Professional Development for Artists

Being working artists as well as gallery owners ('gallerinas', we've been called), we have a unique perspective, being on both sides of the fence, so to speak.

Obviously, the most critical piece is making the art- That's Step 1- without that, there's nothing. Then, there's the education piece- whether by reading, experimenting with new techniques, visiting museums and galleries,  or exploring worlds within and around us. That's Step 2.

Step 3- 'BE READY' sneaks up on us- but it's critical.
While we're busy creating and learning, our work gets stronger, and guess what, people start to notice! As more opportunites arise to show our work, it's really important that the accompanying material we present to galleries and museums is well-presented and professional- in short, reflects, complements and informs the quality of our art.  Artist statements, bios, and resumes need to be articulate, thoughtful, well-written, and READY!

The only thing worse than a bad picture is NO picture.  When a newspaper asks us for images, the ones we reach for first are the ones that are appropriately sized (300dpi, 6 in. longest side, about 1 MB jpeg file size) and labeled (Artist last name_artwork title.jpeg)  And they need it NOW. More than once, a reporter has expressed interest in featuring a piece from a show; unfortunately we haven't had a jpeg to give them. The artists who didn't have the material available lost an opportunity to have their work seen by a wider audience because they were not prepared.

Periodically, we're offering brief, tarketed workshops to build the skill set needed for Step 3, so that we can get it right and 'BE READY' when asked for these materials. Two which are upcoming are listed below. Visit our website for more information and to register.

Photograph Your Artwork, taught by Jeremy Graves of Damianos Photography

Friday, March 30, 2012
9:30 am to 12:00 pm


Cost: $60 Fountain Street Fine Art members

  $70 non-members

minimum 4 students, maximum of 12

registration deadline 3/25/12

Learn how to photograph both 2-D and 3-D artwork. Angle of view, lighting, metering, polarizing and appropriate lens type/focal length will be covered. The session will take place in a gallery setting, giving participants the opportunity to learn to take effective installation shots as well. Basic knowledge and familiarity with your camera is necessary.


Writing Your Artist Statement Doesn’t Have To Hurt: Nail It Once And For All!

Taught by nationally recognized expert Ariane Goodwin, Ed.D.

Saturday, June 9, 2012 12 – 4 pm

Cost:      $65 Students and Fountain Street Fine Art members

  $75 non-members

Registration deadline 6/1/2012

Ariane Goodwin is the creator of the SmARTist Telesummit, and author of Writing the Artist Statement: Revealing the true Spirit of your Work, a comprehensive guide to writing an effective statement. In 4 hours, articulate your vision and prepare your statement, a key tool for reaching your buyers and collectors, who love your art, but need that extra push to pull out their wallets.