History of the ATC

Artist Trading Cards (ATC's) got their start in Zurich, Switzerland in about 1997 when M. Vanci Stirnemann exhibited approx. 1,200 cards he had produced at his gallery/bookstore. They then spread to Calgary (Canada) through an artist named, Don Mabie (a/k/a Chuck Stake), who had visited the Zurich exhibit. These 2 artists collaborated on an exhibition held in Calgary, Canada in 2000 with 80 artists from 10 different countries represented. It was called "The First International Biennial of Artist Trading Cards".

The size of ATC's must be 2 1/2" x 3 1/2". This is the standard size for trading cards (i.e. baseball & football trading cards, etc.) ATC's are traded and never sold. The artist should sign and date their cards, and number them if they are part of an edition. Contact information can also be included so other artists can get to know them and their work.