The Business of Art Conference

2019 Conference Program

[2020 BAC is being planned! — Stayed tuned!]

March 1 & 2, 2019

Day One:  Friday, March 1

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Noon – 12:45pm in the Community Gallery (street level/first floor)
CHECK IN

All participants should check in to pick up registration materials and name tags. Take this opportunity to network and plan you day. Lunch will not be provided, but there will be coffee!

12:45pm – 1:00pm in the Main Gallery (3rd floor)
WELCOME

Begin Day One of the Inaugural Business of Art Conference with brief opening remarks in the Main Gallery.

1:00pm – 1:45pm in the Main Gallery (3rd floor)
SESSION: Survival Guide for Artists -- Jeremy Caniglia

Jeremy Caniglia will present a survival guide, giving information to aspiring artists who want to know the ins and outs of the business of art. Caniglia will cover how to write contracts, how to have your artwork copyrighted, how to take care of your taxes, how to search for grants and artist residencies, how to create and manage a social media presence on your own, and finally how to market your work and yourself to galleries and companies that you would like to show with and work for.

 

About Jeremy Caniglia:

Jeremy Caniglia (1970) is known for his emotionally charged and often unsettling work, which focuses on the human condition. Striking, illuminating, foreboding, offensive, haunting and always poignant, Caniglia’s paintings wallow in the glories of expansiveness and of timeless places. His influences range from Caravaggio to Kathe Kollwitz. His themes and subjects include family members, friends, fellow artists, and self-portraits. Caniglia studied under Brenda Jones at ISU, Grace Hartigan at the Hoffberger School of Painting, Dionisio Cimarelli at The Art Students League and Odd Nerdrum at the Nerdrum School.

A successful painter, his work is showcased in private collections around the world. His art is published worldwide on a regular basis and he has contributed to both joint and solo fine art exhibitions at museums and galleries that include the Society of Illustrators (NY), the Allentown Art Museum, the Walters Art Museum, the Joslyn Art Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art, The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Coprogallery, Paul Booth / Last Rites Gallery, Abend / 1261 Gallery, La Luz de Jesus and Salmagundi (NY).

Caniglia’s work has been featured in various magazines and publications including the Washington Post, CNN, Art Renewal Center (ARC), American Art Collector, Fine Arts Connoisseur, Spectrum Fantastic Art Annuals, IlluXcon Art Annuals, and Infected By Art Annuals. He has worked with such authors and bands as Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Max Brooks, Peter Straub, William Peter Blatty, Michael Moorcock, Sigur Ros, and Blink 182. Caniglia’s work has appeared in over 120 books and movies produced by Random House, Pyr Publishing, The Folio Society, Cemetery Dance Publications, Dorchester Publishing, Easton Press, IDW Publishing, Anchor Bay Entertainment, IDT Entertainment, Showtime Networks, and Warner Brothers among others. Caniglia received the 2004 International Horror Guild Award for best artist in dark fantasy, the IlluXCon 2012 Artist award, and the 2015 Iowa State University College of Art and Design Achievement award.

Caniglia’s work continues to push boundaries, his devotion and advocacy of the figure and human condition are a felt reality full of symbolism and metaphors that transcend time and place.

 

 Learn more about Jeremy Caniglia: www.caniglia-art.com

2:00pm – 2:45pm
SESSION A: Something from Nothing -- Kristin Roach

How do you make your art practice into a business that works for you? Not every artist has the same studio practice, and it’s no wonder that each of our personal visions of success is different. One person’s perfect day may be torture to another. Instead of showing you how one artist does what she does, Kristen will guide you in taking your creative talents to build a business – and a life – that is your own perfect day (most of the time). Even she still has to do the dishes, or does she? 

 

About Kristin Roach:

Kristin creates interdisciplinary works inspired by scientific research, using remnant materials that explore how we, as a culture, are dealing with our own acquiesce. Roach’s art and zines are internationally exhibited and collected and her book, Mend it Better, has been published worldwide. She currently lives and works as an artist & herbalist in Ames, IA running an apothecary/gallery, Little Woods, with her partner Jason Shaw.

