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Studio Rescue

As a full time visual artist, I have an amazing opportunity to reclaiming my late mother's art studio as my own, and I need your help.

$3,222
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Project Description

 

 

This is the cabin I grew up in for part of my childhood. The lake lot was originally purchased by my aunt and uncle, Peter & Edith. He built this in 1958. It was later purchased by my Grandmother. They passed it on to my mother because she loved it so. Over time, my mom got a winterized building and this old place became my mother's summer art studio.

I inherited the land with my brothers in 2020, and began the restoration process last fall. This is about to be my creative space.

This is like a "Stone Soup Project," because I simply cannot make this work without community support. The project will result in the creation of a permanent studio space for me to continue my life's work in a place that can never be taken away from me.

 

A little about me... I'm Monika Kinner. I live in Saskatoon and I'm a landscape artist working mainly in textiles, and more recently with soft pastel like my mother, Annemarie (Amie) Trotchie. I have been a full-time artist since 2009, providing for my family as a single mother since 2018. I put all of my savings into the creation of a 300 ft Studio in a home that I lost due to bankruptcy from a former marriage. I'm currently working out of a bedroom in a home that I rent. Having no borrowing power, I have looked into grants for the rebuild/reclaiming project, but they all seem like contests.  I feel that a fundraiser where I can approach people I trust and give back with the art I create makes more sense and is more meaningful to this project. I have included some of our Mother's art (reproductions and one original) as well for people who knew and loved her and want to honour her memory by helping to restore & maintain this place that meant so much to her.

My aunt with my mom (Annemarie on the right) about fifteen years ago.

​​I am so excited to finally be able to have a place to call my own. The lake front land is shared amicably with my two younger brothers. I have an amazing Carpenter that I'm working with. We share a beautiful vision for this 16x24ft building. This feels like an art project in itself! I look forward to having Open Studios out there, art retreats, and maybe even a studio warming where we will serve up some nourishing, hearty soup to everyone to say thank you (once covid is over).

FYI

This campaign will remain open for one month. Please share. I expect this to be a two-year project considering the fact that we will not be working through the winters and will need to remain employed year round, at least part time while we take on this rebuild/restoration. I'm setting my fundraising goal high, keeping all of this in mind. The closer I meet the goal, the easier it will be to move on and move forward with my work.

​​​​

For updates to the project, you can sign up on any page of my website to be on my mail list. www.MySweetPrairie.ca

​​​​​​A BIG shout out to my sponsor Kim Ennis at Vanishing Point Picture Framing in Saskatoon for his magic touch with the original art that will be made available through this campaign.

​​​​​​Thank you also to my Carpenter Paul Bradley for helping build my dream come true.

Thank you so much to all of my friends, family, fans and collectors. I couldn't do this without you.

Finally, I am in deep gratitude to my Mother and to Chester Trotchie for this inheritance. You've given me a secure future, and I will be sure to do the same for my children.

Monika Kinner

 

The Campaign FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions:

"Where is this place?"

This is in Saskatchewan, Canada. It is 2 hrs North of me, situated high up on a hill overlooking a large lake, facing west.

"Why don't you tear it down and rebuild?"

It has good bones. There is no need to waste a good design. It is 16x24' with a wood stove in the centre.

Fixing is cost effective, and it does not require permits.

It has sentiment. This is a reclaiming project. I'm preserving my mother's memory and restoring an historical family gathering place.

The work has already begun. The cabin has been releveled, a fallen addition has been removed, a new exterior wall has been replaced and a back door framed in.

"What if you don't meet your goal?"

We have access to materials that were salvaged and in good condition from other nearby rebuilds (doors and windows) which we plan to make use of). I do fully expect to go with repurposed materials first when possible. However, some things will cost what they cost (delivery, siding, possible plumbing, shingles, overdue property taxes, electrical upgrade, etc).  Every little bit counts and priorities will be made.

"What if you exceed your goal?"

