Linda Kristin Blix's Page

The Café Society of Artists is diverse and unique assemblage of artists, many well established, some just beginning their creative journey.

We meet once a month, strictly on a social basis. There is no membership list, other than my email list.

The Café Society was formed, by myself over three years ago. After discussions with artist friends, we realized that often working in isolation, we needed contact with others who were struggling to make a living in the arts, anxious to find ways to share their creations and to offer the support needed through the understanding of like minded individuals.

We decided to test the waters and see if any other artists felt the need to network and communicate on a monthly basis. At first, all the artists were personal associates of mine through the Beach Art Tour, OCAD figure drawing, Open Studio Printmakers Co-op, RAW, former students and through my teaching.

The group obviously met a need in the east end artistic community as more artists were invited to join us at pubs, restaurants, artists studios and Cafés where we met. The group has thrived, to say the very least!

Liz Russ came up with the name for the group! We felt a name tying us to Toulouse and the gang, who met in Paris Café's would be appropriate. We are not officially a "Society", have no agenda or mandate, just the desire to socialize and have fun with other artists once a month!

Last September we had a group show with 38 artists and our Café Society Artist Liz Russ at her Gallery 888. "38 at 888"

Although some artists jokingly complain about the emails I send them on a regular basis, most artists feel they are kept "in the loop" and informed about pertinent information for artists. Calls to entry, workshops, art materials sales, and any shows in which a Café Society Artist is participating is sent out.

The Cobalt Gallery Group show, is a great example of an opportunity to show that came to light through sharing Annette Hansen's "Call to Entry". Annette is one of our artists, and the opening was packed with Café Society artists!

Through the group, we have formed very special friendships, business associations, found jobs, bartered and traded art work, and felt connected to a very active and vital group of artists.

Each month, selfishly, the dates of our events are chosen around my Arts For Children and Youth mural painting with children's gigs! Different days of the week, and different venues and locations in the east end are chosen, in order to try and accommodate all the artists.

Not all of the artists can come to every event, but there is certainly a core group who have been attending for the duration. There are no cliques, and the group is always evolving.

Depending on the venue, mixing and mingling is possible. Artists have also said they enjoy getting to know an artist when table positioning makes personal conversations with those near by the only option.

All the above being said, it does sound like a sales pitch, but unfortunately is not!! Due to the interest in the group, and the difficulty in finding venues to accommodate large groups, I have had to put a hold on accepting new names on the email list.

As time goes by, and the group dynamics change, we will be happy to accept new artists. Guests are always welcomed.

This group was formed for the purpose of offering an opportunity for artists to feel connected and nurtured. Do really hate to turn anyone away that would benefit from this connection. For practical reasons however, for the time being, that will have to be the way it is.

The Cafe Society is very pleased to have many of our artists on the Artists Toronto web site. Our close association has enriched both.