Kristin grew up in Moline, IL and graduated with a BFA in painting and a minor in Art History in 2008 from Northern Illinois University. After relocating to Ames that same summer, she founded the non-profit Ames Collaborative Art (Ames C.art). Since her college years Roach has authored a blog, Craft Leftovers, and zine of the same name, both of which are still ongoing projects.

The next few years were a whirlwind of mural painting (Campustown Mural, 2010 and the Kate Mitchell Community Garden Mural, 2012), apprenticing for a year with an herbalist (2010), writing her first book (Mend It Better, Feb 2012), starting a homestead, and a family. In the fall of 2012, she accepted the position of Exhibits and Collections Manager at the Octagon Center for the Arts, which she resigned from in the summer of 2014 to dedicate herself fully to her own art projects, business Little Woods, and family.

In 2013 she opened the first Roach Motel Zine Distro in Ames, IA (now in the basement of Little Woods) and then in 2014 a second location in Des Moines, IA at the Des Moines Social Club (closed 2015). In April 2014 she participated in Art Vacancy and debuted her current series, Backyard Ecology, which she is continuing to develop and expand. In 2015 she created a new, more personal series of work for her solo exhibition, Cyclical, which explores themes of illness, decay, and motherhood. The much anticipated Craft Leftovers: Volume 5 will be debuting at Chicago Zine Fest in May of this year. Craft Leftovers is an indulgence in creativity stemming from the remnants of life, much of her art and life are rooted in leftovers.

 

Learn more about Kristin Roach: kristinmroach.com

SESSION B: Forming a Studio Co-op: Options and Examples -- Lee Anne Willson, Greg Lamont & Caroline Freese

In 2000-2001 a motley group of artists banded together to form Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames (CASA), a non-profit that provides space for artists to work, to learn, and to share their expertise with the public. Currently, CASA has about 30 artist members who have studio space. When forming a studio co-op, there are a number of choices to be made, from business to personal. This session will review some of the factors that were considered in forming CASA, and how that has evolved to today, almost 20 years later. The conversation will also highlight some other artist collectives that developed differently and have also succeeded.

 

About the Presenters:

Lee Anne Willson was founding President of Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames; she wrote the articles of incorporation, the bylaws, and devised the business plan. Her background includes serving on the boards of a range of nonprofit organizations and many years of teaching astronomy at Iowa State University. She will discuss the decisions that are needed to set up a studio co-op: For-profit or non-profit; all-volunteer or staffed; and balancing the budget. 

Greg’s journey in pottery began during college in 1972. Following college, he took the pottery classes through community art centers in Illinois, Massachusetts and, after moving to Ames in 1983, at the Octagon Center for the Arts. Finishing a long-delayed bachelor’s degree in the late 1990’s Greg studied with Iowa State University ceramics professor Ingrid Lilligren and established a studio in his basement. In 2001, Greg became a founding member of the artists’ cooperative Creative Artists’ Studios of Ames (CASA) and continues to maintain his studio there, where he also serves as the Clay and Facilities Manager. Greg also teaches wheel-thrown pottery classes at the ISU Memorial Union Workspace and at CASA, where he is entering his 20th year working to introduce and inspire others to the wonders of working with clay. Greg’s presentation will focus on the day-to-day task of organizing and maintaining a busy community pottery studio serving twenty artists working in clay.

Caroline Freese was born and raised on a small farm in Indianola, IA. Always involved in her parents’ farm and 4-H, she has a soft spot for animals and nature. Graduating cum laude from Iowa State University in the spring of 2016, Caroline earned a BFA in Integrated Studio Arts. During school she focused in ceramics and furniture, and had a passion for color. Caroline joined CASA in January 2018, and has been working on going full time with her business, Caroline Freese Designs. Caroline works in the shared clay area of CASA, making handmade pottery and paintings decorated in her original animal designs.

