Make the most out of the event!
BEFORE THE EVENT
- Have high quality images or examples of your artwork ready to show on your phone or tablet. Or bring a small piece of artwork if you are interested in taking part in the visual art critique.
- Have your business cards, stickers, or any other ways for people to get in touch with you ready to go.
- Be ready to discuss your artwork! Think about your “elevator pitch”.
- Bring a notebook and pencil or digital devices to take notes on any new ideas or connections.
- Review the coaches in advance and have some ideas for who you want to meet with. Have a few questions in mind for your coach to make the most out of your conversation!
ACTIVITIES AT THE EVENT
Learn about the event and register for coaching | Welcome Gallery
Interactive Group Break-out Sessions | 2nd Floor
- Visual Art Critique Group led by Alexia Avdelas and Shannon Welsh at 12:30-2 p.m. | 2nd Floor Classroom
- Limited to 15 artists! First- come, first-served
- Prioritizing Mental Health for Artists led by Amber Keaton at 2:30-4 p.m. | Forum Gallery
- Artists are welcome to come in and out of the session.
Community Building | 3rd Floor Classroom
- Open-ended networking with other artists
- Visit local arts organizations informational tables and meet their staff members to learn more about programs and resources
- Participating Organizations: Akron Soul Train, Artists of Rubber City, Curated Storefront, CATAC
- Take part in the Have/ Need brainstorming activity
- Grab a snack or a drink
Speed Coaching Sessions | 3rd Floor Event Space
- 30-minute coaching with business professionals, established artists, and arts leaders are available. See full coaching roster below.
- Coaching sessions start at 12:10 | 12:50 | 1:30 | 2:40 | 3:20
- Registration for specific coaches begins at 11:30 a.m. and continues throughout the event on a first-come first-served basis. Space is limited!
COACHING ROSTER :
Business Professional Line-up:
Ace Epps (Financial Management)
Talk to Ace about: Budgeting, Understanding credit, Tools & resources at Chase Bank
Jeanine Black (Marketing Strategy)
Talk to Jeanine about: High-level marketing, Communications strategy, Public relations, Leadership
Kristen Dowey (Marketing Strategy)
Talk to Tyron about: High-level marketing, branding, digital communications, strategic planning
Tyron Hoisten (Digital Communications)
Talk to Tyron about: Social media strategy, branding
Nicole Kurtz (Digital Communications & Website)
Talk to Nicole about: Website design and tools, Social media content creation, Brand development, Creative strategy
Larry Tucker (Insurance)
Talk to Larry about: Protecting your artwork, Legal advice, Insurance advice
COACHING ROSTER :
Established Artist Line-up:
Katie Butler (Visual-Painting)
Talk to Katie about: Artist statements and bios, Gallery representation and exhibitions, Artist residencies, Career trajectory
Josy Jones (Performing- Theatre)
Talk to Josy about: Grants for artists, community engagement, Artist leadership, Playwriting, Career trajectory
Mike Marras (Visual- Sculpture)
Talk to Mike about: Public art projects, Commissioned work, Gallery representation and exhibitions, Career trajectory
COACHING ROSTER :
Arts Leaders Line-up:
Grace Carter (Writing)
Talk to Grace about: ArtsNow programs & resources, Writing for artist proposals and grants
Arnie Tunstall (Exhibitions)
Talk to Arnie about: Artist opportunities like exhibitions and artist residencies
