I. CUE COCKTAIL HOUR: A NETWORKING EVENT

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

 

 

I. Better than turbo: One-on-one tax help

consultations

Saturday, February 4, 1 - 6pm (each consultation will be 15 minutes)

Speaker: Richard Shebairo and Jeremy Steinberg, Certified Public Accountants

Being an artist demands a certain familiarity with budgeting and taxes. Richard Shebairo and Jeremy Steinberg, certified public accountants, will provide one-on-one assistance to participants, explaining the intricacies of filing taxes for freelance individuals, and how to complete a Schedule C, as well as any other tax-related questions you may have. Each participant may sign up for a 15-minute slot between 1 and 6pm.

Cost: FREE for members, $5 for non-members

 

II. Artist Networking night & Cocktail Hour

Saturday, February 25, 5 - 7pm 

Guests: Paddy Johnson, Art Fag City; Dannielle Tegeder, artist; Daniel Cooney, Owner/Director of Daniel Cooney Fine Art; and Jenn Dierdorf, Director of SOHO20;

Join us for our first networking night of the season! Over the past few years, the Meet & Greet events have become one of our most popular programs, and it's time to put all that practice into action. We've invited special guests for artists to network with in a social setting. Attendees should bring business cards and very small images of their work (no originals).
Cost: $10 (includes refreshments), $5 for members.

III. Design I: Cohesive Communications (Website, business cards, letterhead & more)

Saturday, March 3, 2-4pm 

Speaker: Hamish Smyth, designer for Pentagram

The first workshop of this two-part intensive will focus on the general principles and best practices for creating smart, professional and memorable communications, from websites and business cards to letterhead and invoices. Hamish Smyth will discuss the importance of these components , with a focus on cohesion, creativity, and clarity of purpose. The artist will provide tips and tools to use when creating your own graphic design strategy. Please note that this workshop will not include technical instruction. Participants are required to have a working knowledge of their preferred design program. After the workshop, participants will design or re-design their website homepage, business card, and letterhead in preparation for the second workshop -- Group Design Critique on April 14th -- where their work will be presented to the other participants and a panel of professionals.

IV. DESIGN II: Group Design Critique

Saturday, April 14, 2-4pm 

Panelists: Hamish Smyth, designer for Pentagram; others TBA

In the time between Design I & II, participants will put their new design skills into practice. Each participant will submit a newly designed or re-designed mock-ups of their website homepage, business card, and letter head for review during the workshop. Participants will be critiqued by their peers, as well as a panel including Hamish Smyth and other professional curators and gallerists. This is a great opportunity for artists to receive a great deal of constructive feedback on the materials they use to present themselves to the public.

 

V. Legal & Business Issues for Artists

Tuesday, April 17, 6:30-8:30pm 

Speaker: Elena M. Paul, Esq., Executive Director, Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts

This interactive workshop will cover the major legal and business issues that affect the artistic and creative endeavors of individual artists and arts professionals within organizations and cultural institutions. Topics addressed will include intellectual property (copyright, trademarks, and rights of privacy/publiciity); contract essentials for agreements with creative partners, independed contractors, clients and vendors; contract negotiation skills; and choosing and forming the right business vehicle for artistic endeavors, including a look at profit and non-profit models as well as financing from fiscal sponsorship to crowd-funding. Participants will be invited to provide information about their work and their goals, and the speaker will make herself available for a follow-up consultation for each attendee.

 

VI. Grant & Residency application consultations

Saturday, April 28, 12-5pm

Consultants: Mark Rossier, Deputy Director, NYFA; Sarah Walko, Executive Director, Triangle Arts Association

We all know that grants and residencies are incredibly competitive, so take this opportunity to give yourself an edge! Sign up for a 20-minute consultation with a skilled professional to receive individualized feedback on your completed residency or grant application. Take advantage of their undivided attention so you can get all the information you need to submit the most competitive and successful applications you can.

Note: Your application must be completed prior to this consulation in order to receive feedback AND the application cannot be for an opportunity associated with the consultant's organization.

III. Meet and Greet Networking night

Tuesday, February 22, 2011, 6:30-8:30pm 

Our Meet and Greet events have proven to be unbelievably popular! In order to provide all participants with the maximum amount of time to meet with one another, CUE will be hosting a full night of our speed-dating style networking. Be sure to bring business cards and small image samples of your work, as everyone will be shifting around the room, spending five minutes with each individual and identifying connections.  

Cost: FREE for members, $5 for non-members. RSVPs are required. To RSVP, please email jessica.gildea@cueartfoundation.org, or call 212-206-3583.

IV. international opportunities: residencies and exhibitions

Tuesday, March 8, 2011, 6:30-8:00pm
Speaker: Nathalie Angles, Director, Residency Unlimited

Taking advantage of opportunities abroad can advance your career back home. There are a myriad of residencies, fellowships, exhibitions, and other options throughout the world that are readily available at your fingertips. Nathalie Angles, Director of Residency Unlimited, will cover how to seek out these opportunities, identifying key resources in the U.S., as well as abroad. She will also discuss the many nuances to be observed when applying for international opportunities, as well as cultural and institutional obstacles to keep in mind. 

Cost: FREE for members, $5 for non-members. RSVPs are REQUIRED. To RSVP, please email jessica.gildea@cueartfoundation.org, or call 212-206-3583.

I. Making 5 Minutes Last - How to Effectively Talk About Your Work & Artist Meet-and-Greet

Tuesday, September 21^st, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm

Speaker: Amber Hawk-Swanson, Visual Artist, Professional Development and Grants Consultant, and Formerly Officer, NYFA Source and Instructor, MARK10 (2008-10) at New York Foundation for the Arts
Due to the great success of last Spring's meet-and-greet event and the feedback provided during the forum, CUE is launching a new hybrid of our previous programming: a combination information session and networking event. The night will begin with a presentation by Amber Hawk-Swanson on how best to communicate your work and practice within five minutes and leave a lasting impression. Oftentimes artists find themselves, whether at openings, open studios, or other social gatherings, quickly put on the spot to discuss their work and these seemingly unimportant conversations can really make a difference in ones career. Ms. Hawk-Swanson will provide you with the skills to confidently enter any conversation about your work with ease. Following this short session, participants will take what they have just learned and apply it to an artist networking, "speed dating" style event. Be sure to bring small image samples of your work and business cards, as everyone will be shifting around the room, spending five minutes with each individual and identifying connections.  This is sure to be a fun and great way to begin our Fall 2010 season.
Cost: FREE

II. MEET-N-GREET II: OUTSIDE OF THE STUDIO: REPRESENT YOURSELF & YOUR WORK IN THE BEST LIGHT

Tuesday, October 12th^th, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm

Speaker: Chitra Ganesh, Visual Artist

How can one be strategic in keeping certain materials on-hand to assist in effectively discussing their work outside of the studio? What makes a lasting impression on those you meet? Are there strategies for getting someone interested in your work outside of direct conversation? Chitra Ganesh, an artist working in drawing, installation, mixed-media and collaborative projects, will discuss what is beyond the verbal communication of the work, elucidating other tools and practices that will ensure you make the most of every encounter. Following this short session, artists will participate in another networking, "speed dating" style event. Not only will this be important for those new to CUE's meet-and-greets, but also offer a chance to those who attended previously to discuss their work more in depth with those they have met before at CUE. Be sure to bring small image samples of your work and business cards, as everyone will be shifting around the room, spending five minutes with each individual and identifying connections.

Cost: FREE for members, $5 for non-members. RSVPs are REQUIRED. To RSVP, please email ryan.thomas@cueartfoundation.org, or call 212-206-3583.

III. LIVING DUALITITES: ARTIST AS WORKER

Tuesday, November 16th, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm

Moderator: Tova Carlin

Confirmed Panelists: To Come 

As new crops of artists enter the field, the question of how to support oneself as an artist must be continually readdressed. Historically, countless artists have taken "day jobs" to support their creative pursuits, but until recently this was something to play down.  Many artists, in fact, have multiple jobs within the arts and social communities. Has the artist- worker become more of a valid and accepted role? Is the paradigm of the artist full-time in the studio no longer a functional model?  Can artists benefit from the work they do to financially support themselves? Can this feed back into their art? How can artists effectively negotiate between their multiple roles?

Cost: $5.00 suggested donation.

This program is run in partner with Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts (efa) and CUE Art Foundation. This program will be held at the Elizabeth Foundation, 323 West 39th Street, 2nd Floor. To RSVP, please email Sally at: sally@efanyc.org.

