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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday March 14, 2007 - 23 Learn the art of entrepreneurship March 29 Local artists can learn how to turn their creative passion into a viable enterprise at The Art of Entrepreneurship seminar taking place Thursday, March 29. The session -- offered through the Halton Region Business Development Centre in partnership with the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship and the Ministry of Culture -- is geared toward artists who are looking to evolve their business or art career to the next level of exposure, growth and success. It will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. at CJ's Café in Bronte, 2416 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville. Registration costs $30. "Artists and artisans are a dynamic element in Halton's diverse economic make-up," said Regional Chair Gary Carr. "I'm delighted that the Region can partner with the Ontario government to offer creative entrepreneurs with new opportunities to learn how to grow their businesses and succeed." The seminar is structured to give visual artists -- both commercial and fine arts -- an overview of how to stand out in a competitive marketplace. Halton Region Business Development Centre business consultant Marianne Crawford will set the stage with a presentation on business planning. Kathryn Adams, an award-winning artist and professor at the Sheridan Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning and the Ontario College of Art and Design, will then lead a marketing discussion. She'll outline self-promotional marketing strategies like direct mail, websites, e-mail promotions, viral marketing, creative directory listings and blogs, and will also provide a list of sources for marketing campaigns. To register for the seminar contact the Halton Region Business Development Centre at 905-825-6000 or visit www.halton.ca/business. CARTE POSTALE · Falafel · Shawarma · Souvlaki · Taboule · Seafood Mixed Grill ADRESSE CORRESPONDANCE use o H 7 Open 17, 200 ch ome! c Mar l e re W Ann A l l A art on the left 359 Kerr Street Oakville, Ontario L6ZK 3B9 Dorval QEW SPEERS LAKESHORE Win 1 of 3 artist donated door prizes OPEN: Mon.-Thurs. 11-11 Fri.-Sat. 11-11:30 905.338.1888 Lakeshore Rd. www.oakvillebeaver.com GRAND OPENING Tel: 905.339.0878 email: artontheleft@hotmail.com Tucked away on Kerr Street is perhaps one of Oakville's best-kept secrets. Art on the Left is an arts specialty store, owned by local artist and entrepreneur, Ann Pobjoy. The store carries a wide variety of art related products, including the work of local artists, handpainted furniture, and even home accessories such a lamps, ornaments, and teapots. Most importantly, Art on the Left fosters a love of local art in the community, and supports local artists in their efforts. Art on the Left celebrated their one-year anniversary on February 17, a milestone that Ann is grateful to have passed. "I'm amazed that I've made one year," says Ann. "The first few years are the toughest, but the response has been lovely and I'm excited for the people that bring in their work, too- I hope that can grow and continue." Ann's inspiration to open Art on the Left came from her personal struggles as an artist. "I paint and do hand painted furniture," explains Ann. "I tried to find places that would sell my work on a commission basis, but I found it difficult to find a place with the right environment. I thought that there must be other artists in my position." And Ann definitely was not mistaken. After finding the perfect location for her beloved store, Ann posted advertisements in the window, as well as at Sheridan College. She soon received an impressive number of responses from local artists, eager to share their work. "I explained that I was looking for artists," says Ann, "and all different artists contacted me. It went from just painting to all different mediums- needlepoint, watercolor, acrylics. Artists have found me by word of mouth now, so it's really nice." Contributing artists to Art on the Left vary in age from their early 20's and up, with the eldest being 76"and she's saving up for a convertible!" says Ann. Ann does her best to support each of these local artists and takes pride in exhibiting their work. "I try and display their work really well," says Ann. "I put up their names, and the type of art so people can see that its not manufactured stuff, and that there's a name to the artwork." Ann also expresses a great appreciation to her faithful following of customers, who have seen her through the last year. "Customers have been exceptional- really loyal," says Ann. "People do tend to support local businesses where they can, and I have found that that has been a wonderful source of support." In order to further show her gratitude for the community's support, Ann is planning an open house this Saturday March 17th in celebration of her stores one year anniversary, to which all are invited to attend. With the booming rate of Ann's success it is unlikely that this store will remain a secret for much longer. Art lovers around Oakville are definitely encouraged to visit Art on the Left, and perhaps even make a contribution of their own. Located at 359 Kerr Street. For more information, call (905) 339-0878. March 20, 2007 La Brochette Mediterranean Cuisine Natural Charcoal Grill DIN N EI K TA U O E T TE A C G N I R · Bar-B.Q. Sandwiches · Seafood Sandwiches · · Whole Chicken Bar-B.Q. · · Shawarma · Falafel · Healthy Home Style Daily Dish * All Day Breakfast * 1027 Speers Road, Unit 30 Oakville 905 845-8703 4th LN. DORVAL 3rd LN. Kerr 134 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville