Joanne Probyn Art

Joanne Probyn Art

J O A N N E   P R O B Y N   A R T

Salon Concert FAQ

How to stay informed:

2023 Concerts – Past and Upcoming

When were Salon Concerts created?

Joanne is a contemporary, abstract painter and hand embroiderer who shows her work during an open, art studio event on most first Saturdays of the month. In January 2023, she began hosting intimate, music concerts in her art studio during First Saturday.

Why did Joanne start the concert series?

Joanne is an active member of Eastside Atelier, an East Vancouver, 45-person art collective where her art studio is located. She is one of several on the management team who help get the word out about the collective and its artists while helping foster a strong, creative community. Joanne hopes to attract new people into building to enjoy her and other artists’ work.

Joanne sits on the steering committee for First Saturday and is passionate about community building. She hopes to raise awareness of First Saturday, an open studio event that takes place across the Lower Mainland with over 100 participating artists.

Additionally, musicians are challenged by limited venue options. Many great talents have experienced underrepresentation or are paid small or no performing or streaming fees. Live shows have become a critical part of a musician’s financial well-being. Most musicians saw a huge drop in income during the pandemic when in-person events were prohibited for months or years. As someone who values creativity, Joanne’s goal is promote original, contemporary, local music while supporting musicians by hiring talent to play in a one-of-a-kind venue to a new audience. Bringing together Joanne’s and the musicians’ audiences to bridge new connections and collaborations while expanding opportunities.

By bringing together art and music, two of Joanne’s great passions, she hopes to promote an open space that nourishes, inspires and connects.

How much does it cost?

The price is pay-what-you-wish with a suggested $20 donation. Suggested price may vary depending on number of musicians and their backgrounds. Salon concerts are fundraisers.

These events offer an opportunity for attendees to partner with Joanne in making an important, valuable contribution that positively, directly and widely impacts Vancouver’s visual and performing arts. The generosity of concert attendees helps her continue bringing these and other free events to the public to enjoy throughout the year, including Joanne’s own art shows.

Simultaneously, access is important. Everyone is welcome! The pay-what-you-can structure excludes no one. That said, those who can afford to give a bit more are encouraged to do so. The generosity of those who can give a bit more relieves the burden of Joanne financing an event that is held, in part, to raise funds. It’s greatly appreciated! These events take nearly a full-time week of hours to coordinate and promote. Costs include musician fees, poster printing, equipment purchase/rental and refreshments. Additionally, there are labour costs for professional design, digital marketing, poster distribution, musician booking, catering, management and stage decoration. Unlike a bar, cafe or venue with various offerings for sale, Salon Concerts are paid for entirely through the pay-what-you-can donation.

Does Joanne host other kinds of performing artists?

Music is one of Joanne’s passions. She believes music enhances the experience of her artwork as music is often used in the process or through the physical experience of the music abstractly or through dance-inspired gestures. Joanne is also studying music and has studied many forms of dance throughout her life. At this time, she’s dedicated to only hiring musicians. If this changes, that announcement will be shared here and in her newsletter. Sign up for updates.

How can I help?

Besides attending and paying what you can to attend, volunteering is helpful and much-needed throughout the year and with Salon Concerts. Email Joanne today and let her know you’re interested in helping.

  • Poster distribution
  • Graphic design (posters, social media jpgs)
  • Social media
  • Dish washing
  • Light catering
  • During event assistance (chairs and dishes put out/away, helping guests, as needed, painting sales and donation management, answering questions)
  • Emcee introductions

While Joanne is an experienced graphic designer and art director, her involvement designing promotional materials takes time away from creating her own artwork. Developing original, beautiful designs that reflect the high quality of talent she hires takes time. If you’re a savvy, graphic designer looking for an opportunity to showcase your stuff to a new audience, let Joanne know! You’ll get credit on the posters and tagged in all social media. She hopes to pay for a graphic designer after the event has grown more; she’s confident salon concerts will develop quickly and the option to pay will come soon! She knows exposure doesn’t pay the bills. She is exploring ways to expand financing through grants.

Why do Salon Concerts happen every first Saturday?

Joanne sits on the steering committee for FirstSaturday.ca, a Lower Mainland arts event that is like the Eastside Culture Crawl yet happens on every first Saturday of the month. Joanne was already opening her art studio the public during this event. By helping with First Saturday she also helps get the word out about Eastside Atelier. The benefits of music during an existing open art studio event are many… for many!

Why become a Salon Concert musician?

The event takes place in a memorable, one-of-a-kind venue. Joanne’s studio is within Eastside Atelier, one of Vancouver’s largest artist collectives within a 100 year old warehouse in the city’s arts district. With over 45 artists in the group, you’ll have the chance to meet some pretty creative people doing amazing things! Some new exposure is built in as artists send their friends over to see the show. Speaking of exposure, First Saturday adds another layer of potential exposure. Joanne has regulars who love to see the new shows as well. The private room holds an audience of over 25 people who are focused on the music, not on their phones. Musicians are valued; they get paid fairly and on time. Posters are created by a professional artist and designer and are an awesome keepsake. Printed materials and social media posts are shared by musician and venue; marketing is a team effort. Joanne has extensive digital marketing, graphic design and public relations experience that she leans into to launch each event successfully. As a creative professional, she reflects her unique taste by carefully curating relevant performing acts focusing on unique, quality, inclusive choices. You will be part of something very special! It is truly an opportunity that may not come again; we do not know how long Eastside Atelier will remain in operation.

I’m a musician. How do I apply to play a Salon Concert?

Joanne is always looking for new talent. Shoot her an email. Tell her about your music, why you want to play a Salon Concert and what kind of show you envision. Please view Joanne’s Side Door profile before you submit. Link to your website. Joanne reviews all submissions and tries her best to respond to each and everyone…eventually. 🙂

Preference for musicians who are:

  • Local (preference goes to Lower Mainland)
  • Dedicated to excellence.
  • Engaged in regular activities such a performing live and sharing original music.
  • Hoping to or making a some form of career from original music
  • Offers lower decibel or acoustic. Sound travels in the art collective. So, the experience should be complimentary to those attendees nearby who are viewing art during First Saturday.
  • Solo or duo… maybe trio. Though limited funding can be prohibitive for multiple musicians.
  • Available to play during First Saturday, at 2pm and 3pm (two small sets)

To inquire about art availability, commissions or collaborations, contact Joanne.
Contact Joanne