Monday, May 5, 2008

I recently attended a workshop on "Promoting Your Work" at the LighthouseCenter for the Arts
in Jupiter, Florida. The one day event , sponsored by the Florida State Division of Cultural Affairs, was part of the Creative Capital Professional Development Program. Creative Capital is a national grant-making, not for profit, organization that gives project-based funding directly to artists.

The workshop was informative and inspiring. Visual and performing artists from various disciplines attended. The focus of the day was "how to develop an artist's promotional package". Emphasis was placed on goal setting, strategic planning, artist statements and speaking to others about your art. There was plenty of opportunity to network with other artists. It would have been hard not to gain insight into both the creative and business sides of art.

Perhaps the most memorable part of the day was the passion of Creative Capital Team Leader
Jackie Battenfield. Jackie spoke from a place of integrity about her career and her struggles. She instilled hope by reminding us to stay focused on our goals. When Jackie closed the workshop by telling us that she loved us, I knew she was sincere. Do yourself a favor and attend a Creative Capital Workshop. It was free!

Here is an artist statement that was described as excellent by presenter Morgan Lewis of the Florida State Division of Cultural Affairs.

2 comments:

Doreen E. Lepore said...

Hi Robert Simone - Yes it was great - I was there too! I've already been working on trying to improve my severe lack of descriptiveness and shortage of words. They (Jackie and crew) were the best!

Hope to see you plein air painting around FL - I was also too shy to tell anyone that I was addicted to plein air painting. Doreen E. Lepore, www.doreenelepore.com

Jacquelyn Modesitt Schindehette said...

I also attended the workshop. It was indeed a fast paced, information packed day. If this workshop is offered again I highly recommend it as one you should not miss. It is filled with many tips for us artists who would rather be in the studio than in the office...of course, that means ALL OF US. Jackie Battenfield and her team Sue Schaffner and Ela Troyano of Creative Capital kept things moving and energized, keeping each and every one of the 48 artists personally envolved.

Robert, I was so pleased to meet you in person at the workshop. You have done a great job with the "Paint the Town" Plein Air Event. I hope we will have a chance to paint together in the near future.

Jackie Schindehette,
www.floridalandscapes.com