2008 Business of Art Symposium at PAS

Pamida Opening.

Most visual artists will never be accused of being left brained, but in order to find success in the art world, they’ll need a solid measure of practical business knowledge. That’s why Peninsula Art School created the “Business of Art” Symposium, which runs January 10 – 12, 2008 at the school’s Fish Creek facility.

In this series of presentations by working artists and experts in various fields, participants will gain insight and valuable resources to help them put their best foot forward and market themselves and their artwork. Individual sessions are $35 each for art school members and $40 for non-members; tuition for all five sessions is $150. Register by phone at 920.868.3455.

The Business of Art Symposium schedule is as follows:

Day One: Thursday, January 10

• Writing Your Artist Statement and Biography with Kay McKinley Arneson

Often your first impression to a prospective art buyer or gallery is through your artist statement and artist biography. Find out how to professionally present yourself and your work through words. Includes hands-on time to work on your own materials, and a peer review of writing done during class (9am – noon).

• Building Your Portfolio with Bill Budelman

Once you have your artist statement, biography, and a body of work, how do you combine and present them in the most effective way to showcase and market your artwork? Participating artists are invited to bring their current portfolios of artwork for either individual or group evaluation and discussion (1 – 4 pm).

Day Two: Friday, January 11

• Creating a Body of Work with Shan Bryan Hanson, Craig Blietz and Suzanne Rose

Galleries and sophisticated art buyers expect to see a body of work to select from. What is a “body of work?” How do you come up with an idea for a body of work or a series? How does an artist carry the ideas from concept to finished pieces? (9am – noon).

• The Art of Being in a Gallery with Michael Nitsch

How do you get into a gallery? Which galleries do you pursue? Is your work suited to galleries? How will you be involved in the visual experience? What is the cost of selling through a gallery and how do you price your work? These are just some of the questions we will explore (1 – 4 pm).

Day Three: Saturday, January 12

• Marketing Your Concepts with Thom Qualkinbush

As a group we’ll develop a basic marketing plan to market your art. We’ll also take a look at promotional options that serve to execute the promotional piece of the marketing plan pie (9am – noon).

Peninsula Art School, located in the heart of Door County, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the visual arts through education, exhibitions and community outreach. Peninsula Art School offers one- to five-day workshops, lectures, exhibits and family-friendly events for students of all ages and abilities. The School and Guenzel Gallery are located at 3900 County F, in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 am – 5 pm. http://www.peninsulaartschool.com.