An unfortunate encounter with a U.S. art show promoter has left at least two Canadian painters feeling “scammed” and wary of ever doing business with other American promoters.

In a story from CBC News , Heidi Hehn of Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, told a reporter that an art event organized by Western Wildlife Art Shows, and scheduled to occur in early August never happened the way it was promised.

Hehn's experience isn't isolated, but appears to be the latest example of several artists who feel they were misled by Western Wildlife Art Shows operated by Christopher J. Gervais.

The company, which collected a $400 fee from Hehn to participate in the event, reportedly said it would stage an exhibition in the British Columbia community of Abottsford.  Hehn told CBC she based the legitimacy of the event on a claim from Western Wildlife Art Shows that several other “high-caliber” wildlife artists would be in attendance.

However, Gervais, who also publishes Western & Wildlife Art Magazine [NOTE: It has no affiliation with Wildlife Art Journal], declared June 20, 2009 on his website that Western Wildlife Art Shows was suspending operations “due to the global economic crisis and cost analysis of upcoming events.” 

According to CBC, Gervais's website also suggested that refunds to registered exhibitors would be forthcoming.

But similar to how the "high-caliber artists" never materialized in Abottsford, neither have the refunds owed to Hehn and fellow Canadian artist Bud Young.

Both Hehn and Young told CBC their only course of action now would be to pursue legal action in the U.S. which likely would cost them more than they paid to Gervais's now defunct enterprise. U.S. law enforcement authorities have offered them little assistance.

Attempts by Wildlife Art Journal to contact Mr. Gervais for comment were unsuccessful.

Wildlife Art Journal was able to reach Hehn via telephone in Whitehorse. The artist said she has learned that she and Young are not the only victims.

Western Wildlife Art Shows has been the subject of widespread chatter on the Internet.  For more information,we suggest you read the postings at Julie T. Chapman’s blog.  Another excellent source for background is the blog operated by artist Susan Fox, who posted a warning that was circulated this spring by the president of the Society of Animal Artists stating:  

        “It has recently been brought to my attention that there is an unscrupulous  promoter who is targeting wildlife artists.  Several of our members have complained about the lack of promotion for these shows, the failure of the promoter to provide refunds for their fees even when they canceled months in advance, etc.  Some of the artists have even said they have been threatened with legal action just because they were attempting to get refunds.  So please BEWARE of promotions for shows you’ve never heard of, in locations which would probably not be great for sales even in the best of economic times.  Don’t be afraid to check with your fellow artists to see if they are familiar with a promoter, or a specific show.  And ask for references from artists if you consider signing up for a show.  Don’t accept just one or two references; ask for the entire list of artists who have previously participated in one of the promoter’s shows!  Be very, very cautious!  None of us can afford to pay large amounts for booth fees, and the costs of a hotel, etc., to participate in a show that isn’t going to be productive for us.”

In addition, Western Wildlife Art Shows and apparently related entities have been closely tracked by Bogus Art Fair and by the Sunshine Artist Forum which has raised questions about events allegedly organized by Mr. Gervais in Florida.

Indeed, in these tough economic times, it is difficult enough for artists to navigate the market without having to worry about the integrity of agents. 

Always adhere to Caveat Emptor:  Let The Buyer Beware.  More  than anything, rely on sources you can trust.  The friends you keep are your best defense.

Meantime, enjoy a view of Heidi Hehn's painting High Plains Drifter at Wildlife Art Journal's Gallery of the Commons.