Behind the Canvas: Preparing Paris en Hiver for Exhibition

When Paris en Hiver was accepted into the upcoming Abstracted Exhibition at Federation Gallery in Vancouver, the joy was immediate and shared—both Victoria and I were thrilled. Being juried into a show is always an honour. It means the work has spoken to someone, stood out among many, and earned its place on the wall. But once the celebration settles, the real work begins.

Artists do far more than paint a picture. We become archivists, engineers, communicators, and caretakers of the work we send out into the world. Preparing Paris en Hiver—a 40" x 40" x 1.5" canvas—for shipping is no small feat. Unlike Autumn Festival #2, which was smaller and easier to package, this piece must meet strict gallery standards: plastic-coated wire, d-rings, and a custom crate designed to withstand the rigours of transportation across provinces.

The artist is responsible not only for the creation, but for ensuring the painting arrives safely, professionally, and in pristine condition. And if the work isn’t sold during the exhibition, we must also arrange and pay for its return. It’s a process that demands care, planning, and trust in the journey.

We’re currently working to design packaging that will protect Paris en Hiver from Calgary to Vancouver. Thankfully, we have until the end of October to finalize everything before the painting is shipped. It will be on display from November 18 to 30, and we hope it finds a home—but whether it sells or returns, it will have lived a chapter in its story.

A Gift That Outlives The Moment—that’s how we see each painting. Not just an image, but an offering. A memory, a mood, a presence that lingers long after the brush has dried.