By Dagney C. Ernest / Village Soup
Early bird registration runs to Saturday, March 17, for the 5th annual Artists & Makers Conference, produced by the Island Institute’s Archipelago gallery/store. The conference is set for Friday, April 6, at a new location, Point Lookout.
Artists and makers who live and produce work in Maine are invited to gather for a full day of information, networking and presentations on a variety of topics from professionals and peers. The Artists & Makers Conference offers three themed tracks — Foundational, Transformational and Inspirational — that highlight information for those just starting a business; those looking to take their business to the next level; and those interested in tips for maintaining fulfillment, passion and inspiration in their businesses.
A new offering this year is an afternoon keynote presentation featuring Peter Korn, executive director of the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport and author of “Why We Make Things and Why it Matters: The Education of a Craftsman.” The Center for Furniture Craftsmanship is a nonprofit woodworking and design school. Korn has been a furniture maker since 1974, and his work has been exhibited nationally in galleries and museums.
In addition to the keynote, speakers at the conference will include Kate McAleer of Bixby & Co., jewelry designer Maggie Bokor, art historian Daniel Kany, curator and photographer Denise Froehlich, Julie Horn of the Maine Arts Commission, Andrea Beaulieu of Studio Linear and porcelain ceramic artist Tim Christensen. Topics include: Three things I wish I had known when I started my business; Building a Website in Squarespace; Financial Resources and Opportunities for Maine Artists; Pathways in Fine Art; Branding – telling your story to reach your customers; and Creating Community through the Arts.
The full speaker lineup and schedule is posted at islandinstitute.org.
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