EMERGING ARTISTS PROGRAM DEBUTS AT BAYWEST HOMES
Works add authenticity in ‘win-win opportunity’
Artists benefit from a platform. And the feeling one gets touring a show home can be elevated when the pieces decorating it are authentic.
These ideas come together through a new endeavour by a veteran home builder in Calgary.
Baywest Homes has raised the curtain on its Emerging Artists Program at its latest show homes in Cranston’s Riverstone.
Through this program, artists submit paintings and drawings for consideration and, if selected, Baywest will buy and feature the art in its show home.
“One thing we were looking for was how we can do something a little bit different in our show homes and something that accentuates the space,” says Jeff Smyth, president of Baywest. “What I find is original art brings out a level of authenticity and level of life to a space.
“We see it as a win-win opportunity where we give something back to the artist to be able to grow their career and get some exposure — then we get the win out of it where we get some of these more unique spaces,” he adds.
Selections are based on the paintings that best fit the design and colour theme determined for the show home. Baywest will announce both when it’s accepting these submissions and the design theme it’s seeking through the builder’s various social media channels.
“It makes sure the art fits the space, which has a nice touch to it, too,” Smyth says.
Artists can also contact Baywest for more information on how they can be part of a database that receives direct notice when submissions are welcome for upcoming show homes.
A small plaque with the artist’s name and contact information is displayed in the show home, and their photo and biography is displayed on the Baywest’s website, as well.
“It’s to build personality around it, too,” Smyth says. “It’s not a random piece of art on the wall, it’s from someone you can get to know.”
The interior designer uses a “blind selection process,” in which the names of the artists are concealed during the selection process.
This includes the artists with work currently displayed at Baywest’s show homes in Cranston’s Riverstone: Mindi Oaten, Heidi Smyth and Marnie Joy Erickson.
“What’s really different about this program is that Baywest Homes is willing to purchase art from emerging artists,” Heidi Smyth, who is also Jeff’s wife. “They’re actually investing in the artists themselves.
“I think they really creates different opportunities for the artists and for Baywest,” she adds.
Original art makes a difference. In creating spaces that reflect personal taste, something also done through the home building process, “it should be filled with things that are authentic, as well,” says Heidi Smyth. “The art is going to represent something more authentic. A true piece of art brings a different energy than a poster.
“I think this is an exciting program,” she adds. “There’s so much potential ... to have something like this just grow.”