Learn more here:  lamontpottery.com and  www.carolinefreesedesigns.com

3:00pm – 3:45pm in the Main Gallery (3rd floor)
SESSION A: Look Before You Leap: Lessons Learned in the Fickle World of a Creative Freelancer -- Tim Read

In 2007, when Tim’s position as a graphic designer at a local corporate bank began to become less than enjoyable, he decided to take what he had learned from the business and try to make it on his own. As is often the case, what he thought he knew and what he actually knew were two very different things. Needless to say, he learned more after leaving the corporate world than what he had ever known before.

Look Before You Leap is a humbling story of one man’s pursuit of creative freedom and the dream of making it on his own while juggling being a stay-at-home dad, having grand career aspirations, and struggling to wearing all the hats of an independent business owner. This presentation examines the rise, and fall, and rise again, of being a freelance artist, and how being honest and truthful about your own capabilities is necessary for happiness in the competitive world of professional creativity.

 

About Tim Read:

Tim Read lives in Ames, IA with his wife and four kids. Tim began his career in high school drawing cartoons for his town newspaper. While in college, he supported himself holding various retail positions and drawing caricatures on the weekends at festivals and events. After college, Tim moved to Chicago to become a staff illustrator and designer for a pull-tab gaming company. While there, Tim honed his skills as a vector illustrator. While he still enjoyed creating freehand illustration, he fell in love with vector art because of its clean finish and ability to produce images more quickly. In 2003, he and his wife moved back to Iowa, where he landed a graphic design position at a national mortgage company. He quickly realized that the restrictions of corporate brand design were slowing his creativity, and in 2007, decided to jump ship and start 5 Fingers Creative (5FC), a design and illustration studio of his own. 5FC soon became the go to place for fun whimsical illustration and he decided to concentrate on the illustration side of the business. Due to his love for kids’ books, in 2012 Tim self-published the first of his own, My Very Silly Monster ABCs. The popularity of MVSM ABCs led to seven other titles, with more on the way. Today, Tim concentrates on his line of books, art licensing, mural illustration, and children’s illustrations. When Tim isn’t in his home studio working on the next big thing, he can be found traveling the Midwest speaking to kids about the power of creativity and imagination at schools and libraries.

Learn more about Tim Read: www.timread.com   

SESSION B: Building Your Brand as an Artist -- Ashley Rippke

A cohesive brand plays an important role in achieving success. Understanding the fundamentals of branding can empower artists to set themselves apart and build meaningful relationships with their target market. Creative director Ashley Rippke will discuss the importance of cohesive brand messaging, walk you through the steps of a typical branding process, and discuss efficient ways to get your brand off the ground. 

 

About Ashley Rippke:

Co-founder of Rippke Design, Ashley Rippke has twelve years of experience and specializes in brand development, responsive web design, publication layout, and logo design. As an art director Ashley and her team have worked for clients such as Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Change Healthcare, Fruit of the Loom, Justice and Mercy International, and the Iowa State University Research Park. Her advocacy roles outside of the design studio, and in the home, have also led to finding purpose in creating design solutions for, and serving on the boards of, multiple non-profit organizations. Ashley is an Ames native and graduate of Iowa State University, where she earned a BFA in graphic design.

Learn more about Ashley Rippke:  www.rippkedesign.com

4:00pm – 4:45pm
SESSION A: How to Keep Your Art Job -- Jon Kamrath

Since 90% of students who earn their MFA in sculpture are unable to continue in their field within 10 years of graduation, artists are clearly facing some very serious problems that need creative solutions to keep them in their chosen discipline. Drawing from his own success and failures, and that of the other extremely talented, successful, and well established career artists he works with, Jon will address some of the most common challenges and offer some possible strategies to solve them. This presentation is intended to inspire you to take the necessary steps to keep your art job long term.

 

About Jon Kamrath:

Jon Kamrath grew up in St. Paul, MN and spent his summers working with his father as a finish carpenter, inheriting his craftsmanship skills, love of tools, and architectural appreciation. He attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN, where he met his muse. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Art Education, he married her and taught middle school art in Fergus Falls, MN. He then went on to attain his Masters of Fine Arts from Iowa State University. Moving back to Minnesota, Jon taught art at Eagle Ridge Academy for 5 years. He is currently sculpting out of his studio in Mahtomedi where he lives with his wife and three children who constantly help to give him endless amounts of inspiration. 

