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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 This is the link to an archived version.)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, June 20, 2026 from 1-3 p.m.
at the Muskego Public Library, Room 4
S73W16663 W Janesville RD, Muskego WI
Suggested Theme: Earth, Sea & Sky
If you plan to attend in person, please contact Carolyn Brady by Sunday, June 14, via the email on this page or via the survey that will be sent to the group email list.
Saturday, July 25, 2026 from 1-3 p.m.
at the New Berlin Public Library, Heritage Meeting Room
15105 Library Lane, New Berlin WI
Suggested Theme: Nature All Around You
If you plan to attend in person, please contact Carolyn Brady by Sunday, July 19, via the email on this page or via the survey that will be sent to the group email list.
August 2026 - Date & Location to be decided
Suggested Theme: Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder
Saturday, September 26, 2026
Morning Playdate and Afternoon live trade
at the Mukwonago Community Library
511 Division Street, Mukwonago WI
9 am-1 p.m - art play date in the library's MetaSpace 511 makerspace
1-3 p.m. (approx) ATC live trade & meeting in the Community Meeting Room
Suggested Theme: Nature Bucket List
Due to limited room in the MetaSpace 511 area, we will require pre-registration to attend the morning playdate. This will be done by an on-line survey that will be sent to the group email list in late August.
If you plan to attend the afternoon live trade in person, please contact Carolyn Brady by Sunday, September 20, via the email on this page or via the attendance survey that will be sent to the group email list.
October 2026 - Date & Location to be decided
Suggested Theme: Extinct or Imaginary Nature
November 2026 - Date & Location to be decided
Suggested Theme: Patterns & Designs in Nature
December 2026 - Date & Location to be decided
Open Theme (and bring your leftover ATCs to trade)
Adequate Wiring
by Gary Warren Niebuhr
(collage ATC)
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