 

I. Taxes for Artists

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2009, 6:30-8:00pm
Speaker: Susan Lee, Enrolled Agent and a Certified Financial Planner
The art market demands a certain familiarity with budgeting and taxes. Susan Lee, an Enrolled Agent and a Certified Financial Planner, has prepared taxes for freelancers and artists for over twenty years. She is also a Certified Financial Planner as well as a registered Investment Advisor. She has written articles and spoken on financial issues to, freelancers and artist organizations including Graphic Artists Guild, National Writers Union, Editorial Freelancers Association, Music Cares, and the Bronx Museum’s Artists in the Marketplace. Ms. Lee will explain the intricacies of filing taxes for artists, and the seminar will include a “walk through” of a schedule C, the most important section for freelance artists, to help illustrate step by step what is and what isn’t deductible, as well as a discussion of budgeting and financial planning techniques. The overview will be followed by an in-depth Q and A session, providing a rare opportunity to ask any tax-related questions.
Cost: $5.00 for non-members, FREE for CUE members.

For the Artist of the 21st Century: A Continuing Series of Conversations in Collaboration with the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts.

CUE Art Foundation and the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts partner to present a series of timely conversations focused on artistic survival. Zeroing in on essential and pervasive topics, the conversations are presented in a round format. Intended to encourage a dynamic flow of dialog and exchange, the circular format provides an intimate experience for panelists and audience members alike and audience participation is welcome throughout the discussion. Panelists consist of a selection of artists and professionals from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences who are significantly invested in the topic at hand, setting the stage for a layered and meaningful exchange. More than providing concrete answers, these conversations aim to bring to light the pressing questions and concerns faced by the creative community, and to encourage new modes for bridging gaps, brainstorming, and problem solving. It is through these conversations that CUE and EFA provide a firm platform for artists to thoroughly develop their own opinions and solutions to the challenges at hand.

II. The Perception of the Artist in the United States

Tuesday, March 9th, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm
Panelists: Natalie Angles, Mary Walling Blackburn, Rob Carter, Mitch Epstein, Andrea Galvani, Gianni Jetzer, Chen Tamir, andHong-An Truong.
Establishing value within one’s practice and work is essential to gaining support for your artistic career. In order for artists to harness and advocate for greater value within our culture, we must explore the current position many practicing artists find themselves within popular American culture, and how it differs from the status of artists in other societies and whether the artist is more integrated and supported in these other cultures. Are things like globalism spurring change in the status of the artist throughout the world and if so, is this for the better? How have the actions of artists aided in this mentality?
Cost: $5.00 suggested donation.
This program is run in partner with Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts (efa). This program will be held at CUE Art Foundation. To RSVP, please email ryan.thomas@cueartfoundation.org or call 212-206-3583.

III. The Artist-Citizen, Advocating Change

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010, 6:30-8:30pm
Panelists: Ellen Scott, Smartspaces; Erin Donnelly, Special Projects, Artists’ Residencies, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council; & Austin Thomas, Pocket Utopia.
Moderator: Colleen Asper, AdHocVox

The role of artists needs to be repositioned as essential to our culture and society. How can artists determine how to maneuver within the existing societal structure to achieve reliable, long lasting support both politically and socially. How can artists realize that individuals can hone power to implement change? What are the resources that artists may utilize to understand the rights and opportunities that already exist? What are some examples of artists who have advocated for more support and have succeeded? What are steps artists can take to achieve greater agency for themselves?
Cost: $5.00 suggested donation.
This program is run in partner with Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts (efa). This program will be held at Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts. To RSVP, please email michelle@efa1.org or call 212-563-5855.

IV. The Silver Lining: Pop-Up Exhibition & Work Spaces

Speakers: Ellen Scott, Smartspaces; Erin Donnelly, Special Projects, Artists’ Residencies, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council; & Austin Thomas, Pocket Utopia.
Moderator: Colleen Asper, AdHocVox
As creative venues close-up or downsize, and vacant spaces become more common, many artists have shifted their approach to promoting their own work. Self-propelled and free of the constraints of traditional structures, more and more organizations and individuals alike have successfully opted to form temporary “pop-up” galleries, or workspaces in untraditional settings. This workshop will illuminate this innovative trend, examining how to find and approach these potential opportunities, and how best to take advantage of their offerings once obtained.
Cost: $5.00 for non-members, FREE for CUE members.

To RSVP, email ryan.thomas@cueartfoundation.org, or call 212-206-3583.

I. Creating Quality Digital Images
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009, 6:30 – 8pm
Speaker: D. James Dee, President of the Soho Photographer, Inc.

Professional grade imagery, especially in digital formats, is of paramount importance in today’s increasingly competitive art market. Renowned photographer, D. James Dee opened his Fine Art photography business in 1974 and has worked for numerous galleries, museums, corporations and magazines. Mr. Dee will walk you through the process of photographing your work digitally including; pre-shooting pointers, lighting and othertechnical aspects.  The demonstration will focus on how to achieve high quality imagery taking your own photographs of your work. Mr. Dee will demonstrate how to construct substitutes for expensive set-up equipment by using materials commonly found in your studio. This lecture will be the first of two this season on digital imaging.

Cost: $5.00 for non-members, FREE for CUE members.

II. Formatting Your Digital Images
Wednesday, October 7th, 2009, 6:30pm – 8pm
Speaker: D. James Dee, President of the Soho Photographer, Inc.

Following on from his previous seminar, photographer D. James Dee will cover the basics of digital formatting including file formats, resizing images, saving for website use, and color corrective techniques. This workshop is a must for those wanting to know what to do once they have images in hand.  Mr. Dee will demonstrate the must-knows of editing your photographs on the computer, using Photoshop. In addition to the lecture component, there will be a demonstration walk through of these processes led by  Mr. Dee.  You need not have attended the prior session to attend this one.

Cost: $5.00 for non-members, FREE for CUE membersIII. The Perfect Statement

III. The Perfect Statement
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009, 6:30pm - 8pm
Speaker: Susan Schear, Artisin Inc.

How do you get someone interested in your work without seeing it first-hand? Oftentimes, an artist statement came make or break an artist's chances to further their career. This lecture will focus on how to format and develop a creative and clear artist statement that will grab anyone's attention. All participants will be required to bring with them a typed copy of their current statement for peer-editing and feedback during the lecture. Information on what curators, collectors, gallerists and museum staff look for in statements and in resumes will also be touched on. Artists will leave this seminar not only with valuable feedback, but with a clear set of guidelines and tips to help make their statement everything they want and need it to be.

Cost: $5.00 for non-members, FREE for CUE members

I. Taxes for Artists

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009, 6:30-8:00pm
Speaker: Richard Shebairo

The art market demands a certain familiarity with budgeting and taxes. Richard Shebairo, a certified public accountant, will explain the intricacies of filing taxes for freelance individuals, such as artists. The seminar will include a “walk through” of a schedule C, the most important section for freelance artists, to help illustrate step by step what is and what isn’t deductible. The overview will be followed by an in depth Q and A session providing a rare opportunity to ask any tax-related questions.

Cost: $5.00 for non-members, FREE for CUE members.

II. Writing Basics - Statements, Press releases and more

Wednesday, February 25^th, 2009, 6:30-8:00pm                                                                                        Speaker: Susan Schear, President Artisin, Inc.

During these difficult economic times, with fewer arts venues and fewer sales opportunities, it is now more important than ever to manifest the skills needed to present yourself in the best light possible to a varied audience. Many artists today do not have galleries to represent them and therefore, it is important to be able to successfully write your own statements, press releases and other important documents.  Learning these skills can spell success for anything from grant applications to press coverage. Ms. Schear will provide the basic framework and principals to use when writing about your work, providing examples and opening up the workshop to a Q&A.

Cost: $5.00 for non-members, FREE for CUE members.

III. Retirment and Estate Planning for Artists

Wednesday, March 11th, 2009, 6:30-8:00pm
Speakers: Joan Jeffri, Programs Coordinator and Director of Arts Administration and Director of The Research Center for Arts and Culture at Columbia University; John Koegel, The Koegel Group LLP

As an artist, your life’s work and passion is something tangible and therefore it is extremely important to prepare for how your artwork and other artistic possessions will be handled in planning for the dividing of your estate. Although this is a necessary and sometimes difficult process, knowing all of the steps within the process can save you and your loved ones much time, money and strife, no matter where you currently are in your career. Ms. Jeffri will share her research on aging artists and the issues they are facing today, particularly in the New York Area. Mr. Koegel will discuss the legal aspects to creating and planning your estate.