 

Learn about Jon Kamrath: www.kamrathsculpture.com

SESSION B: Visioning Collage Workshop for Individual Artists -- Sara Merritt

THIS SESSION IS LIMITED TO 25 PARTICIPANTS DUE TO THE HANDS-ON NATURE OF THE SESSION. PARTICIPANTS WILL SIGN UP TO ATTEND AT CHECK IN.

Where are you as an artist? Where are you going? What path will lead you there? At any point in your artistic career or process, it can be difficult and sometimes daunting to see the next step. But as Pablo Picasso said, “Every act of creation is first an act of destruction.” It can be elucidating to look at subjects and moments as a conglomeration of smaller elements, then thoughtfully rearrange them to form a new understanding.

In this interactive, hands-on workshop, using guided activities you will spend some time focusing on the present moment and identifying goals. You will then begin to collect and assemble printed images, words, your own doodles, and other materials to begin a visioning collage to help clarify, refine, and incentivize those goals – to work your way through creative chaos and answer those first questions.

 

About Sara Merritt:

Sara Merritt works full time developing educational programming for Reiman Gardens at Iowa State University.  She is also an artist, professional belly dancer, and educator with over 20 years’ experience teaching everything from painting and problem-solving to martial arts, belly dance, science communication, and more.  She holds a BA with Individual Concentration in Art, Sexuality, and Aesthetic Perception from UMass-Amherst and an MFA in Painting from the San Francisco Art Institute.  Sara is consistently drawn to the connections between things and people, the intricacies of visual patterning, and the spectrum of perception – especially as an exploration through distortion.  She believes absolutely and equally in the transformative powers of visual expression and informal education.

Learn about Sara Merritt: www.saramerritt.com

Day Two:  Saturday, March 2

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8:30am – 9:00pm in the Community Gallery (street level/first floor)
CHECK IN AND NETWORKING

All participants should check in to pick up registration materials and name tags. Take this opportunity to network and enjoy a light breakfast.

9:00am – 9:15am in the Main Gallery (3rd floor)
WELCOME

Start Day Two of the Inaugural Business of Art Conference with brief opening remarks in the Main Gallery.

9:15am – 10:00am in the Main Gallery (3rd floor)
KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Taking the Leap -- Jeremy Caniglia

Jeremy Caniglia will talk about his journey as a professional illustrator, concept artist, and gallery artist. He will discuss his experiences at all levels of the art world and how to deal with setbacks as well as the successes that come with being a professional artist. Taking that next leap will be addressed. Caniglia’s presentation will give both aspiring and accomplished artists an in-depth view of the inner workings of the art world and what you need to know as you set out on your own path.

About Jeremy Caniglia:

Jeremy Caniglia (1970) is known for his emotionally charged and often unsettling work, which focuses on the human condition. Striking, illuminating, foreboding, offensive, haunting and always poignant, Caniglia’s paintings wallow in the glories of expansiveness and of timeless places. His influences range from Caravaggio to Kathe Kollwitz. His themes and subjects include family members, friends, fellow artists, and self-portraits. Caniglia studied under Brenda Jones at ISU, Grace Hartigan at the Hoffberger School of Painting, Dionisio Cimarelli at The Art Students League and Odd Nerdrum at the Nerdrum School.

A successful painter, his work is showcased in private collections around the world. His art is published worldwide on a regular basis and he has contributed to both joint and solo fine art exhibitions at museums and galleries that include the Society of Illustrators (NY), the Allentown Art Museum, the Walters Art Museum, the Joslyn Art Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art, The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley, Coprogallery, Paul Booth / Last Rites Gallery, Abend / 1261 Gallery, La Luz de Jesus and Salmagundi (NY).

