Make plans to attend the 3nd Annual Make Art Your Business conference on November 4 at Blue Ridge Community College in Weyers Cave. This year's theme is "Creative Focus".
Internationally acclaimed artist, P. Buckley Moss is a featured speaker. Bring a piece of your artwork for a Pop-Up Art show, hear speakers, attend breakout sessions, network, create art, and have fun! Topics of interest to artist and artisan entrepreneurs: Festivals, Branding, Pinterest, Communicating Your Creative Vision, Best Displays and more! Cosponsored by BRCC and the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center. Details: www.brcc.edu/mayb
Plan now to attend BRCCs 3rd annualMake Art Your Business Conference, Monday, November 4, 9 am 4 pm. Designed around the theme, Creative Focus, the 2013 conference will inspire, energize and motivate you to develop an artistic business for your future. 2D and 3D artists, artisans, musicians, photographers, and performers are encouraged to carve out this day in your busy schedules.
Internationally acclaimed artist - P. Buckley Moss - will kick-start the day with words of wisdom
Capture the essence/expertise of seasoned speakers & session leaders
Network with colleagues & meet new artists
Engage in hands-on creative activities throughout the day
Pop-Up Art show: back by popular demand
Acquire knowledge that will help you grow your business
An excellent opportunity to broaden your business knowledge and improve sales
Fabulous, frequent door prizes
Make Art Your Business conference attendees:
You are invited and encouraged to bring one (1) piece of your work for display during the day of the conference. Seize this opportunity to both show your work and see the work of other artists/artisans. In order to be included in the show, you must arrive with your work by 8:15 a.m. Tables will be available for display; please bring your own easels or display props, if needed.
Contact Jennifer Whitmore with any questions: 540-453-2380 or email her
This is not your typical conference; be ready to move, create, learn and make valuable connections with area artists and artisans. BRCCs Art Gallery will be open, hosting Virginia Stone Carvers Guild: Stone Speaks.
Interested in sponsoring this event? Contact sbdc@jmu.edu
Join Us! Call to Register: 540-453-2215
Early Bird Discount by Oct. 11 - $59 After Oct. 11 - $75
Conference Agenda (as of 8/7/13)
8:15-8:30 Arrivals for Pop-Up Art Show 8:15-9:00 Registration/Meet & Greet - Coffee & Tea 9:00-9:30 Welcome: Don Taylor, MC 9:30-10:20 P. Buckley Moss, internationally acclaimed artist 10:20-10:30 Break; Visit the Pop-Up Art Show 10:30-11:30 Concurrent Sessions
Differentiate: What Makes You Unique? - Sherri Smith Focus on Festivals/Shows/Galleries: How & Why You Should Get In - Piper Groves To Pin or Not to Pin . . . There is No Question! - Jay Punyanitya Turn Your Focus to Business - Betty Hoge
11:35-1:00 Lunch
Make Business Your Art project Visit the Pop-Up Art Show
1:00-2:00 Marc Willson, Portfolio of Lessons Learned 2:00-2:15 Break; the Visit Pop-Up Art Show and turn in your Peoples Choice ballots 2:15-3:15 Concurrent Sessions
Best Displays: Merchandising Tips - Marc Willson Building Your Brand - TBD Diversify Your Business Focus - Peg Sheridan Communicating Your Creative Vision - Don Taylor
3:15-3:45 Wrap-up
Pop-Up Art Show Peoples Choice Awards Team Project Awards Attendee Networking; Evaluations & Feedback
BRCC Art Gallery is open all day to visit at your convenience - or tours can be arranged.
Three Benefits of Attending the Make Art Your Business Conference
I attended the 2012 Make Art Your Business Conference because I was looking for some advice on how to jump start my small creative business. I wasnt sure what to expect as I arrived at Blue Ridge Community College, but by the end of the day I was glad I went. What did I get out of the conference? Three thingsinspiration, information, and encouragement.
Inspiration
The keynote speaker was Ragan McManus, Executive Director of Arts Council of the Valley. I was inspired by Ragans story, which included details about her early relationship with art, her educational experience at CalArts, and her commitment to educating the community, especially children, about art.
I was also inspired by some of the other attendees I metartists and creative people of all sorts. It was nice just sitting and talking with them during lunch and finding out how others are either earning an income with their art or working toward that goal.
Information
The conference was packed with valuable information. Marc Willsons presentation on Art as Business provided great insight on how to set up a retail settinga vendor booth at arts and craft shows in my caseto improve sales. For example, he stressed the importance of well-positioned lighting that really shows off our work.
Michael Houghs presentation was equally informative, from the perspective of a fellow artist. I learned the proper way to approach retail establishments when inquiring about wholesale or consignment sales. I also enjoyed Deb Booths out-of-the-box tips on how to expand ones artistic income. And Betty Hoges roundtable discussion on pricing was invaluable, since pricing is something Ive struggled with.
Other valuable information I walked away included introductions to the Artisan Trail, the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center (SVSBDC) in Harrisonburg, and the numerous art classes offered at Blue Ridge Community College.
Encouragement
The final presentation of the day was delivered by John Han****. His entertaining talk covered the balancing act creative people perform between art, work, and life. Its not always easy, but its nice to know others are out there and struggling with the same issues.
Since the conference, Ive been working with the SVSBDC and learning about everything from branding to budget forecasting. I believe the inspiration, solid information, and encouragement Ive receivedat the Make Art Your Business Conference, from the SVSBDC, and from friends and familyhave taught me that my creative business will grow in direct proportion to the amount of effort and artistic sweat I put into it and has given me the confidence to keep working toward that goal.