Cost: $5.00 for non-members, FREE for CUE members.

CUE Art Foundation and NYFA Learning present: 

 

Communicate Better through the Web:
A Guide for Visual Artists

 

Dates: Wednesday May 7th, May 28th, May 29th 6-9pm
Cost: $75,
CUE Artist members: $65

Does your website really work for you? How could you improve it? We all know the internet has "changed" the world for artists, but sometimes it is not clear what this means. This three-part workshop for visual artists with websites will provide a guide for current uses of the web, go over questions of web etiquette and provide individualized feedback on how your website functions.

The course will start with a seminar outlining questions around web etiquette while also looking at innovative ways artists use the internet - ranging from websites, to artist registries, to social networking and RSS feeds. The second and third session will be a public critique of your website. Each participating artist's website will be projected and feedback will be provided on the content, organization, utility and design from art world professionals.

*Please note: You need to have a website in order to participate in this workshop. Artists whose work is only represented on flickr or artists registries will not be accepted.

Location:
CUE Art Foundation
511 West 25th Street, Ground Floor

Questions:
Ryan White, CUE Art Foundation at ryan.white@cueartfoundation.org or 212 206 3583
Christa Blatchford, NYFA at cblatchford@nyfa.org or 212 366 6900 x 338
To register please click here http://events.nyfa.org/events/course_list_cat.cfm?cat=5

This workshop is made possible with the generous support of the Joan Mitchell Foundation.

I. Gallery Expectations: The Artist & Dealer Relationship

Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 6:30-8:00pm
Speakers:Artist Miranda Lichtenstein and Allison Kave , Director of Bellwether Gallery

This seminar is geared to artists who want to know what to expect from a gallery when they land their first show and steps an artist should take to maximize the opportunity. Speakers from both the artist and gallery perspectives will provide critical information they have learned from their personal experiences to help elucidate this important step in an artist's career. Following brief overviews from the two speakers, the evening will run as an open forum with audience encouraged questions. Miranda Lichtenstein is an artist who has had solo exhibitions at Elizabeth Dee Gallery, New York, NY; Gallery Min Min, Tokyo; and Mary Goldman Gallery, Los Angeles, CA. Her Polaroid photographs were the focus of an exhibition at the UCLA Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, CA. She has been included in group shows internationally and reviews of her work have appeared in numerous publications, including Artforum, Art in America, and The New Yorker. Allison Kave received her MA in contemporary art from Sotheby's Institute in London in 2004 and has worked as an independent curator and writer. Before becoming Director of the Bellwether Gallery, Kave worked as the Associate Director of Harris Lieberman and Gallery Manager at Lombard-Freid Fine Arts.
Cost:$5.00 for non-members, FREE for CUE members.

 

II. Making the Most of Your Money: Saving & Investing for Artists

Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 6:30-8:00pm
Speaker: Shannon Brightman, UBS Financial Services Inc.

Now more than ever artists must make the most of their assets to ensure a stable financial future. Yet, doing so can often seem complicated and convoluted for those of us not familiar with the financial arena. This seminar will introduce concepts and strategies for wise financial decision-making. Shannon Brightman came to the financial services industry following a successful academic career. Before joining the UBS New York Headquarters branch, she was chairperson of the biology department at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT and served as chairperson of the University Budget Review and Strategic Planning Committee. Shannon is licensed as a securities agent and investment adviser representative.
Cost: $5.00 for non-members, FREE for CUE members.

 

III. Painting Your Studio Green: Safety in the Studio

Tuesday, October 7, 2008, 6:30-8:00pm
Speaker: Stacy Miller

Many materials artists use in their everyday practice can be potentially harmful to both their health and the environment, but the biggest danger is lack of information. Remaining knowledgeable and vigilant of things such as appropriate storage of materials, cleaning, disposal, proper ventilation, etc is imperative to preventing long-term damage to both your health and the environment. Stacy Miller, working artist and professor at Parsons, will provide step-by-step guide on how you can effectively use your materials, no matter your chosen media, while remaining safe, healthy and environmentally conscious.
Cost: $5.00 for non-members, FREE for CUE members.

 

IV. Grants for Artists

Wednesday, November 5, 2008, 6:30-8:00pm
Speaker: Luz Rodriguez, Training Coordinator, Foundation Center

While money may not make the world go around, it can certainly be imperative to an artist’s vision coming to fruition. Whether developing a project or performance, conducting research, mounting an exhibition, or just in need of financial support for your practice, finding potential sponsors and writing a successful grant proposal can spell success for any arts-related venture. Luz Rodriguez, a Training Coordinator at the Foundation Center since 2003, will show you how to identify funders in the arts, explore the option of fiscal sponsorship and offer tips on how to create a step-by-step plan to find funding for your needs as an individual grant seeker.
Cost: This workshop if FREE thanks to the generosity of the Foundation Center.

 

V. Etiquette in the Studio: Making a Studio Visit Count

Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 6:30-8:00pm
Speakers: Erin Riley-Lopez, Associate Curator, Bronx Museum of the Arts; Franklin Evans, Artist

Like conducting any other business, there are do’s and don’ts when coordinating a studio visit. Their undeniable importance, providing not only helpful feedback on the work but many times promising new career possibilities, dictates that an artist must conduct them with competence. How an artist invites potential visitors to their studio, engages the viewer, arranges the work during the visit and follows up afterward are integral to its success as well as garnering positive prospects for the artist’s career in the future. Curator Erin Riley-Lopez and artist Franklin Evans will walk you through the many phases of a visit and provide useful tips from their own experiences on how to make every visit truly count. Erin Riley-Lopez received her MA from the Center for Curatorial Studies at Bard College and her BA from Sarah Lawrence College. Since 2005, Erin has been a curator at The Bronx Museum of the Arts where she has curated collection-based and annual Artist in the Marketplace (AIM) exhibitions. In the fall of 2009, Erin will curate an exhibition at The Center for Book Arts. In addition to writing for Bronx Museum publications, her articles and reviews have appeared in might be good…a project of fluent ~ collaborative, Austin, TX and Bootprint a publication of Boots Contemporary Art Space, St. Louis, MO. Franklin Evans lives and works in New York, NY and studied at Stanford University and the University of Iowa. He has exhibited at The Drawing Center, New York, NY; Weatherspoon Art Museum, Greensboro, NC; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, CA; and El Museo del Barrio New York, NY. He has also had solo or two-person exhibitions in New York, Toronto, San Francisco, Milan (Italy), and Zurich (Switzerland). He is represented by Moti Hasson Gallery in New York.
Cost: $5.00 for non-members, FREE for CUE members.

I. Taxes for Artists

Wednesday, February 13, 2008, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Speaker: Richard Shebairo, CPA

The art market demands a certain familiarity with budgeting and taxes. Richard Shebairo, a certified public accountant, will explain the intricacies of filing taxes for freelance individuals such as artists. The seminar will include a “walk through” of a schedule C, the most important section for freelance artists, to help illustrate step by step what is and what isn’t deductible. The overview will be followed by an in depth Q and A session providing a rare opportunity to ask any tax-related questions.

 

II. Gallery Expectations

Wednesday, February 27, 2008, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Speakers: Dannielle Tegeder and Franklin Evans

This seminar is geared to artists who want to know what to expect from a gallery when they land their first show and steps an artist should take to maximize the opportunity. The speakers will provide critical information they have learned from their personal experiences to help elucidate this new step in an artist’s career. Following brief overviews from the two speakers, the evening will run as an open forum with audience encouraged questions. Dannielle Tegeder received her MFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and presently lives in Brooklyn, NY. She has had solo exhibitions nationally and internationally and has participated in group exhibitions at PS1/MoMA, The New Museum, The Brooklyn Museum of Art and Artists Space. She has been the recipient of residencies and grants including Yaddo, The Pollock-Krasner Foundation, The Fullbright Scholar Grant, The Sam & Adele Golden Foundation for the Arts Award and the Marie Walsh Sharpe Studio Fellowship. She is represented by Priska Juschka Fine Art in New York. Franklin Evans from Reno, NV, lives and works in New York, NY. He studied at Stanford University and the University of Iowa. He has exhibited at The Drawing Center, New York, NY; Weatherspoon Art Museum, Greensboro, NC; Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco, CA; and El Museo del Barrio New York, NY. He has also had solo or two-person exhibitions in New York, Toronto, San Francisco, Milan (Italy), and Zurich (Switzerland). He is represented by Moti Hasson Gallery in New York.

