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General Information
We suggest bringing at least 20-25 cards to trade, because we never know how many people will attend. Please come prepared to trade with everyone, regardless of skill level.
Please make sure your name is legible on the back so that those receiving your cards will know who created them. (Many artists include their e-mail addresses and website or other contact information on the back of their cards.) For further information about making cards, see links below.
What is an ATC?
Artist Trading Cards or ATCs are small works of art measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches that are made to be traded between
artists. They can be made in any media on any subject. Here is a good introduction to the format. (Note: The original page no longer exists. This is the link to an archived version.)
The idea for the ATC format was developed in 1996 by Swiss artist m. vanci stirnemann as a way for artists to exchange art without worrying about the constraints of galleries and pricing. The first trading session was in Zurich in 1997. Trading on-line has become very popular, especially for artists who cannot attend live trades locally. You can read more about the history of ATCs here. One friendly site to start trading on-line is ATCs for All.
Why make and trade ATCs?
The small size of the card allows you to experiment with
new media and techniques without spending a lot of money
on supplies. For many participants, the interaction with
other artists and the opportunity to learn new things is
more important than the trading of the art itself.
To Bee or Not to Bee
by Dianna Reiter
(Hand-carved stamps)
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Mark your calendar!
Upcoming Meetings
Dates may be subject to change
Walk-ins are welcome, but we ask that you pre-register if you plan to participate (in person or via Zoom) so we can notify you if there are unexpected changes. Please sign up for the email list for the latest updates.
Suggested monthly themes for 2026 are under the more general annual theme "NATURE"
(You can always make whatever ATC themes you like. Please remember that our meetings are open to all ages, so children may be attending.
Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 1-3 p.m.
at the Muskego Public Library, Room 4
S73W16663 W Janesville RD, Muskego WI
Suggested Theme: Seasons/Weather
If you plan to attend in person, please contact Carolyn Brady by Sunday, January 18, via the email on this page or via the survey that will be sent to the group email list. (Please contact Carolyn before Thursday, January 22, if you want to participate by Zoom, so we can send you the meeting link.)
Saturday, February 28, 2026 from 1-3 p.m.
at the New Berlin Public Library, Community Meeting Room
15105 Library Lane, New Berlin WI
Suggested Theme: Wild at Heart
If you plan to attend in person, please contact Carolyn Brady by Sunday, February 22, via the email on this page or via the survey that will be sent to the group email list. (Please contact Carolyn before Thursday, February 26, if you want to participate by Zoom, so we can send you the meeting link.)
Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 1-3 p.m.
at the Shorewood Village Center in the Village Center Meeting Room
3920 N Murray Ave, Shorewood, WI
(Same building as the library. Meeting room is on lower level. Entrance to parking lot is on Frederick Ave.)
Suggested Theme: Domestication
If you plan to attend in person, please contact Carolyn Brady by Sunday, March 22, via the email on this page or via the survey that will be sent to the group email list. (Please contact Carolyn before Thursday, March 26, if you want to participate by Zoom, so we can send you the meeting link.)
Dates & Locations to be decided
April 2026
Suggested Theme: Favorite Animals
May 2026
Suggested Theme: Favorite Plants or Other Natural Things
June 2026
Suggested Theme: Earth, Sea & Sky
July 2026
Suggested Theme: Nature All Around You
August 2026
Suggested Theme: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
September 2026
Suggested Theme: Nature Bucket List
October 2026
Suggested Theme: Extinct or Imaginary Nature
November 2026
Suggested Theme: Patterns & Designs in Nature
December 2026
Open Theme (and bring your leftover ATCs to trade)
Adequate Wiring
by Gary Warren Niebuhr
(collage ATC)
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