just know you are not alone. 
Pay no mind to the demons that fill you with fear. 
Settle down it will all come clear. 
Just know you are not alone.
(adapted from Greg Holden lyrics "Home")

Canvas #234: a classroom, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Katherine is a teacher on call (substitute teacher).

Katherine writes, Today was Valentine's day so I thought it would be a good day to leave my canvas. I left. It in the desk of the teacher I was in for. Lately I've been working with pastels and just sketching and I've enjoyed the effect it makes. I hope to someday so this project with my future class :)

Wouldn't that be an amazing surprise for the teacher coming back from a sick day? Well done, Katherine!

Canvas #219: Vancouver Art Gallery, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Lena is an elementary school teacher in Vancouver and creator and designer of Mosie's Cozies. She writes, When I received my canvas yesterday in the mail, I was in the midst of putting ideas together on Pinterest for my daughter's first birthday in May.  Instantly, I used this as my inspiration for my artwork.  She is a little blonde baby now, and I pictured her in a few years as a toddler.  With this image in my head, I transferred it onto the canvas.

Just this morning, my husband, my daughter Monroe, and I went for a walk to the Vancouver Art Gallery and placed the picture on the front steps.  We walked away and watched from a distance and I was delighted to witness a student from a class on a field trip pick it up to examine what it was.  She read the back and quickly went to her friends to show them her finding.  I was thrilled to see the excitement it sparked in these kids.

Isn't Monroe the greatest name?! And what an adorable baby!!

It's so amazing to hear about the kids who found the canvas. This is exactly what this project is designed to do. I wonder if those kids had a different perception of the creativity evident at the Vancouver Art Gallery than they would have before they saw Lena's canvas?

Canvas #207: Nourish Garden Bistro, Saanich, British Columbia, Canada

Santina made this gorgeous piece.

Santina writes, The piece is called "Year of the Serpent With Love". As the time neared Chinese New Year I was drawn to create something pertaining to the year of the serpent although I wanted it to look like an old existing piece. It turned out to look like an old tile. The colours were muted by having a layer of tissue paper over the piece.

This morning I was heading over to try a quaint place for brunch out in a country setting. The food was wonderful, the company blissful and I decided that this was the perfect location for my little piece to leave my hands. I left it on the table after we finished next to the tulip and the candle! My brunch called Sleeping Beauty was the most unusual pancakes I've ever had, made of oatmeal, served with apple sauce and coconut cream...yummy!
Enjoy it.

She even left a photo of her brunch! Now you're making us hungry, Santina!

 

Don't you love Santina's technique with the tissue paper?

Canvas #148: Chinook Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Can you believe the awesome of this?! Mikee made Grumpy Cat!!!

She says, After a tumultuous winter season in my life, I wanted to find an inspiration for my canvas that made me smile. Tardar Sauce the Grumpy cat became my muse and I pencilled a sketch of him on Canvas 148.
 
I left him in an empty hallway of Chinook Mall in Calgary, took this snap and walked away hoping to make someone else smile.

This is so awesome. Thanks, Mikee!

Canvas #119: EEEL building, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Kesia said, It took me a while to decide what to do on my canvas, and where I wanted to put it. I finally placed my canvas in the EEEL building at the University of Calgary. I wanted my canvas to make people think about something we take for granted: Freedom. I think we are really fortunate to live in a country where we have so many freedoms, from freedom of speech and religion to the freedom we have to explore and be ourselves and have fun. The freedom we have in Canada saves us from a lot of worries. I used words I found in a newspaper (freedom of press) that I thought represented freedoms, like "home," "fun," "innovation," and glued them to the canvas that I had painted black. Over all of this I painted the word "FREE" in my favourite colour of blue. I left my canvas in the newest building at the University of Calgary because a wide variety of classes are held there, and lots of students wait for the bus there. One of the freedoms we have is our access to schooling. I want people to see my canvas take a moment to be grateful for the freedoms we have and appreciate them.

Loving Kesia's idea! Well done, Kesia!