 

III. Documentation & Archiving- Keeping Your Records in Order

Wednesday, March 19, 2008, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Speaker: Sirena Maxfield

It is inevitable that an artist will produce a large and diverse body of work in his or her career. This seminar is designed to heighten awareness of the importance of archiving and record keeping. What if there was a natural disaster or theft? Would you know exactly what works were affected? Registrar and collections manager, Sirina Maxfield will walk you through archiving methods pinpointing specific organizational solutions, while avoiding complicated systems. Ms. Maxfield will show you how to effectively document all types of media – from painting to performance – in an easy and readily accessible way, guaranteeing that your body of work will have a long and prosperous life. Ms. Maxfield will also touch upon proper storage and preservation techniques.
Sirena Maxfield is currently employed by the American Federation of Arts in New York as a Registrar managing multiple traveling museum exhibitions. Previously she has held registrar and collections manager positions at the Shelburne Museum in Vermont, the South Street Seaport Museum, The Newark Museum, Zimmerli Museum, and the Bronx Museum of the Arts.

Cost: $5.00 for non-members, FREE for CUE members

 

Meeting Artists’ Needs – Inaugural Roundtable

Wednesday, March 26th, 2008, 6:30 – 8:00pm

We want to hear from you!

FREE

 

IV. Good Business Practices for the Success and Longevity of your Career

Wednesday, April 2, 2008, 6:30-8:00pm
Speaker: Alyson Pou, Associate Director of Creative Capital

One of the keys to artistic longevity is a balanced integration of the creative and business aspects of what we do. As artists there are some aspects of our career we enjoy and emphasize and other areas we neglect. This workshop will address simple business management practices from an artist’s point of view and provide you with the necessary tools to help you identify your biggest dreams and most practical steps to getting there. Alyson Pou is an installation and performance artist and the Associate Director of Creative Capital, a national not-for-profit grant making organization where she has designed the Professional Development Program which offers workshops that focuses on the individual goals and aspirations in an artist’s career. Ms. Pou’s works have been presented at numerous venues in NY including Danspace Project at St. Mark's, Performance Space 122, Franklin Furnace, The New Museum, Artists Space, Threadwaxing Space, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Creative Time, Dixon Place, HERE, and the Bronx Museum. She is the recipient of the New York Dance and Performance Award and has taught classes on performance art history and production at NYU, Cooper Union, the New School for Social Research, Williams College and Smith College.

 

NYFA Partner Workshop
Communicate Better through the Web:
A Guide for Visual Artists

Dates: Wednesday May 7th, May 28th, May 29th 6-9pm

Does your website really work for you? How could you improve it? We all know the internet has “changed” the world for artists, but sometimes it is not clear what this means. This three-part workshop for visual artists with websites will provide a guide for current uses of the web, go over questions of web etiquette and provide individualized feedback on how your website functions.

The course will start with a seminar outlining questions around web etiquette while also looking at innovative ways artists use the internet - ranging from websites, to artist registries, to social networking and RSS feeds. The second and third session will be a public critique of your website. Each participating artist’s website will be projected and feedback will be provided on the content, organization, utility and design from art world professionals.

*Please note: You need to have a website in order to participate in this workshop. Artists whose work is only represented on flickr or artists registries will not be accepted.

Cost: $75; CUE Artist members: $65

(Supplementals are included for the following workshops)

I. Becoming an Entrepreneur: Marketing Tips for Artists

Wednesday, September 26th, 2007, 6:30-8:00pm
Speaker: John Zinsser, Artist, Art Writer and Educator

Mr. Zinsser, who co-founded the Journal of Contemporary Art, has had solo exhibitions at Stark Gallery (NYC), Thomas Soloman’s Garage (L.A.) and Galerie Thomas Von Lintel (Munich & NYC), and James Graham & Sons, (NYC, March 2008). His work has been written about in The New York Times and Art in America. Mr. Zinsser lectures on contemporary art at the New School and has written for Art in America, ARTS, Flash Art, tema celeste and New Art International. He will speak about the business of art, and how artists today must be adequately equipped in positioning and marketing themselves in order to become, or remain, successful full-time artists.

 

II. Living on a Tight Budget: 7 Financial Steps Every Artist Must Know

Wednesday, October 10th, 2007, 6:30-8:00pm
Speaker: Galia Gichon, Down-to-Earth Finance

Galia Gichon is an independent financial expert who founded Down-to-Earth Finance, a company dedicated to demystifying money management and investing for individuals. Ms. Gichon provides unbiased financial education, providing financial security without selling any investments or managing money. This results-oriented seminar will provide an action plan by giving practical exercises to help artists achieve financial freedom and reduce money stress. Ms. Gichon will provide tips and ideas to help improve financial habits; she’ll go over the important parts of a credit report and how to improve the rating and will give advice on how to deal with credit card debt.

 

III. Legal Needs: Copyright and Other Legal Concerns

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007, 6:30-8:00pm
Speaker: John Koegel of The Koegel Group, LLP

John Koegel, a lawyer and former General Counsel at the Museum of Modern Art, has been specializing exclusively on representing artists and art galleries for the past 25 years. He will primarily address the subject of copyright law. Particular attention will be given to the subject of fair use which allows artists the right to use existing imagery in the creation of new work (since Mr. Koegel recently helped Jeff Koons prevail in a lawsuit against him for his use of a portion of a photograph in a painting that Koons created for the Guggenheim Museum). Mr. Koegel will also be available to discuss a range of other topics that may be of interest to those in attendance such as problems that arise between artists and galleries. So be sure to bring your questions for an in-depth Q&A session.

 

IV. In the Public Eye: The Role of Today’s Critic

Tuesday, October 30th, 2007, 6:30-8:00pm
Speakers: Brian Sholis, writer and Editor of Artforum.com at Artforum in conversation with bloggers Barry Hoggard and James Wagner

No artist lives within a safe bubble. Demands from the outside world constantly intercede in the art making process and require artists to respond not only to their own needs, but to the voices of the public at large. Brian Sholis, writer and Artforum.com Editor at Artforum will be in discussion with bloggers, Barry Hoggard and James Wagner. They have separate blogs covering art and politics (www.bloggy.com and www.jameswagner.com) and together maintain an opinionated New York visual arts calendar, www.artcal.net. Together with Brian Sholis, they will outline the role of the media within the artistic process and the part played by independent writers and critics and address the increasing role blogging plays. The often symbiotic relationship which arises between writers and artists will be explored, as will the challenges posed by these encounters.

 

V. Website Development and Design

Wednesday, November 14th, 2007 6:30-8:00pm
Speaker: Steve Sunderland, Freelance print and web designer

This lecture is intended to provide an introduction to web design based on the principles of the open source movement. The discourse is aimed towards a novice web developer, but will provide adequate information for building a complete website for little or no cost. Fundamental computer skills are recommended. Steve Sunderland (www.stevesunderland.com) is a freelance print and web designer living in New York City. He graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in Communication Design. Over the past three years, Steve Sunderland has developed design solutions for a variety of clients, including non-profit organizations, small businesses and independent designers.

 

NYFA Partner Workshop
The Art of Public Speaking

November 20 and 27, December 11 and 12, 2007
Speakers: Bob Keiber, Dannielle Tegeder and Rossanna Martinez

The Art of Public Presentation: How to Say it All in 5 Minutes

Do you feel comfortable talking about your art? Is your slide lecture or public presentation as good as it can be? These four workshops for visual artists will give you effective methods and strategies on presenting your work in the best light. Starting the first week with practical advice from artists and public speakers, followed by individual practice presentations in small groups, the workshops will culminate in a 5 minute talk to fellow participants and a selection of New York dealers, curators and critics.

Cost: $65 for CUE members, $75 for nonmembers

I. Materials: Health and Safety Issues for Artists

Tuesday, February 13, 2007, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Speaker: Mark D. Gottsegen, Painter, teacher & author of The Painter’s Handbook

Mr. Gottsegen is one of the country’s leading authorities on artists’ materials. He is the Co-Director of the Art Materials Information and Education Network (AMIEN), the Materials Research Director of the Intermuseum Conservation Association, and the chair of ASTM International's subcommittee on artists’ materials. Artists are often unaware of the potential dangers of different materials. Mr. Gottsegen will talk about health and safety issues for artists, focusing on how artists can learn to protect themselves from any hazardous art materials they might encounter, and will present some safe alternatives hazardous materials.