If I exceed my goal, it means the debts that come with this property will be caught up, it means the structure will be completed and completed properly and fully. It means the interior will be fully functional and stocked with art supplies and storage. It means the path down to the water will have proper staircase (this is a two and a half story climb). It means that at the water there will be a deck to create art as well.  It means perhaps we will have something a little more than an outhouse when we stay out there. It means that I might be able to feed people when I invite you to my Open studio in 2 years when covid is over and we celebrate. :) It may also mean that I invest additionally into my art business in the way of photography or website services for my work to create a better way for you to purchase my art online. In a nutshell, all funding will go towards making my art more abundant and available.  

 

Cori
05/05/2021
4 Season Cards w envelopes (Stitched A)
$50
Vivian Bardwell
04/25/2021
4 Seasons Cards w Envelopes (Pastel)
$50
Vivian Bardwell
04/25/2021
4 Season Cards w envelopes (Stitched A)
$50
Dieter Friedrich
04/14/2021
Art by Monika Kinner Reproduction Matted
$75
Alisha Brignall
04/12/2021
4 Seasons Cards w Envelopes (Pastel)
$50
04/12/2021
Monetary Contribution
$1
Andrea
04/12/2021
4 Seasons Cards w Envelopes (Stitched B)
$50
Patti
04/11/2021
Monetary Contribution
$20
Allison
04/09/2021
Monetary Contribution
$75
Brinkley Web , Web Designers
04/09/2021
Monetary Contribution
$50
125.00 USD
Floral Pastel Reproduction Print Matted

($125 USD will be a donation of approximately $155 toward the project)

11x14" floral Pastel Painting "On the Table" still life reproduction by Monika Kinner, printed onto bright white acid free art paper, matted with single acid free mat to 16x20". UNFRAMED, ready to frame, signed by artist. 

18 Left
2 Supporters
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150.00 USD
2022 Calendar Pre-Order

($150 USD will be a donation of approximately $185 CAD toward the project)

Each year in November, I take pre-orders for full size wall calendars that I mail out in early December. 

This calendar come signed by me and each month features a full page image of my original artwork. 2022 will be a Textile Art calendar. What exactly? That's the surprise. It may be threadpaintings... It may be gorgeous weavings. We shall see!

Open, on the wall, the calendar measures 11 inches wide by 17 inches. 

 

2 Supporters
Select this reward
200.00 USD
5x7 Postcard Set of Amie's Artwork

($200 USD donation = approx $250 CAD donation)

Set of 8 oversized glossy reproductions of Annemarie Trotchie's pastel artwork, each featuring a view from the property at Jackfish Lake, SK.

The back of each card is blank, with the inscription, "Pastel Art of Jackfish Lake by Annemarie Trotchie, 1946-2020".

These scenes can be used as mailers or displayed beautifully in 8x10" frames with matting for 5x7" artwork.

40 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care 

(You pick the amount). Please be aware this platform uses USD for its currency, so $100 will be $130 for Canadians, etc. You will see this at the point of check it, prior to confirmation.

25 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
4 Season Cards w envelopes (Stitched A)

($50 USD = a donation of approximately $65 CAD toward the project)

Four different images of original threadpaintings by Monika Kinner printed on blank greeting cards w envelopes. Each card has the artist's name & website on the back.  Greeting cards measure 5.5" x 4.25" each.

12 Left
8 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
4 Seasons Cards w Envelopes (Pastel)

($50 USD will be a donation of approximately $65 CAD toward the project)

4 blank greeting cards with envelopes featuring original images of pastel paintings by Monika Kinner. Each card has the artist name and website printed on the back. Greeting cards measure 5.5" x 4.25".

15 Left
5 Supporters
Select this reward
4,000.00 USD
The Commission of My Dreams

($4000USD donation will be approximately $5000CAD toward the project.)

The area you wish to have Threadpainted *MUST* be within reasonable driving distance from Saskatoon, SK for this to be possible.

"Monika, what on earth is this reward??" You wonder.

When I started my art career in 2009, my 'dream commission' was to be asked to photograph the land closest to your heart, and then to work the commissioned artwork from my own photography.