Caniglia’s work has been featured in various magazines and publications including the Washington Post, CNN, Art Renewal Center (ARC), American Art Collector, Fine Arts Connoisseur, Spectrum Fantastic Art Annuals, IlluXcon Art Annuals, and Infected By Art Annuals. He has worked with such authors and bands as Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, Max Brooks, Peter Straub, William Peter Blatty, Michael Moorcock, Sigur Ros and Blink 182. Caniglia’s work has appeared in over 120 books and movies produced by Random House, Pyr Publishing, The Folio Society, Cemetery Dance Publications, Dorchester Publishing, Easton Press, IDW Publishing, Anchor Bay Entertainment, IDT Entertainment, Showtime Networks and Warner Brothers among others. Caniglia received the 2004 International Horror Guild Award for best artist in dark fantasy, the IlluXCon 2012 Artist award, and the 2015 Iowa State University College of Art and Design Achievement award.

Learn more about Jeremy Caniglia: www.caniglia-art.com

10:15am – 11:00am
SESSION A: Building Success with Art Festivals and Online Sales -- Paul and Laurel Eshelman

Since 1988, Paul and Laurel Eshelman have built a highly successful full-time pottery business. After 30 years of selling work through galleries, online sales, and art festivals, they have a myriad of tricks-of-the-trade to help you gain confidence and enhance sales of your own work. Paul and Laurel will discuss: strategies that worked; how to prepare images and applications; mistakes to avoid, and more. The session will include time for audience questions.

About Paul Eshelman:

Growing up in Iowa, Paul’s artistic interests are directed along practical lines. Simple utilitarian objects such as those produced by American Shakers guide him aesthetically to fashion well-crafted vessels for everyday life. Relating primarily to the preparation and serving of food and drink, his pieces are made using a casting process in molds Paul designs and builds. Clarity is given to his simple forms by contrasting glazed and unglazed surfaces to create pieces that are intended to provide many years of service.

Paul received a BA in art from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA and an MFA in ceramics from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI. Since 1988, Paul and Laurel have been living and making pottery in Elizabeth, a small farming community in northwestern Illinois. They have three children, all who worked in the pottery during their years at home.

Learn more about the Eshelmans: www.eshelmanpottery.com

SESSION B: So You Want to Show Your Art in a Gallery -- Robert Schulte

Are you interested in working with an art gallery, but don’t know where to start? Bring your questions right here. Artist Robert Schulte of Moberg Gallery (Des Moines, IA) will share information to set you on the right path. Moberg Gallery has been building a thriving business for 15 years, and currently represents 60 artists. Robert will discuss the pros and cons of gallery representation; expectations for the artist and the gallery; and ways to maintain a positive relationship with your gallery. There will be time for additional questions.

 

About Robert Schulte:

Robert Schulte earned a BFA in Painting (with a minor in Sculpture and Design) from the University of Iowa and an MFA in Printmaking and Drawing from Washington University. He has taught others about art in a variety of settings, including Grand View College, Mercy College of Nursing, Metro Arts, the Des Moines Art Center and Des Moines Community College. Robert is an artist, framer, curator, and exhibits installer for Moberg Gallery in Des Moines. He is also a painter and printmaker in his own right.

Learn more here:  www.moberggallery.com

11:15am – 12:00pm in the Main Gallery (3rd floor)
SESSION: Sage Advice for the Artist/Maker -- Ann Au

Running a brick and mortar retail business as a working artist is an ever-changing challenge, and success is a moving target. Ann Au has owned and operated the distinctive 2AU Limited for 25 years. She will share her experiences and advise in this engaging session. Gain insight into custom work and maintaining strong customer relationships. Hear about Ann’s marketing strategies, inventory issues, and tax issues. There will also be time for your questions.

About Ann Au:

Ann Au, artist and owner of 2AU Limited, offers her clients the ultimate personal experience in creating gorgeous jewelry featuring unique precious and semi-precious gemstones. “I believe clients enjoy talking to the artists who are making their jewelry,” says Au. Valley Junction has been home to 2AU since 1993, but Au has been in the jewelry business for 27 years. “We welcome you into the studio to work with you one-on-one to create unique pieces to fit your body and your personality.” From exquisite pearls, diamonds, and precious gemstones to one-of-a-kind semi-precious gems, Ann Au has a passion for selecting the finest quality stones with which to design. Ann and her staff begin by drawing their ideas on paper. Once a design is selected, a wax model is created.  The client can view the progress and the personalization continues until the work is finished. “What sets us apart,” Au says, “is that the majority of the jewelry for sale in the store is designed and created here in the studio.”