 

II. Taxes for Artists

Wednesday, February 28, 2007, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Speaker: Richard Shebairo, CPA

The art market demands a certain familiarity with budgeting and taxes. Richard Shebairo, a certified public accountant and treasurer for the non-profit organization Artists Space, will explain the intricacies of filing taxes for freelance individuals such as artists. The seminar will include a “walk through” of a schedule C, the most important section for freelance artists, to help illustrate step by step what is and what isn’t deductible. The overview will be followed by an in depth Q and A session providing a rare opportunity to ask any tax-related questions.

 

III. A Look at Today’s Art Market

Wednesday, April 11, 2007, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Speaker: Sheri L. Pasquarella, Principal of SLP Art Culture Commerce and President Emeritus of NADA

What are the shifting trends of the New York and international art world? In what ways can an artist best position themselves within these spheres? Please email your questions relating to the contemporary art market to Kara Smith, Programs Assistant at kara.smith@cueartfoundation.org. Your questions will be forwarded to Ms. Pasquarella who will begin the presentation at CUE with a brief overview of today’s art marketplace followed by an in-depth answer session to your submitted questions. She encourages your most frank and honest questions about any topic...from the current art market, to traditional gallery practices, or questions about the history or details of any of her experiences. In her short career, Ms. Pasquarella has served as the former Associate Director at Marlborough Gallery and former Director at Gorney Bravin + Lee. She conceived of and co-founded the NY based non-profit, New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA) and co-founded the NADA Art Fair Miami. In 2005, Ms. Pasquarella formed her own company, SLP Art Culture Commerce, a multi-faceted ARTS consultancy with a strong emphasis on building important private collections of contemporary art. Other recent projects include the creation of the 27th Street art gallery “microdistrict” and several curated shows at commercial galleries worldwide. Ms. Pasquarella was recently listed among the top 100 “Influentials” in New York magazine and received ArtTable’s Distinguished Services Award for being a pioneer and “future visionary”.

 

IV. Keys to Writing Successful Press Releases

Wednesday,April 18, 2007, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Speaker: Cecilia Bonn, Principal of Cecilia Bonn Marketing and Communications and CUE Art Foundation’s Communications Consultant

As artists are increasingly showing their work in non-traditional venues, these exhibition opportunities may require the artist to issue his or her own press release among members of the arts media. Cecilia Bonn is an Art Communications Consultant whose clients include private, non-profit and university art galleries and museums. She is the former Director of Communications at the National Academy Museum and Associate Director of Communications at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Her exhibition press releases have garnered press coverage from American Photo, Artforum, Artnews, Art in America, Blind Spot, Brooklyn Rail, Modern Painters, The New Yorker, New York, The New York Times, The New York Observer, The New York Sun, Time Out New York, The Village Voice, and other numerous print and online publications. She will provide an overview outlining the key structural components involved in writing a compelling press release; while providing some helpful do’s and don’ts when contacting members of the art media.

 

V. In the Curatorial Eye

Wednesday, May 2, 2007, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Speakers: Sara Riesman and Sandhini Poddar

The curator's role may often be under appreciated and many are unaware of the range of tasks they are responsible for. Curator, writer and the current Program Director at the International Studio & Curatorial Program, Sara Reisman will present recent curatorial projects that demonstrate a number of possible roles of the curator: to develop the context for art and ideas; to work in response to artistic movements and trends; to facilitate opportunities for artists; and to develop critical exchange around contemporary art. Having started out as an independent curator focused on ephemeral projects in public spaces, Ms. Reisman will also address the distinctions between and among curating institutionally within museums and non-profit spaces, commercially, and extra-institutionally both in public and private spaces not specifically designed for exhibitions. Sandhini Poddar joined The Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation in March 2007 as the institution's first Assistant Curator of Asian Art. Prior to her current position, Ms. Poddar worked at The Alkazi Collection and the CUE Art Foundation in New York City. She is the co-curator of the touring exhibition Figures of Thinking: Convergences in Contemporary Cultures (2005-2008). Ms. Poddar will present images from this current curatorial project and discuss its transformation over 5 venues. She will also speak about the new Asian Art initiative at the Guggenheim and working on exhibitions within a museum context. A Q&A with both speakers will follow.

 

VI. The Artist Dealer Relationship – Keys to Developing a Successful Relationship

Wednesday, May 9, 2007, 2006, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Speakers: Monya Rowe & Michael Gillespie in Conversation

Monya Rowe is the Owner and Director of Monya Rowe Gallery, a gallery that first originated in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and is currently located in Chelsea. Exhibiting work in all mediums by young emerging artists —often giving them their first solo exhibition —Monya Rowe Gallery focuses on artists who are making significant and unique contributions to contemporary art by offering an important political and social discourse. The gallery is dedicated to fostering and building the careers of national and international emerging artists such as Angela Dufresne, Larissa Bates, Abigail Lazkoz, Kevin Christy and Vera Iliatova. A recent group exhibition at the gallery was curated by Amy Sillman. Michael Gillespie is the Director of Foxy Production. Like Monya Rowe Gallery, Foxy Production shares its beginnings in Williamsburg. Similarly, its mission is to foster key emerging artists that are distinctive, diverse and challenging, both aesthetically and conceptually exhibiting the works of artists including Jimmy Baker, Michael Bell-Smith, Violet Hopkins, Sterling Ruby, the collective Paper Rad, and Yuh Shioh-Wong. Foxy Production has also featured curated group exhibitions. Sharing commonalities in their missions and programs, these speakers will outline the artist-dealer relationship from their personal experiences. Finding a dealer whom you can work with is vital for every artist. This seminar will help shed light on the complexities of these relationships, as well as clarify what dealers look for in an artist and how to begin approaching galleries.

I. Networking for Artists

Wednesday, September 27, 2006, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Speaker: Michael Filan / Painter, printmaker and teacher at SVA

This seminar is designed for artists expressing a serious interest in networking with other artists. Michael Filan is an artist who has been teaching a course entitled Artists’ Network at the School of Visual Arts for 4 years. He will share the importance of networking in an artist’s career and touch on issues such as pricing artwork, finding a studio, exhibition possibilities, art resources and collaborating with gallery dealers. Registrants are asked to bring 1-2 printed images of their work to share with seminar participants.

This workshop is limited to the first 50 registrants.

 

II. The Art of Public Art Speaking

Wednesday, October 11, 2006, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Speaker: Robert John Keiber, Communications Consultant and Coach

Robert John Keiber may be best remembered as the original character of Kitt on ABC's daytime drama, All My Children. He has been a stage and television actor; producer/director of the Emmy Award winning children's series Celebrate A Book for Public Television; an award winning advertising executive; a communications consultant and coach for clients including executives from TBWA Advertising, Western Union, and Starwood Hotels and Resorts; a comedy writer and an exhibiting artist. Mr. Keiber is highly knowledgeable in motivational speaking and will be sharing theoretical and practical tips on public speaking from his book: Fear is Good: A Survival Guide for Understanding and Controlling Fear in Public Spaces. Mr. Keiber is currently a communications professor at Berkeley College, NYC as well as the Curator of the Berkeley College Galleries in New York and Westchester.

 

III. Framing Your Work with Conservation in Mind

Wednesday, October 1 8, 2006, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Speaker: Eyal Danieli, Artist and Owner of Sullivan Street Frames

Eyal Danieli is an artist with extensive knowledge of framing. He is also a frequent contributor to the Brooklyn Rail on framing and other artistic issues. Mr. Danieli will discuss affordable frames and will give a hands-on workshop on matting, fitting glass, properly hinging a work and other basic issues of the conservation of framing. He will also touch upon the materials and tools required to build you own frame. This seminar will take place at Sullivan Street Frames and is limited to the first 15 registrants.

 

IV. Creative Capital & Other Financial Opportunities for Artists

Wednesday, November 8, 2006, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Speaker: Sean Elwood, Director of Grants and Artist Services at Creative Capital

Prior to joining Creative Capital in 2000, Sean Elwood was Curator & Collections Manager for the Seattle Arts Commission; Director for Special Projects at Ronald Feldman Fine Arts, Inc. in NY; and Manager of the Visual Arts Residency Program for the Centrum Foundation in Washington. He founded SEEDITIONS Art Publishing Company and was co-owner of the Fuller/Elwood Gallery in Seattle. He currently oversees the administration of Grantee Services and the Grantmaking process for Creative Capital, a non-profit that supports artists pursuing adventurous and imaginative work in the performing and visual arts, film/video, innovative literature, and in emerging fields. Mr. Elwood will present a grant information session discussing the basics of grantwriting for individuals, highlighting the main points to address. He will also outline the grant opportunities at Creative Capital, as well as other avenues artists can pursue in their search for financial support.

