Artists have many pitfalls to navigate if they want to make their creative work their full-time occupation. From knowing how to write a strong contract to protecting intellectual property, there are plenty of legal considerations to master, but there is also the basic stuff—how to market oneself, write grants, build a resume.
For artists just starting out and for career artists who never quite mastered some of these topics, there are great workshops in town, and the Artist ToolKit hosted at Gage Academy is one of the best free resources. These short, afternoon workshops provide expert insight into a variety of topics. Check out the lineup below, from the Gage Academy website. They happen every fourth Thursday until May (except March and December).
Your Personal Brand: Artist Websites & Social Media
October 23, 12:45 to 1:30 PM. Led by artist and curator Siolo Thompson
One of the most important things you can do to promote yourself as an artist and get galleries and curators to look at your work is to develop a website that lets you and your artwork shine. Building an identity as an artist on social media will not only help connect you to the local, regional and national art scene, it’s also an easy way to broadcast upcoming exhibitions and new projects. If self-promotion is an intimidating mystery, this event is not to be missed!
DIY Framing Your Artwork
November 20, 12:15 to 1:45 PM. Led by artist Tara Champion
Get your artwork ready to sell for the holiday season, or just spice it up as gifts for friends and family. Whatever your intent, framing your work adds a professional edge. Bring your own materials and leave with a piece of framed art. A suggested supplies list will be provided. [Check the website as the date approaches.]
Grant Writing: Individual Artist Projects through 4Culture
January 22, 12:45 to 1:30 PM. Led by Heather Dwyer, Art Projects Manager, 4Culture
Among other hats she wears, Heather Dwyer manages Art Projects for Individuals, a competitive funding program for projects in all artistic disciplines. Dwyer discusses the application for Artist Projects, due in March 2015. Whether or not you have a project in mind—plan to take excellent notes!
The Gallery/Artist Relationship
February 26, 12:45 to 1:30 PM. Led by Jonathan Wood, Owner/Director, Abmeyer + Wood
Abmeyer + Wood Gallery owner Jonathan Wood presents a discussion of the key necessities for a successful gallery-artist relationship with one of A + W’s represented artists (TBD).
Understanding Your Rights: Artwork Copyright
April 23, 12:45 to 1:30 PM. Led by Benjamin Kerr, Esq., Principle, Kerr Law Firm
Benjamin Kerr clears up misunderstandings of the basic principles of intellectual property law, including copyright registration as an incredibly simple and inexpensive way that artists can protect their work if it gets misappropriates by another party.
Résumé Builders: Showing Your Work in Independent Arts Spaces
May 28, 12:45 to 1:30 PM. Panel of independent curators and artists, TBD
Not ready to take the leap to a gallery or just want to get your work out there? From approaching local cafés to the Shunpike Storefronts program, learn more about the many opportunities for showing your work outside of the gallery scene in Seattle.
It’s a great lineup of thinkers and advocates for artists. Benjamin Kerr has run his own workshops specifically regarding different legal matters relevant to artists, and 4Culture has many programs worth checking out, so if you can’t make these, keep your eyes peeled for others.
