The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council hosts a series of workshops for artist to help build the business side of their craft. nd
The next workshop scheduled for Tuesday, Feb 2nd provides visual artists with the chance to hear from regional gallery owners. “This was one of our most popular workshops last year” shared Meghan Gallagher who coordinates outreach and community programming for the Arts Council. “This workshop offered a networking opportunity for local artists with gallery owners, as well as some direct conversation about how to approach and present works for exhibit.”
The workshops are open and free to the public. The Arts Council does ask that those planning to attend register for the event so the speakers can plan for handouts and materials. Gallery owners will share their insights and how they program the gallery spaces. Speakers this year will be Kim Caron from the Caron Gallery in Tupelo, Vivian Neill of Oxford Treehouse Gallery, Maker’s Market and nationally recognized artist and gallery owner, Herbert Pinkney of Marshall Arts in Memphis. “We appreciate that owners and artists take this time to connect,” commented Wayne Andrews Director of the Arts Council. He added: “I think it is important for an artist to hear how various galleries sustain themselves while gallery owners get to hear input and ideas from regional artists.” The event ends with a small reception so that there is an opportunity for networking. “Our goal with this programs is to build a network that supports both the artist and art spaces” added Gallagher.
The Arts Council launched their Arts Incubator program three years ago to provide resources to help build arts-based businesses in the community, whether fine or folk arts. Key to the program has been the support of VISTA which has provided staff support to the project. Gallagher, the current VISTA managing the project, has helped to organize business workshops for artists with the Small Business Development Center in Oxford, had speakers from the Mississippi Arts Commission & Mississippi Humanities Council works with artist on grants, and provided artist access to social media experts, lawyers and accountants.
The workshops are offered quarterly and are free. The Artist Retreat with regional gallery owners will be at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center, Tuesday, February 2, 2016 from 5:30p.m. to 7p.m. Artist can register online for the free program at www.oxfordarts.comor by calling 662-236-6429
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