 

V. The Creative Approach to Writing Artist Statements

Tuesday, November 21, 2006, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Speaker: Debbi Sutton, Visual Artist and Former Professor at Pratt Institute

Debbi Sutton is a visual artist who has been teaching art and writing at Pratt Institute’s Fine Art Department. Ms. Sutton will run a workshop on creative techniques for developing artists statements, considered as a vital part of portfolio development and presentation for any professional artist working today. Ms. Sutton will look at different styles and approaches for Artists Statements and lead writing exercises to help you find an approach that will work for you. Participants are required to bring a printed copy of their artist statement, blank paper and writing implements. This workshop is limited to the first 15 respondents.

 

VI. 7 Financial Steps Every Artist Must Know (so not to lose your hard-earned money)

Wednesday,December 6, 2006, 6:30 – 8:00pm
Speaker: Galia Gichon, Down-to-earth Finance

Galia Gichon is an Independent Financial Expert who founded Down-to-earth Finance, a company dedicated to demystifying money management and investing for individuals. This results-oriented seminar will provide an action plan by giving practical exercises to help artists achieve financial freedom and reduce money stress. Ms. Gichon will give tips and ideas to help improve financial habits; she’ll go over the important parts of a credit report and how to improve the rating and will give advice on how to deal with credit card debt.

I. The Artist-Dealer Relationship: Keys to Developing a Successful Relationship

Wednesday, February 8, 2006, 6:30-8pm
Speakers: Becky Smith & Zach Feuer In Conversation
Becky Smith is the Owner/Director of Bellwether Gallery in Chelsea that shows the work of eminent artists such as Amy Wilson, Diana Kingsley, and Marc Swanson. Zach Feuer is the Owner of Zach Feuer Gallery (LFL) in Chelsea and shows the work of emerging and mid-career artists including Dana Schutz, Jules de Balincourt, and Luis Gispert. These speakers will outline the artist-dealer relationship from their perspectives. Finding a dealer whom you can work with is vital for every artist, this seminar will help shed light on the complexities of these relationships, as well as clarify what dealers look for in an artist and how to begin approaching galleries.

 

II. Taxes for Artists

Wednesday, February 22, 2006, 6:30-8pm
Speaker: Richard Shebairo, CPA
The art market demands a certain familiarity with budgeting and taxes. Richard Shebairo, a certified public accountant and treasurer for the non-profit organization Artists Space, will explain the intricacies of filing taxes for freelance individuals such as artists. The seminar will include a “walk through” of a schedule C, the most important section for freelance artists, to help illustrate step by step what is and what isn’t deductible.

 

III. Artists’ Collectives: Getting Your Act Together

Wednesday, March 8, 2006, 6:30-8pm
Speakers: Dena Muller, Director, A.I. R. Gallery & Carrie Patterson, Member, the Painting Center
For individual artists seeking to empower themselves with better representation, artists’ collectives serve as a viable alternative to non profits and commercial galleries. Dena Muller, Director of A.I.R. (Artists in Residence, Inc.) Gallery in Chelsea, the first artist-run, not-for-profit gallery for women artists in the US, and Carrie Patterson, a member of the Painting Center in SoHo, which serves as a forum for emerging and mid-career painters in the city, will speak about their own experiences in the field.

 

IV. Public Speaking: Making the Elevator Speech

Wednesday, March 22, 2006, 6:30-8pm
Speaker: Chitra Ganesh
Installation artist Chitra Ganesh graduated from Columbia University with an MFA in 2002, and recently showed her work at the Rotunda Gallery and the Queens Museum of Art in New York. She is a recipient of a NYFA Fellowship and a Rotating Studio Program Residency award from the Artists’ Alliance. Ms. Ganesh will help artists understand how best to get their point across to other artists, dealers and curators in the limited time available in most of these encounters.

 

NYFA Partner Workshop
The Art of Public Speaking

March 2 and 28, April 18 and 25, 2006
Speakers: Bob Keiber, Nina Katchadourian and John Zinsser
The Art of Public Presentation: How to Say it All in 5 Minutes
Do you feel comfortable talking about your art? Is your slide lecture or public presentation as good as it can be? These four workshops for visual artists will give you effective methods and strategies on presenting your work in the best light. Starting the first week with practical advice from artists and public speakers, followed by individual practice presentations in small groups, the workshops will culminate in a 5 minute talk to fellow participants and a selection of New York dealers, curators and critics.
Cost: $65 for members, $95 for nonmembers

 

V. Grantseeking Basics for Individuals in the Arts

Wednesday, April 5, 2006, 6:30-8pm
Speaker: Luz Rodriguez, Training Coordinator, Foundation Center
For individuals involved in the arts who are looking for funding to complete a project, mount an exhibition, put on a performance, conduct research, or anything else arts-related, Luz Rodriguez, a Training Coordinator at the Foundation Center since 2003, will show you how to identify funders in the arts, explore the option of fiscal sponsorship, and offer tips on how to create a step-by-step plan to find funding for your needs as an individual grantseeker.

 

VI. Ask the Lawyer

Wednesday, April 19, 2006, 6:30-8pm
Speakers: Elena M. Paul, Esq., Executive Director of Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) & Alexei Ormani Auld, Esq., VLA Director of Legal Services
Since 1969, VLA has been the leading provider of pro bono legal and mediation services, educational programs, publications and advocacy to the NY arts community. Ms. Paul and Mr. Auld will provide an overview of the major legal topics that affect artistic endeavors and that every artist should understand. Intellectual property (copyrights primarily) and contracts will be discussed in a brief overview followed by an in depth Q&A session.

 

VII. Materials & Conservation: How do Collectors & Institutions Think?

Thursday, May 4, 2006, 6:30-8pm
Speaker: Oliver Hirsch, Director/Founder, Hirsch & Associates
The professional production of an artist’s work is crucial. Oliver Hirsch is Director of Hirsch & Associates, a New York-based conservation and exhibition design company that works with private collectors as well as commercial and museum spaces. Artists will learn how their decisions in art making, the choice of certain materials over others, etc., affect how collectors and institutions think about acquiring, presenting and preserving contemporary art.

 

VIII. Becoming an Entrepreneur: Marketing Tips for Artists

Wednesday, May 17, 2006, 6:30-8pm
Speaker: John Zinsser, Artist, Art Writer and Educator
Mr. Zinsser, who co-founded of the Journal of Contemporary Art, has had solo exhibitions at Stark Gallery (NYC), Thomas Soloman’s Garage (L.A.) and Galerie Von Lintel (Munich), amongst others. His work has been written about in The New York Times and Art in America. He will speak about the business of art, and how artists today must be adequately equipped in positioning and marketing themselves in order to become, or remain, successful full-time artists.

I. Opportunities for Artists: Stepping into the Art Market

Wednesday, September 28, 2005, 6:30-8pm
Moderator: Elaine Bowen, CUE Director of Development; Speaker: Franklin Evans, Artist

Mr. Evans will speak about how as an artist he identifies opportunities for exhibition, residencies and awards, arranges studio visits with curators, maintains a visible practice and presence, and keeps himself informed of art world activities in New York City and beyond. He recently completed an LMCC Workspace Residency, and upcoming exhibitions of his work include, LineAge: New Selections 2005 at The Drawing Center, a group exhibition at Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco, and a solo exhibition at Jeff Bailey Gallery.

 

II. The Artist-Dealer Relationship: Keys to Developing a Successful Relationship

Wednesday, October 5, 2005, 6:30-8pm
Speakers: Irena Popiashvili, Co-owner, Newman Popiashvili and Rina Banerjee, Artist

Ms. Popiashvili will speak about her new Chelsea-based gallery that works with emerging and contemporary international artists, formerly known as Suite 106 gallery in SoHo. She will elucidate on the differences in location, audiences and exhibition schedules between the two spaces, and how she goes about selecting her artists. Ms. Banerjee, who is represented by the gallery, and has had much success in the recent past, will talk about her professional development as an artist viz a vis her relationship with Ms. Popiashvili, and beyond.

 

III. Becoming an Entrepreneur: Marketing Tips for Artists

Wednesday, October 26, 2005, 6:30-8pm
Speaker: Jackie Battenfield, Artist and Educator

Ms. Battenfield, who was instrumental in starting the Bronx Museum’s Artist in the Marketplace (AIM) program, and served as the Program Facilitator for more than a decade, has been connected to the professional development of artists for many years now. Alongside this work as an educator, she is also an artist in her own right. Given this extensive experience both as a practitioner of the arts, as well as a career guidance counsel, Ms. Battenfield will speak about the business of art, and how artists today must be adequately equipped in positioning and marketing themselves in order to become, or remain, successful full-time artists.