Would you believe I've never been presented with that opportunity? All of my non commissioned art is from my own captured photography; moments in time from my eye, my perspective. It helps me to share the joy of a place without knowing the history of it. Though you might have meaningful ties to land somewhere, I might not. What I need in order to truly love the commission, is to capture the beauty of the place from my own eye, with my own vision. Until now, all commissions have been done with images provided by the client.

Maybe through this campaign, I'll finally get that incredible project! :) Please contact me first if you need to verify anything.

The artwork can be textile or pastel painting. It will be matted and framed, dated and signed. 

($4000 USD donation will be approximately $5000 CAD donation to restoring the studio)

Monika

 

 

2 Left
0 Supporters
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50.00 USD
4 Seasons Cards w Envelopes (Stitched B)

($50 USD will be a donation of approximately $65CAD toward the project)

Four different images of original thread paintings by Monika Kinner printed on blank greeting cards with envelopes. Each card has the artist's name and website on the back. Greeting cards measure 5.5" x 4.25"

14 Left
6 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Custom Framed Original Art

($1000 USD donation is approximately $1300 CAD donation to restoring the studio)

Original art 

Pastel painting by Monika Kinner.

The scene was from a farm yard near Vanscoy, Saskatchewan. The harebells were in full bloom in the grasses! It was a beautiful summer day and I couldn't stop taking pictures. 

The art will be matted and framed in Saskatoon by Kim Ennis of Vanishing Point Picture Framing. The final framing size will be determined based on the width of the matting. You can expect it to be approximately 20x28" when complete. Please contact me if you would like to choose the mat and frame colors in collaboration with the framer's advice based on your home decor. Kim's custom line of hand made inhouse molding will be used for the framing.

1 Left
0 Supporters
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1,000.00 USD
Custom Framed Original Art

($1000 USD donation = approximately $1300 CAD donation to restoring the studio)

Original Art

Pastel Painting by Monika Kinner. 

The pastel measures approximately 14 by 19" (the frame size is much larger with the matting). This is the view of the South Saskatchewan River from high up on the banks of the Meewasin trails behind the education building at the University of Saskatchewan. I purposely left the circle drive bridge out because I liked the way it looked without it. It was sundown... One of those evenings where the sunset went on and on and just kept changing. As soon as you think it's done and you're ready to stop taking pictures it just keeps getting better. A typical Saskatchewan night!

This artwork comes custom framed and matted professionally by Kim Ennis at Vanishing Point Picture Framing in Saskatoon.

1 Left
0 Supporters
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1,250.00 USD
Meota Original Art by Amie

($1250 USD donation = approximately $1500 CAD donation toward restoring the studio)

Original art

Pastel art by Annemarie Trotchie (Amie) featuring the view of the private cabins from Meota Beach.

This art is the only one that my brothers and I agree to sell because it is not one done from our property. We feel that it would be much more meaningful to someone else than it is to us. We otherwise will not be selling any of our mother's original artwork. We hope this goes to a home that will really cherish it.

Kim Ennis from Vanishing Point Picture Framing in Saskatoon will be custom framing this with matting under glass. It has not yet been framed and if interested, the new owner can consult with Kim on colour choices for consideration with his line of custom moldings. 

If you know of anyone who might be interested in this, please let them know. Thank you!

1 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
Art by Monika Kinner Reproduction Matted

($75 USD will be a donation of approximately $95 CAD toward the project)

8x8" Pastel Painting reproduction by Monika Kinner, printed on acid free watercolour art paper, single matted with white to 12x12 inches, unframed. Signed by artist.

26 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
140.00 USD
Art by Amie (small framed reproduction)

$140USD will be a donation of approximately $175CAD toward the project.

This is a scene our mother did of Jackfish Lake from her property. She worked with soft pastels on pastel paper from as far back as I can remember ( mid-70s ) when she took lessons in Saskatoon from my great-uncle and late artist Fritz Stehwien. 

The original is part of my mother's estate and is not for sale.  I was very relieved to find some of her art in very good condition,  although most of it had water damage from where it was stored in this old building that I am working to restore.

