This week I had the privilege to attend the
ArtC Panel Discussion at the beautiful
Eagle Theatre in Hammonton, NJ. The event was organized by Bill Horin as an opportunity for the South Jersey artistic community to come together and identify challenges as well discuss ways to improve visibility of the arts in our area. Attendees included: visual and performing artists, galleries, profit and nonprofit organizations.
The night was structured into two 45 minutes panel discussions with various panelists answering previously submitted questions. To read about the panelists who were in attendance, please see the image below. Some questions were specific to the panelist's art form or organization and how artists can find opportunities.
Excerpt from ArtC Pamphlet
In the first panel discussion, I really enjoyed Paul Herron's talk about the 3 different types of artists and ways in which to be successful. The most important aspect of being an artist is knowing how to brand and market yourself. He stated that people who purchase art, invest in the artist and to "Appreciate yourself as visionary" which was very inspiring.
The perspective of Katherine Stanek, owner of the
Stanek Gallery in Philadelphia, was also very interesting. She discussed why she opened an art gallery when most are closing their doors. She also explained, in great detail, the reasoning behind the commissions that galleries charge. This was very insightful, especially because Stanek is both an artist and gallery owner.
One of the most sought after panelist during the first discussion was Allison Tratner, the interim Executive Director of the
New Jersey State Council on the Arts. One of the most important topics of the evening was obtaining more funding for the arts in South Jersey and having more representation. Allison did an excellent job explaining the funding the state receives and how it is allocated. I learned there is a provision that 25% of the 16 million dollar budget must be available to South Jersey organizations and nonprofits. She also encouraged attendees to sign up for the email list to be notified of art opportunities.
During the brief intermission, I introduced myself to Allison. I invited her and her colleagues from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts to come to the
Salem County Arts in Bloom Studio Tour to experience the art happening in our county. I provided her with brochures and explained the different activities and offerings that will be happening during that weekend. I hope to see some representatives from Trenton!
The second panel consisted mostly of fine and performing artists who work and reside in South Jersey. They discussed the challenges that artists face and different ways to find opportunities. Joanie San Chirico explained public art projects and ways to find them. Gwenn Liberty Seemel is an artist and blogger who talked about
Patreon, a site that allows an artist's followers to fund their work. An interesting concept for artists seeking financial endorsement from their patrons.
My favorite panelist from the second session was Tyrone Hart, a self taught artist from Atlantic City. He encouraged attendees to observe and pay attention to details in order to be successful. I really enjoyed how he explained the ebb and flow of an art business. To make his point, he stated that most of the time artists will eat oatmeal and on occasion they will eat steak.
I am really fortunate that I was able to attend this important discussion about the arts in South Jersey. A lot of information was provided and exchanged during the evening which definitely was a motivational experience. If you'd like to view the entire interview,
please click here.
Photos by Steve Jasiecki/ArtC
I'm on right, third row back in the mint green shirt
Photos by Steve Jasiecki/ArtC