 

IV. Web site Development and Design: How Do You Start Communicating?

Wednesday, November 2, 2005, 6:30-8pm
Speaker: Vivian Selbo, Artist, Web site designer and Lecturer at New York University

Ms. Selbo, who used to run äda’web, a web site that helps artists learn about and create projects for the World Wide Web, and is now in the collection of The Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, will provide artists with the basic tools to start developing their own websites. She will also survey some existing sites to see which work, which don’t, and help artists understand how best to get their point across to the public.

 

V. Artists’ Residencies Here and Abroad: Becoming Part of a Larger Community

Wednesday, November 16, 2005, 6:30-8pm
Speaker: Erin Donnelly, Residency Director and Curator, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council

Ms. Donnelly, who trained as a curator and educator, will speak about the LMCC’s site-oriented residency program LMCC/Workspace that is committed to supporting a community of artists in the downtown business district. She will also introduce artists to a number of other residencies in the city and abroad, including the LMCC’s Cite International des Arts residency in Paris, and speak on how to apply to each of these.

 

VI. Writing Artists’ Statements: How Do You Define Yourself?

Wednesday, November 30, 2005, 6:30-8pm
Speaker: John Zinsser, Artist, Art Writer and Educator

Mr. Zinsser, who co-founded of the Journal of Contemporary Art, has had solo exhibitions at Stark Gallery (NYC), Thomas Soloman’s Garage (L.A.) and Galerie Von Lintel (Munich), amongst others. His work has been written about in The New York Times and Art in America. Mr. Zinsser will speak about how best to format and frame an artist’s statement, considered as a vital part of portfolio development and presentation for any professional artist today. He will provide feedback on what curators, collectors, gallerists and museum staff look for in a statement, and how this shifts and changes during an artist’s career.

 

VII. Health Care for Artists: Accessing Your Key Rights

Wednesday, December 14, 2005, 6:30-8pm
Speaker: Sara Horowitz, Founder, Working Today

Ms. Horowitz, who founded Working Today, a non profit organization that represents the needs of America’s independent, flexible workforce, was recently named as one of Esquire magazine’s top 50 Best & Brightest for her work in social entrepreneurship. Concerned by labor laws and the fact that independent workers need a wide safety net, Ms. Horowitz spends her time educating workers to ensure that they receive access to key protections. She will specifically speak on the subject of the Freelancer’s Union, and health care for artists.

I. Introduction and artist talk by Jay Isaac

Wednesday, February 9th, 2005, 6:30 – 8pm
Speaker: Jeremy Adams, CUE Gallery Director
Artist: Jay Isaac, CUE Artist in residence dropped out last minute

This introductory meeting will start by outlining the upcoming seminars and their importance and value to emerging artists. A discussion will then take place to help attendees start to evaluate how best to pursue their dream of becoming a professional artist. One of the least asked and most important questions an artist should consider is “What is a full-time artist?” This question has to be answered in order to best ascertain individual goals, both short and long term, and how to go about meeting them.

Resident artist Jay Isaac will talk about his experiences as an artist, and the many challenges he has faced while trying to forge a career in the arts. Isaac will also speak about his various forms of employment that can be pursued in the formative years of a career.

The seminar will then finish with a general discussion on the myths, fears and perceptions of the “art universe”. Attendees will be encouraged to share their ideas and to discuss what information they feel they need to help clarify how best to forge a career as an artist.

 

2. Taking professional slides of your work

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2005, 6:30 – 8pm
Speaker: D. James Dee, Owner of the SoHo Photographer

Renowned photographer D. James Dee opened his Fine Art photography business in 1974 and has worked for numerous galleries, museums, corporations and magazines. Professional quality images of your work are of paramount importance in the highly competitive art market, Mr. Dee will demonstrate, step by step, how to photograph your work, including lighting and all technical aspects, such as film and camera choices, digital versus slide, etc. Please note that this demonstration will focus primarily on photographing with film though there will be a brief section on digital images.

 

III. Under the Curatorial Eye

Wednesday, March 9th, 2005, 6:30 – 8pm
Speaker: Vicky Clark – Independent Curator & Adjunct Associate Professor of Art at Carnegie Mellon

The role of the curator is often under appreciated and many people are unaware of the range of tasks they are responsible for. Vicky Clark will outline what she feels is the role that curators play in the art community as well as discuss the various tasks of a curator, including acquisitions, exhibition of collections, (including negotiating and authorizing the purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections,) authenticating, evaluating, and categorizing the specimens in a collection. Clark will also discuss how curators often oversee and help conduct the institution’s research projects and related educational programs.

 

IV. In the Public Eye: The Role of Critics and Writers

Speaker: Eleanor Heartney, Freelance critic
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2005, 6:30 – 8pm

No artist lives within a safe bubble. Demands from the outside world constantly intercede in the art making process and require artists to respond not only to their own needs, but to the voices of the public at large. Eleanor Heartney, an independent critic and curator who writes for a number of publications including Art in America, will host a seminar outlining the role of the media within the artistic process and the part played by independent writers and critics. The often symbiotic relationship which arises between writers and artists will be explored, as will the challenges posed by these encounters.

 

V. Portfolio Presentation & the Artist - Dealer Relationship

Speaker: George Adams, owner of George Adams Gallery.

George Adams, owner of George Adams Gallery that shows the work of both established and emerging artists, will outline the artist/dealer relationship from his perspective. Finding a dealer whom you can work with is vital for every artist, this seminar will help shed light on the complexities of these relationships. Mr. Adams runs one of the few galleries with an open submission policy, he will also help clarify what dealers look for in an artist and how to begin approaching galleries.

 

VI. Presentation: Materials, Conservation & Design

Speaker: Oliver Hirsch, Hirsch & Associates
Wednesday, April 20th, 2005, 6:30 – 8pm

The professional production of an artist’s work is crucial. Oliver Hirsch, Director of Hirsch & Associates, a New York-based conservation and exhibition design company that works with private collectors as well as commercial and museum spaces, will discuss the importance of the proper use of materials and how best to present and preserve one’s work. Methods of incorporating archival materials to increase the life expectancy of one’s work will be addressed, as well as practical advice on exhibition installation and design.

Please note this will be at the studio of Hirsch and Associates on 28th Street in Chelsea. This workshop is limited to 25 people.

 

VII. Teaching as a career

Wednesday, May 4th, 2005, 6:30 – 8pm
Speaker: Roger Sayre, Professor of Photography, Pace University

Artists are able to share their skills with the world in various ways. Amongst the many job opportunities available to emerging artists, becoming an arts educator is a viable option. Professor Sayre, an artist who is also Professor of Photography at Pace University will discuss the many facets of organizations such as the College Art Association, including the CAA’s annual conference for artists who are interested in teaching as a career. Sayre will describe the steps he took to enable him to secure a full time teaching position.

 

Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts Partner Workshop
From Analog to Digital Imaging
(Or How I Learnt To Better My Present Work)

 

Saturday. May 21, 2005 9:00am-6:00pm
Speakers: Artists Brian Whitney and Ana Golici and photographer D. Jee Dee

This workshop is a comprehensive A to Z survey of how to create images of your artwork. It covers choosing a digital and SLR camera that is affordable and where to buy them, selecting film, different lighting techniques, and tricks of the trade in creating better images. The workshop will follow through where to get film processed, and how to scan slides, how to work with image files including digital manipulation, and finished up with final presentation, both traditional and digital.

I. Introduction and artist talk by Brian Moss

Wednesday, October 13th, 2004, 6:30 – 8pm
Speaker: Jeremy Adams, CUE Gallery Director
Artist: Brian Moss, CUE Artist in residence

This introductory meeting will start by outlining the upcoming seminars and their importance and value to emerging artists. A discussion will then take place to help attendees start to evaluate how best to pursue their dream of becoming a professional artist. One of the least asked and most important questions an artist should consider is “What is a full-time artist?” This question has to be answered in order to best ascertain individual goals, both short and long term, and how to go about meeting them.

Resident artist Brian Moss will talk about his experiences as an artist, and the many challenges he has faced while trying to forge a career in the arts. Moss will also speak about his experiences as a teacher at College level and other forms of employment necessary in the formative years of a career. The seminar will further highlight other sources of income such as working with consultants, making prints, leasing works etc.