These selected, favourite reproductions will be available here to help raise funds for the rebuild.

Thank you so very much for your support! This 5x7" reproduction will be matted and framed under glass in an 8 by 10 frame and mailed to you by May 1st, soon after this campaign ends.

1 Supporter
Select this reward
140.00 USD
Art by Amie (small framed reproduction)

$140 USD will be a donation of approximately $175 CAD toward this project.

This is a scene our mother did of Jackfish Lake from her property. She worked with soft pastels on pastel paper from as far back as I can remember when she took lessons in Saskatoon from my great uncle and late artist, Fritz Stehwien.

The original is part of my mother's estate and is not for sale. I was very relieved to find some of her art in very good condition, although most of it had water damage from where it was stored in the old building. These selected favorite reproductions will be available here to help raise funds for the rebuild.

Thank you so much for your support. This 5x7 reproduction will be matted and framed under glass in an 8x10 frame and mailed to you by May 1st, soon after this campaign ends.

0 Supporters
Select this reward
140.00 USD
Art by Amie (small framed reproduction)

$140 USD will be a donation of approximately $175 CAD toward this project.

This is a scene our mother did of jackfish Lake from her property. Amie worked with soft pastels on pastel paper from as far back as I can remember. She first took lessons in Saskatoon from my great-uncle and late artist Fritz Stehwien (mid 1970's).

The original art is part of my mother's estate and not for sale. I was very relieved to find some of her work in good condition, although most of it had water damage from where it was stored in that old building she worked in. These selected, favorite reproductions will be available here to help raise funds for the rebuild.

Thank you so very much for your support. This 5x7 reproduction will be matted and framed under glass in an 8x10 frame and mailed to you by May 1st, soon after this campaign ends.

0 Supporters
Select this reward
140.00 USD
Art by Amie (small framed reproduction)

$140 USD will be a donation of approximately $175 CAD toward this project.

This is a scene our mother did of Jackfish Lake from her property. Amie worked with soft pastels on pastel paper from as far back as I can remember.  She took her first lessons in Saskatoon from my great-uncle and late artist, Fritz Stehwien in the mid 1970's.

The original art is part of my mother's estate and will not be for sale. I was very relieved to find some of her work in good condition, although most of it had water damage from where it was stored in this old building. these favorite selected reproductions will be available here to help raise funds for the rebuild of her old Studio.

Thank you so very much for your support. This 5x7 reproduction will be matted and framed under glass in an 8x10 frame and mailed to you by May 1st, soon after this campaign ends.

0 Supporters
Select this reward

About the Entrepreneur

Saskatoon, SK
Created 1 Campaign

Rewards

125.00 USD
Floral Pastel Reproduction Print Matted

($125 USD will be a donation of approximately $155 toward the project)

11x14" floral Pastel Painting "On the Table" still life reproduction by Monika Kinner, printed onto bright white acid free art paper, matted with single acid free mat to 16x20". UNFRAMED, ready to frame, signed by artist. 

18 Left
2 Supporters
Select this reward
150.00 USD
2022 Calendar Pre-Order

($150 USD will be a donation of approximately $185 CAD toward the project)

Each year in November, I take pre-orders for full size wall calendars that I mail out in early December. 

This calendar come signed by me and each month features a full page image of my original artwork. 2022 will be a Textile Art calendar. What exactly? That's the surprise. It may be threadpaintings... It may be gorgeous weavings. We shall see!

Open, on the wall, the calendar measures 11 inches wide by 17 inches. 

 

2 Supporters
Select this reward
200.00 USD
5x7 Postcard Set of Amie's Artwork

($200 USD donation = approx $250 CAD donation)

Set of 8 oversized glossy reproductions of Annemarie Trotchie's pastel artwork, each featuring a view from the property at Jackfish Lake, SK.

The back of each card is blank, with the inscription, "Pastel Art of Jackfish Lake by Annemarie Trotchie, 1946-2020".

