Archives for December 2013

SOS Feature Article In This Week’s Star Phoenix ‘Bridges’

Pat Katz SOS Bridges FeatureThanks to Jenn Sharp, Associate Editor for the Star Phoenix Bridges insert, for arranging for journalist Angelina Irinici to interview me about the new Sketches of Saskatoon book. The feature was presented in the December 18/13 edition as part of the My Favorite Place column.

Angelina and photographer, Michelle Berg, arrived for the interview on one of our very cold wintry days. They were great sports as I took them trudging through the snow to one of my favorite spots in Saskatoon –  ‘my’ rock along the South Saskatchewan River just off the Meewasin Valley Trail.

Michelle took the photos in pretty short order, and then we retreated indoors for our conversation.

The MVA trail is one of the featured images in the book, and of course most of the sights and scenes in SOS are situated within a block or two of the river.

Here’s the full feature. If you have any trouble reading the format posted below, this link will take you to a full pdf version of the article.

Pat Katz SOS Bridges Full Feature

McNally SOS Launch A Success

Speaking2-72dpiEvery night at McNally Robinson Booksellers is a good night. This one was doubly good for me, as I launched Sketches of Saskatoon with a Reading and Signing event on December 2nd.

About 30 fine folks turned out for the celebration. They were very excited to see the book for themselves; and many of them took away multiple copies as gifts for friends and family.

I had a great time filling people in on the inspiration for the book, sharing how the images were created, describing what it took to put the pages together, and much much more.

The fine folks over at Grower Direct Florists (Kim, Quinn and the team) sent along a surprise bouquet of flowers to brighten up the night.

And, Marcy, the Special Events coordinator at McNally did her usual excellent job of set up and hosting.

Here are a few more pics from the evening for you to enjoy.

SOS McNally Launch-72dpi

More Media Interest In Sketches of Saskatoon

cfcr-wThanks so much to Jay Allen, Program Director at CFCR FM Radio for lining up an interview on their community news program, The Buzz. It was fun chatting with Aaron on the afternoon of December 12th.

Aaron noted you would expect to see The Bess and the bridges featured in the book, and so they are. And, he expressed surprise to find a number of  ‘off the beaten path’ images and locations. Has favorite? Winston’s Pub.

CJWW-wThanks, also to Vanese at Saskatoon Media Group, for today’s interview which will  air on Tuesday’s lunch hour feature program at CJWW (either December 17th or 24th).

Although Vanese says she’s not a huge art aficionado, she loves the color in Sketches of Saskatoon and it made her happy just flipping through the pages of the book. That’s exactly the reaction I hope for. It made me happy creating these images; I hope it makes you happy looking at them and sharing them with others.

SOS on Global TV

Pat&JessicaGlobalw-4x2What fun it was to talk about Sketches of Saskatoon with Jessica Kent on today’s Global TV Morning Show.

Jessica hails from Edmonton, but she’s learned to appreciate the charms of Saskatoon. She pointed out the painting of the Meewasin Skating Rink and shared that had been the site of her first assignment on her arrival as a reporter here in Saskatoon. It’s fun seeing what memories are evoked for people by the images in the book.

Thanks to producer, Melody Flahr, for setting up the interview. She and the crew at Global were having a challenging morning technology wise, but never lost their cool. Pros in action!

Unique Uses For Sketches of Saskatoon

SOS Yellow Bckgrnd3x3-72It’s been great fun for me to hear the original uses people are finding for their copies of Sketches of Saskatoon.

One creative Grandmom is gifting her grandson with a copy of SOS and turning it into a Scavenger Hunt challenge. Her plan is that over the next year the two of them will go on a series of adventures to visit all of the places in the book. What fun! I can hear the Saturday morning conversation right now: “Heh, Gran, let’s find page 23 today!”

Another individual took SOS to a dinner party as a hostess gift – in lieu of the more traditional bottle of wine. She reports the hosts were thrilled, and that the gift prompted quite a bit of conversation throughout the evening.

Of course there are many other uses as well. Think about a few of these:

  • Gifts for friends and family members celebrating Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries
  • Classroom teacher, music or dance teacher, or team coach gifts
  • Going away gifts
  • Gifts for people who used to live in Saskatoon, or who are thinking of returning to the city
  • Gifts for neighbors who shovel your snow or take in your mail
  • Welcome treats for visitors arriving from out of town
  • Travel exchange host gifts
  • An item for your Secret Santa or gift exchange activities
  • Thank you gifts for guest speakers, Board members, community volunteers
  • Appreciation gifts for clients or colleagues
  • Special gift to include in goodie bags or as part of conference kits or party favors
  • Give-aways at trade shows
  • Bonus gifts as part of special promotions and special offers
  • And many more….

If you have a novel use for Sketches of Saskatoon, let me know so I can add to the list of suggestions and share your inspiration with others.

More Places To Pick Up Your Copies Of SOS

I’m delighted at the reception that the new baby, Sketches of Saskatoon, is getting around the city. In addition to the shops and galleries that I’ve already mentioned here in The Scoop, a number of other local establishments have stocked up their shelves with SOS.

Creative Compliments-wThanks to Ellie at Creative Compliments for her enthusiastic reception to the book. While you’re browsing its pages in her shop at 109 3rd Avenue, be sure to check out the gift baskets and other Christmas goodies on offer.

Indigo Books-wA big shout out to Samantha at Indigo Books (3322 8th Street E) for stocking SOS amongst their December offerings.

U of S Bookstore-w_edited-1And, finally, a vote of thanks to Amanda at the University of Saskatchewan Bookstore for adding SOS to their inventory – making it easy for those on campus to pick up their copies for themselves and others.

 

Looking For Something Sask Made?

SAskMade Markteplace-wSketches of Saskatoon certainly fits the bill.

All of the images were created here in the city by yours truly.

Each and every image was scanned by the great folks at J&S Picture Frame Warehouse. Thanks, John & Sherry for the digitizing work – and for carrying the books in your shop! You can find their shop at 121D Jessop Avenue.

The narrative in the book was edited by a Saskatchewan born and raised editor by the name of Barbara McNichol. We’ll still claim you as our own, Barbara, even though these days you toast your toes in Tucson!

And, finally, all forty images were teased and cajoled into an awesome layout by a tremendously talented graphic designer – and artist in his own right – Mr. Brian Kachur.

What’s more, if you’re so inclined, you can pick up your copies of the book (along with some great Saskatoon berry tea and chocolates) at the SaskMade Marketplace on 1621 8th Street East!

Thanks Amanda at SaskMade for stocking these great books, so your customers can stuff their stockings with them for Christmas!