Learn more here: 2aulimited.com

12:00pm – 1:30pm in the Dance Studio/North Studio (2nd floor)
LUNCH WITH TABLE DISCUSSIONS & ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATIONS

Table Discussions

Grab your lunch and join a discussion or start your own! This is a perfect time to get to know someone, ask a question, and share your wisdom. Several of our speakers are facilitating discussions:

  • Questions & Answers with Jeremy: Jeremy Caniglia
  • Teaching your craft: Robert Schulte
  • Arts Advocacy: Chris Biagini (RAYGUN)
  • Self-publishing: Tim Read
  • Public Art: Jon Kamrath
  • Health and the working artist: Brett Beasley  (pending)

One-on-one Consultations*

If you signed up for a one-on-one, your appointment will be during this time.  

  • Writing Critique: Anna Segner & Jenna Mertz.  These writing experts are passionate about helping artists improve their writing. Bring a hard copy of your artist statement, bio, or other writing.
  • Product Photo Critique: Liz Lidgett. Is your product photography holding you back? Get feedback on your photography; learn what changes you need to make for better photos for jurying and applications.

*A limited number of consultations are available on a first come, first served basis. Consultations are 10 – 15 minutes in length. Sign up at check in until spots are full.

1:30pm – 2:15pm in the Main Gallery (3rd floor)
SESSION: Understanding Light and Color Temperature: How to Take Better Photos of Your Artwork -- Dan McClanahan

Your art work is high quality, so photos of them should be, too. Whether you’re entering exhibitions, putting together a portfolio, or gathering images you want to use in publicizing or selling your work, great photos are key. Award-winning photographer Dan McClanahan will present a live demonstration while discussing the physics of light, and showing how to take better photos of your artwork with minimal gear. By using a projector and doing some live shooting with tethered images, Dan will explain how a simple lamp can be manipulated to accentuate the best features of your art work.

About Dan McClanahan:

Dan McClanahan’s background as a journalist is the driving force behind McClanahan Studio’s storytelling imagery. He is the studio’s lead photographer and technical perfectionist. Outside of the office he is a drummer, snowboarder, Harry Potter geek, spicy–food–connoisseur and collector of bright shoes. Dan has dressed up as a Ninja Turtle for Halloween six different times since the age of 5 and his psyche is heavily influenced by Dr. Seuss.

The McClanahan’s have educated thousands of photographers around the country at workshops and conferences, notably giving three platform presentations at Imaging USA about their fresh approach to portrait photography. They’ve appeared several times on PhotoVision Video and been featured twice on the cover of Professional Photographer Magazine. Dan is one of the youngest photographers on record to receive all three degrees attainable from the Professional Photographers of America: Master of Photography, Master Craftsman and Master Artist. Dan was inducted into The Society of XXV, an international group made up of some of the finest photographers in the world, in 2017.

Learn more about Dan McClanahan: www.mcclanahanstudio.net

2:30pm – 3:15pm
SESSION A: What are the Options? Thriving as a Multipotentialite Artist in a Specialist World -- Rachel Cobler

Multipotentialite: A person who has many different interests and creative pursuits in life. Multipotentialites have no “one true calling” the way specialists do. Being a multipotentialite means having many paths and pursing all of them, either sequentially or simultaneously (or both). — Emilie Wapnick, Terminology, Puttylike

See also: Polymath, Renaissance Man, Jack-of-all-trades

Many artists struggle to choose one subject, one theme, or even one degree for the desired career path or line of work. Known as multipotentialites, these artists struggle to thrive, perhaps because they don’t even recognize they are a part of this unique group. Drawing from personal experience, research, and consensus with peers, Rachel will offer tools, ideas, and strategies to put emerging multipotentialite artists on the path to flourishing. The presentation will help identify strategies to find the best working-style and productivity levels to accomplish a variety of projects. It will address how to narrow interests, passions, and expertise into fields of job opportunities, projects, and long- and short-term-interests, and ascertain the jobs wanted and needed advance a multipotentialite career.