These scenes can be used as mailers or displayed beautifully in 8x10" frames with matting for 5x7" artwork.

40 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
Monetary Contribution

Just Because I Care 

(You pick the amount). Please be aware this platform uses USD for its currency, so $100 will be $130 for Canadians, etc. You will see this at the point of check it, prior to confirmation.

25 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
4 Season Cards w envelopes (Stitched A)

($50 USD = a donation of approximately $65 CAD toward the project)

Four different images of original threadpaintings by Monika Kinner printed on blank greeting cards w envelopes. Each card has the artist's name & website on the back.  Greeting cards measure 5.5" x 4.25" each.

12 Left
8 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
4 Seasons Cards w Envelopes (Pastel)

($50 USD will be a donation of approximately $65 CAD toward the project)

4 blank greeting cards with envelopes featuring original images of pastel paintings by Monika Kinner. Each card has the artist name and website printed on the back. Greeting cards measure 5.5" x 4.25".

15 Left
5 Supporters
Select this reward
4,000.00 USD
The Commission of My Dreams

($4000USD donation will be approximately $5000CAD toward the project.)

The area you wish to have Threadpainted *MUST* be within reasonable driving distance from Saskatoon, SK for this to be possible.

"Monika, what on earth is this reward??" You wonder.

When I started my art career in 2009, my 'dream commission' was to be asked to photograph the land closest to your heart, and then to work the commissioned artwork from my own photography.

Would you believe I've never been presented with that opportunity? All of my non commissioned art is from my own captured photography; moments in time from my eye, my perspective. It helps me to share the joy of a place without knowing the history of it. Though you might have meaningful ties to land somewhere, I might not. What I need in order to truly love the commission, is to capture the beauty of the place from my own eye, with my own vision. Until now, all commissions have been done with images provided by the client.

Maybe through this campaign, I'll finally get that incredible project! :) Please contact me first if you need to verify anything.

The artwork can be textile or pastel painting. It will be matted and framed, dated and signed. 

($4000 USD donation will be approximately $5000 CAD donation to restoring the studio)

Monika

 

 

2 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
50.00 USD
4 Seasons Cards w Envelopes (Stitched B)

($50 USD will be a donation of approximately $65CAD toward the project)

Four different images of original thread paintings by Monika Kinner printed on blank greeting cards with envelopes. Each card has the artist's name and website on the back. Greeting cards measure 5.5" x 4.25"

14 Left
6 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Custom Framed Original Art

($1000 USD donation is approximately $1300 CAD donation to restoring the studio)

Original art 

Pastel painting by Monika Kinner.

The scene was from a farm yard near Vanscoy, Saskatchewan. The harebells were in full bloom in the grasses! It was a beautiful summer day and I couldn't stop taking pictures. 

The art will be matted and framed in Saskatoon by Kim Ennis of Vanishing Point Picture Framing. The final framing size will be determined based on the width of the matting. You can expect it to be approximately 20x28" when complete. Please contact me if you would like to choose the mat and frame colors in collaboration with the framer's advice based on your home decor. Kim's custom line of hand made inhouse molding will be used for the framing.

1 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
1,000.00 USD
Custom Framed Original Art

($1000 USD donation = approximately $1300 CAD donation to restoring the studio)

Original Art

Pastel Painting by Monika Kinner. 

The pastel measures approximately 14 by 19" (the frame size is much larger with the matting). This is the view of the South Saskatchewan River from high up on the banks of the Meewasin trails behind the education building at the University of Saskatchewan. I purposely left the circle drive bridge out because I liked the way it looked without it. It was sundown... One of those evenings where the sunset went on and on and just kept changing. As soon as you think it's done and you're ready to stop taking pictures it just keeps getting better. A typical Saskatchewan night!

This artwork comes custom framed and matted professionally by Kim Ennis at Vanishing Point Picture Framing in Saskatoon.

1 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
1,250.00 USD
Meota Original Art by Amie

($1250 USD donation = approximately $1500 CAD donation toward restoring the studio)

Original art

Pastel art by Annemarie Trotchie (Amie) featuring the view of the private cabins from Meota Beach.