The seminar will then finish with a general discussion on the myths, fears and perceptions of the “art universe”. Attendees will be encouraged to share their ideas and to discuss what information they feel they need to help clarify how best to forge a career as an artist.

 

II. Portfolio Presentation & the Artist - Dealer Relationship

Wednesday, October 27th, 2004, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Speakers: Leslie Tonkonow, owner of Tonkonow Artworks + Projects.

Leslie Tonkonow, owner of Leslie Tonkonow Artworks + Projects that shows the work of eminent artists such as Nikki S. Lee, Peter Campus, and Kunie Sugiura, will outline the artist/dealer relationship from her perspective. Finding a dealer whom you can work with is vital for every artist, this seminar will help shed light on the complexities of these relationships, as well as clarify what dealers look for in an artist and how to begin approaching galleries.

 

III. Seed Money – Grant Seeking & Grant writing for Artists

Wednesday, November 10th, 2004, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Speaker: Waddy Thompson, Author of the book The Complete Idiots Guide to Grantwriting and Director of External Affairs, New York Foundation on the Arts.

Knowing how to write grants is an invaluable tool for artists throughout their career. Waddy Thompson will start with the most important aspect; how to find the grants best suited to your needs. Each grant application often has its own unique set of requirements but there are a number of rules of thumb that will help artists improve their prospects of success. Thompson will help outline how to write professional proposals that will entice donors as well as creating budget plans to best explain where their dollars are going.

 

IV. Speaking Legalese: Artists’ Rights & Wrongs

Tuesday, November 23rd, 2004, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Speaker: John Koegel

In a time of mass media and multiplication, artists need to be ever more vigilant regarding the ownership and authenticity of their works. John Koegel, a lawyer with years of experience in art law who shares his expertise with Art Table Inc, will provide insight into copyright law, an area where the rules are constantly changing. Mr. Koegel approaches the subject from the perspective of an artist and is a champion for freedom of speech creatively. Both the positive and negative aspects of pro bono services provided by organizations such as the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts will also be discussed. Mr. Koegel will further discuss gallery contracts and what artists can expect to receive by signing these contracts.

 

V. Under the Curatorial Eye

Wednesday, December 1st, 2004, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Speaker: Dan Cameron – Senior Curator, New Museum

The role of the curator is often under appreciated and many people are unaware of the range of tasks they are responsible for. Dan Cameron will outline the various tasks of a curator including acquisitions, exhibition of collections, (including negotiating and authorizing the purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections,) authenticating, evaluating, and categorizing the specimens in a collection. Cameron will also discuss how curators often oversee and help conduct the institution’s research projects and related educational programs.

 

VI. Accounting for Artists

Wednesday, December 15th, 2004, 6:30 – 8pm
Speaker: Richard Shebairo

The art market demands a certain familiarity with budgeting and taxes. Richard Shebairo, a certified public accountant and treasurer for the non-profit organization Artists Space, will explain the intricacies of filing taxes for freelance individuals such as artists. The seminar will include a “walk through” of a schedule C, the most important section for freelance artists, to help illustrate step by step what is and what isn’t deductible.

I. On Making Art: Artists and Curators

Tuesday February 3rd, 2004, 6.30pm – 8pm
Speakers: David Storey and Trevor Winkfield

Artists from around the country act as mentors to the younger generation by discussing the metamorphoses in their careers, the pitfalls and successes. Of the artists invited to participate in the educational series, some of these like David Storey will have their work up at the Foundation galleries during the lecture series. Acting curators such as Trevor Winkfield who are associated with these ongoing exhibitions will provide an interesting counterpoint to the artists’ vision of their work. The discussion will touch on a variety of issues related to the practical challenges of sustaining a career as an artist and offer up advice on how emerging artists can start to try and get their work to the attention of commercial galleries, non-profit venues as well as independent curators. In addition, the speakers will consider the necessities of jobs and other forms of outside work and indicate that there are other sources of income from an artist's work that exist beyond the dealer-gallery relationship. Working with consultants, making prints, and leasing work are just a few of the options, short and long term that can help support the life that artists have chosen.

 

II. The Role of Art Spaces - Profit and Non-Profit

Tuesday, February 17th, 2004, 6.30pm – 8pm
Speaker: Lauren Ross

A little known fact about non profit exhibition spaces is that they offer a multitude of services to emerging artists on par with commercial venues. Lauren Ross, Director/ Chief Curator of White Columns will discuss the crucial role these spaces play within the arts community in New York, as well as the specific programs and services run at White Columns. Artists oftentimes feel inept at approaching commercial galleries for representation. Andrea Smith, Director of ZieherSmith Gallery in Chelsea will offer practical advice on how best to approach galleries, outlining the many factors that can make a difference in capturing the attention of a dealer.

 

III. Being Resourceful - On and Off Line

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2004, 6.30pm – 8pm
Speaker: Melissa Potter

Information technology has increased the length and breadth of resources that are available for artists today. Melissa Potter, Program Officer at the New York Foundation for the Arts will discuss the opportunities available to artists through NYFA and similar organizations in the arts community. Topics of discussion include where and how to research and apply for available grants, web-based community chat rooms and general on-line resource sites such as nyfa.org, artkrush.com, creative-capital.org, foundationcenter.org and artsandbusiness.org.

 

IV. Presentation: Materials, Conservation & Design

Tuesday, March 16th, 2004, 6.30pm – 8pm
Speaker: Oliver Hirsch

The professional presentation of an artist’s work is crucial. Oliver Hirsch, Director of Hirsch & Associates, a New York-based conservation and exhibition design company that works with private collectors as well as commercial and museum spaces, will discuss the importance of the proper use of materials and how best to present and preserve one’s work. Methods of incorporating archival materials to increase the life expectancy of one’s work will be addressed, as well as practical advice on exhibition installation and design.

 

V. In the Public Eye: The Role of Critics and Writers

Tuesday, March 30th, 2004, 6.30pm – 8pm
Speaker: Eleanor Heartney

No artist lives within a safe bubble. Demands from the outside world constantly intercede in the art making process and require artists to respond not only to their own needs, but to the voices of the public at large. Eleanor Heartney, an independent critic and curator who writes for a number of publications including Art in America, will host a seminar outlining the role of the media within the artistic process and the part played by independent writers and critics. The often symbiotic relationship which arises between writers and artists will be explored, as will the challenges posed by these encounters.

 

VI. Arts Education: Teaching as a Career

Tuesday, April 13th, 2004, 6.30pm – 8pm
Speaker: Emmanuel Lemakis

Artists are able to share their skills with the world in various ways. Amongst the many job opportunities available to emerging artists, becoming an arts educator is a viable option. Emmanuel Lemakis, Director of Programs at the College Art Association will discuss the many facets of the organization, including the CAA’s annual conference for artists interested in teaching as a career as well as their arts publications.

 

VII. Fiscal Responsibilities and Taxes: Staying Healthy

Tuesday, May 11th, 2004, 6.30pm – 8pm
Speaker: Richard Shebairo

The art market demands a certain familiarity with budgeting and taxes. Richard Shebairo, a certified public accountant and treasurer for the non-profit organization Artists Space, will explain the intricacies of filing taxes for freelance individuals such as artists. In doing so, he will highlight what is and isn’t deductible, any recent tax changes that affect artists as well as fiscal responsibility in general.

 

VIII. Safeguarding Art: Copyright and New Media Law

Tuesday, May 18th, 2004, 6.30pm – 8pm
Speaker: John Koegel

In a time of mass media and multiplication, artists need to be ever more vigilant regarding the ownership and authenticity of their works. John Koegel, a lawyer with years for experience in art law who shares his expertise with Art Table Inc, will provide insight into copyright and new media law, two areas where the rules are constantly changing. Pro bono services provided by organizations such as the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts will also be highlighted.

 

IX. Arts Education: Teaching as a Career (Part II)

Tuesday, May 25th, 2004, 6.30pm – 8pm
Speaker: Dennis Gault

Being an effective visual arts teacher is a rewarding way to contribute to society. According to Dennis Gault, an art teacher at PS19 in Manhattan, arts educators “have the privilege of creating aesthetic experiences that can improve young minds. Ultimately a good art teacher can inspire the next Cézanne. With the rewards, however, there are harsh realities.” He will discuss the rewards and realities of being an art teacher in a NYC public school, starting with the bureaucratic hurtles a new teacher must face, and will try to answer the question: “Why do all children need and deserve a quality arts education?”