Tuesday, September 27, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Over the past two years, CUE's Meet and Greet networking events have become one of our most popular programs. It's time to put all that practice into action. Join us as we kick off the Fall 2011 season with a cocktail hour for artists to network in a social setting. Attendees should bring business cards and very small images of their work (no originals, please). We will be inviting special guests to ensure varied and enriching conversations. This event will also mark the launch of our newly re-designed Membership Program, and a special membership discount will be offered for all Cocktail Hour guests.
Cost: $10 (includes refreshments); $5 for members.
II. ADVANCED GRANT WRITING TIPS, TRICKS AND TECHNIQUES
Tuesday, October 18, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Speaker: Gigi Rosenberg, author of The Artists' Guide to Grant Writing
In this interactive workshop, artists will learn how to take a good idea and transform it into a compelling and lively grant proposal. Participants will discover how to research funding, decode application questions, and let the grant-writing process focus their career goals. Ms. Rosenberg will demonstrate how to play the matchmaking game with potential funders, enlist a team to help craft a proposal, discern when it's best to continue to build a body of work rather than write a grant proposal, how to follow-up with a funder whether you receive the grant or not, and how to build a budget that will make your applications shine. Participants should bring any writing they have about themselves or their work, including artist statements or project descriptions. Please note that this workshop is designed only for those who have submitted at least one grant application in the past.
Cost: FREE for members, $5 for non-members.
III. FROM THE ELEVATOR TO THE PODIUM: HOW TO PRESENT YOUR ART TO AN AUDIENCE
Wednesday, October 19, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Speaker: Gigi Rosenberg, author of The Artists' Guide to Grant Writing
An artist's work cannot always speak for itself - often you must present your work to a diverse public. From formal presentations to informal conversations, your ability to cogently discuss your work can ensure opportunities, connections, and sales. In this hands-on workshop, artists learn 10 tips for giving an outstanding presentation -- whether it's to one person or a crowd. Ms. Rosenberg demonstrates how to find concise and compelling language to communicate the abstract or conceptual. You'll learn how to rehearse (even for off-the-cuff talks), enjoy the limelight, manage a Question & Answer session, and connect with your audience. Come prepared to practice with a supportive coach who provides practical advice for talking about your art where the audience leans in, engaged and even entertained.
Cost: FREE for members, $5 for non-members
This workshop has been sponsored in part by: Bertrand Delacroix Gallery
IV. DIY Lighting & Photo Workshop
Tuesday, November 8, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Speaker: Jason Burch, artist & fine art printer for William Wegman
Crafting compelling images of your work is a key component in successful grant, open call, and exhibition proposals. However, many artists don't have the equipment or technical expertise to professionally document their work, let alone hire a professional photographer to do it for them. In this workshop, participants will learn hands-on how to light and photograph their work without professional equipment -- using their own point-and-shoot cameras. Following a general overview of simple lighting and shooting techniques, Jason Burch will discuss basic Photoshop tricks to help you get the most out of your images. At the end of the seminar, the instructor will work with each participant, demonstrating one-on-one how to best shoot a piece on the gallery wall. This workshop requires participants to bring their own cameras, and is limited to 15 participants.
Cost: FREE for members, $5 for non-members
V. BUILDING A BRAND: FOR THE ARTIST WITH INTEGRITY
Tuesday, December 6, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Speaker: Amy Schroeder, founder of DIY Business Association and Kara Szalkowski, soon-to-be Chief Marketing Officer, DIY Business Association
As an artist, how do you build a brand? How does an artist "brand" themselves without pigeonholing or degrading their practice and integrity? While practicing artists certainly are not traditional companies, they often need to tailor some business savvy to effectively reach their target audiences and elicit interest and support. The goal of this seminar is to find that balance, and to illuminate many tips and ideas to keep in mind when forming a cohesive marketing agenda. Participants will learn how to take advantage of print and online tools to reach new audiences, engage prospective collectors and investors, and set themselves apart.
Cost: FREE for members, $5 for non-members
VI. NOW WHAT? GETTING YOUR BRAND OUT THERE
Tuesday, December 13, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Speaker: Amy Schroeder, founder of DIY Business Association and Alex Miles Younger, Art Director of The Domino Project
Serving as a follow-up to "Building a Brand", this seminar will begin with a general overview of branding, followed by an in-depth discussion of current tools and methods for advertising and marketing your work. Utilizing social networking opportunities effectively and tastefully to expand your outreach will be stressed, as well as how to use social functions like gallery openings, open studios and parties to subtly raise awareness of your practice. This will be a great opportunity to gain some "industry secrets" and become a marketing pro. Please note: it is not required to attend the "Building a Brand" workshop in order to attend this event.
Cost: FREE for members, $5 for non-members