This art is the only one that my brothers and I agree to sell because it is not one done from our property. We feel that it would be much more meaningful to someone else than it is to us. We otherwise will not be selling any of our mother's original artwork. We hope this goes to a home that will really cherish it.

Kim Ennis from Vanishing Point Picture Framing in Saskatoon will be custom framing this with matting under glass. It has not yet been framed and if interested, the new owner can consult with Kim on colour choices for consideration with his line of custom moldings. 

If you know of anyone who might be interested in this, please let them know. Thank you!

1 Left
0 Supporters
Select this reward
75.00 USD
Art by Monika Kinner Reproduction Matted

($75 USD will be a donation of approximately $95 CAD toward the project)

8x8" Pastel Painting reproduction by Monika Kinner, printed on acid free watercolour art paper, single matted with white to 12x12 inches, unframed. Signed by artist.

26 Left
4 Supporters
Select this reward
140.00 USD
Art by Amie (small framed reproduction)

$140USD will be a donation of approximately $175CAD toward the project.

This is a scene our mother did of Jackfish Lake from her property. She worked with soft pastels on pastel paper from as far back as I can remember ( mid-70s ) when she took lessons in Saskatoon from my great-uncle and late artist Fritz Stehwien. 

The original is part of my mother's estate and is not for sale.  I was very relieved to find some of her art in very good condition,  although most of it had water damage from where it was stored in this old building that I am working to restore.

These selected, favourite reproductions will be available here to help raise funds for the rebuild.

Thank you so very much for your support! This 5x7" reproduction will be matted and framed under glass in an 8 by 10 frame and mailed to you by May 1st, soon after this campaign ends.

1 Supporter
Select this reward
140.00 USD
Art by Amie (small framed reproduction)

$140 USD will be a donation of approximately $175 CAD toward this project.

This is a scene our mother did of Jackfish Lake from her property. She worked with soft pastels on pastel paper from as far back as I can remember when she took lessons in Saskatoon from my great uncle and late artist, Fritz Stehwien.

The original is part of my mother's estate and is not for sale. I was very relieved to find some of her art in very good condition, although most of it had water damage from where it was stored in the old building. These selected favorite reproductions will be available here to help raise funds for the rebuild.

Thank you so much for your support. This 5x7 reproduction will be matted and framed under glass in an 8x10 frame and mailed to you by May 1st, soon after this campaign ends.

0 Supporters
Select this reward
140.00 USD
Art by Amie (small framed reproduction)

$140 USD will be a donation of approximately $175 CAD toward this project.

This is a scene our mother did of jackfish Lake from her property. Amie worked with soft pastels on pastel paper from as far back as I can remember. She first took lessons in Saskatoon from my great-uncle and late artist Fritz Stehwien (mid 1970's).

The original art is part of my mother's estate and not for sale. I was very relieved to find some of her work in good condition, although most of it had water damage from where it was stored in that old building she worked in. These selected, favorite reproductions will be available here to help raise funds for the rebuild.

Thank you so very much for your support. This 5x7 reproduction will be matted and framed under glass in an 8x10 frame and mailed to you by May 1st, soon after this campaign ends.

0 Supporters
Select this reward
140.00 USD
Art by Amie (small framed reproduction)

$140 USD will be a donation of approximately $175 CAD toward this project.

This is a scene our mother did of Jackfish Lake from her property. Amie worked with soft pastels on pastel paper from as far back as I can remember.  She took her first lessons in Saskatoon from my great-uncle and late artist, Fritz Stehwien in the mid 1970's.

The original art is part of my mother's estate and will not be for sale. I was very relieved to find some of her work in good condition, although most of it had water damage from where it was stored in this old building. these favorite selected reproductions will be available here to help raise funds for the rebuild of her old Studio.

Thank you so very much for your support. This 5x7 reproduction will be matted and framed under glass in an 8x10 frame and mailed to you by May 1st, soon after this campaign ends.

0 Supporters
Select this reward