About Rachel Cobler:

Rachel Cobler received her Bachelor’s degree in Art History with a certificate in Museum Studies from the University of Iowa in 2015. She is currently the curatorial research assistant in African and Non-Western Art at the University Of Iowa Stanley Museum Of Art. Rachel is a member of the National Council for the Education of Ceramics (NCECA), the American Alliance of Museums, and the Association of Midwest Museums.

SESSION B: Sustainability and Balance for the Long Haul -- Mia Ellis

Arts and nonprofit cultures are known for limited resources and a constant sense of urgency to get things done. These factors, coupled with rapid response technology, can lead to behavior and organizational culture that erodes performance, or leaves artists and leaders burnt out and ineffective. In this workshop, leadership expert Mia Ellis will guide participants through research-backed processes of managing energy for high performance. She will highlight strategies for artists and leaders to integrate new behaviors into their lives and organizational cultures that lead to more sustainable and effective ways of working. Participants will learn how artists and leaders (and in turn, their teams) can become laser-focused on how and where they spend their time and energy. The Arts and nonprofit communities need and deserve leaders who are strong role models for work and life balance, where creativity can thrive and grow. Participants will gain tools for learning to manage their energy toward what is most critical, the pursuit of high-performance for the long haul.

About Mia Ellis:
Mia is an executive coach and independent consultant to the nonprofit sector. Her 20 years of leadership, management, and facilitation expertise stem from her roles as founding executive director, national program manager, board member, board chair, and outdoor leadership instructor. She embraces the values of joy, empathy, authenticity and hard work, and is passionate about helping people and organizations unlock their own potential and amplify their impact. Mia holds a BA in Communications from the University of Colorado. When not working, she enjoys exploring the world with her husband and three young daughters.

Learn more about Mia Ellis: www.amplifynonprofits.com

3:30pm – 4:15pm in the Main Gallery (3rd floor)
SESSION: Art: Just Another Get Poor Quick Scheme -- Chris Biagini & Jen Leatherby (RAYGUN)

Chris Biagini, Inventory Manager, and Jen Leatherby, Creative Director, of RAYGUN will team up to talk art, web sales, inventory management, the ever-evolving Greatest Store In The Universe, and more.

About RAYGUN:

“So by January 2005, Mike [Draper]…was looking to take his retail operation indoors, but also start doing his own screen printing and have a niche market to grow inside. Then it hit him: “Why not move back to my parents’ house in Iowa, learn how to screen print from a high school buddy whose dad has a shop, and then open a store that specializes in ultra positive slogans about Des Moines?”

With no business experience, no design experience, no retail experience, and no outside funding, investors were not lined up around the corner! But after a summer of learning how to screen print, Mike not only moved out of his parents’ house (again), but opened RAYGUN (then called SMASH) in the fall of 2005 at East 4th and Locust in Des Moines…Having been immersed in product and production for over a decade, we’ve developed a deep respect for the people who make things. For example, our house brand of shirts is made in America’s oldest Fair Trade Certified factory in LA. It goes from thread to fabric to dyed fabric to sewn shirts in southern California, then to Des Moines for printing. Our paper printing is handled by union labor on the north side of Des Moines, our glassware is made in the USA then printed in West Des Moines…. This is a lot more than just a t-shirt shop to us, and what people buy is a lot more than just t-shirts. Everyone who works here is a Midwestern native, and we have not only been lucky enough to host a WIIIIIIIDE variety of people in our stores…we have been able to give back to organizations we support.

But, most of all, we think that RAYGUN is something our home region can be proud of.”

Learn more here: www.raygunsite.com

Business of Art Conference is presented by 

Ames Community Arts Council &

The Octagon Center for the Arts

with support from The City of Ames Commission on the Arts (COTA)