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Professional Development for Artists and Teachers

Kick start your career as an artist or teacher, or boost your creative skill set in a competitive job market.

A successful artist must do much more than make great art. Learn the language of business, marketing, and presenting your work. Gain insight on how to find the opportunities outside your studio that enable you to make work in your studio.

For certified teachers, Brookfield Craft Center offers classes and workshops suitable for CEU equivalent credit. We will give you the course information you need to request CEU equivalent credit from your school board by attending BCC classes and workshops.

In Session and Upcoming Schedule at a Glance

Feb 4 Sat 12-3p Web Presence for Artists Heather Lawless

Feb 18 Sat 12-2p Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Networking +Presentation Tips Camilla Cook

Mar 3 Sat 12-4p Writing an Artist Statement Camilla Cook

Mar 17 Sat 12-2p Social Media for Artists Heather Lawless

Apr 1 Sun 10a-5p Photographing Your Work Joe Larese

Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Networking and Presentation Tips for Artists

Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Networking and Presentation Tips for Artists

Tuition $35.00

REGISTRATION CLOSED

All Levels (Beginners welcome)
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Camilla Cook

SM0212 Feb 18, 2012 (12pm - 2pm) Sat afternoon (River Room, Mill Building)

Artist consultant and independent curator, Camilla Cook, will speak about basic marketing materials and techniques for visual artists. She will explain how to write a successful Bio, Artist Statement & Resume and explain why each is important. She will also identify various opportunities to increase your exposure including: tips on networking, building a mailing list, unlocking the Internet's potential, and applying for exhibitions, grants and residencies. After the talk, the floor will be open for specific questions and discussion topics.

Writing an Artist Statement

Tuition $90.00

All Levels (Beginners welcome)
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Camilla Cook

SM0312 Mar 3, 2012 (12pm - 4pm) Sat afternoon (River Room, Mill Building)

What is an Artist Statement and why is it necessary? Stumped and overwhelmed by the task of putting your visual process into words? Join artist consultant and independent curator, Camilla Cook, as she demystifies the process in a nurturing environment. You will develop your ideas through a brainstorming session and series of guided steps. Using the notes of one volunteer as an example, the group will go through a complete editing process together. Then Camilla will spend one-on-one time helping individuals craft their own unique versions. Bring a journal/notebook and a pen/pencil. Also bring rough notes about your artwork and/or past Artist Statement versions (or attempts), if you have them.

Writing on the Wall: Social Media for Artists

Writing on the Wall: Social Media for Artists

Tuition $35.00

All Levels (Beginners welcome)
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Heather Lawless

SM0412 Mar 17, 2012 (12pm - 2pm) Sat afternoon (River Room, Mill Building)

The principles of networking haven't changed in decades, but the social scene is all new. Whether you are apprehensive, dragging your feet, or ready to embrace social networking online, this seminar will introduce you to the world of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and more. Learn all the tips and tricks of how to gain a following, expand your art's audience and get your name out into the world without having to shamelessly self-promote. Social networking is about building a community of like-minded people and sharing ideas, but it is also a science. Are you aware that there is a right and a wrong time of day to announce your upcoming exhibit? Did you know that you can tweet like you're out on the town while you're really fast asleep? Are you wondering what the heck a tweet is? Learn the nuances of privacy settings, the dirt on posting copyrighted original artwork, and the outright importance of social networking in the business of art.

Photographing Your Work

Tuition $110.00

All Levels (Beginners welcome)
Unsure if this class is appropriate for your skill level? Contact us and find out.

Joe Larese

SP0112 Apr 1, 2012 (10am-5pm) Sun (River Room, Mill Building)

Do photos never do your art justice? Present your work in the best light by learning simple digital photography tips with this one-day workshop. Professional photographer and fine craftsman, Joe Larese, is here to help non-professionals take clear, well lit photographs of your handwork. The course will introduce students to tabletop studio photography, which will allow you to photograph your work for documentation and marketing purposes. Demonstrations will include professional lighting techniques with inexpensive store-bought fluorescent lamps and reflecting materials, making a photo studio framework for supporting backgrounds and lights, and understanding digital camera settings. Students should bring one of your pieces to be photographed during hands-on exercises, your digital camera (if you own one), a tripod (if you own one) and your camera’s manual.