Missouri Best of Hands Conference

 

Creative and Professional Development Conference Will Support Artist

Contact: Martha Greer, Executive Director, The Best of Missouri Hands

director@bestofmissourihands.org

866-699-2664

 “ArtSmart”, a three day conference designed specifically to meet the needs of artists, will take place at the University Plaza Hotel in Springfield MO, March 15 – March 17.  ArtSmart is presented by The Best of Missouri Hands, a state wide non-profit organization whose mission it is to support the fine artists of Missouri through education, interaction and encouragement.  The organization also facilitates programs designed to increase awareness and appreciation of the arts and artisans of Missouri.

The March conference will feature speakers and session leaders conducting sessions in topics such as identifying your market, coping with changing markets, maintaining artistic integrity, increasing art sales, making the most of the gallery/artist relationship, legal issues for artists, fair and festival markets and utilizing change to inspire creativity. The event is designed to address the needs of diverse artists, from beginners to professionals and those working in all mediums. Registration for the conference is open to anyone seeking to enhance business, professional and creative skills in the arts.    Additionally, the conference will incorporate a public visual art show and sale of conference attendees’ work on March 16^th at the University Plaza.   The conference will include hands on art workshops, and numerous networking opportunities as well.

Guest presenter, Reed McMillan, will open the conference with “Changes that Compel Creativity,” which will address the political, social and economic challenges artists face and how they can utilize those challenges to succeed.  McMillan is an art marketing expert and consultant who has combined his love of the arts with his sales, marketing and public relations experience to help artists, designers, galleries and art fairs promote their businesses. Reed is currently sales manager for the International Contemporary Furniture Fair, held annually in New York City, which attracts 500 exhibitors from all points of the globe and more than 30,000 attendees.

Connie Mettler, founder and operator of 4 art fair oriented websites, will present sessions as well.  Her sites include ArtFairCalendar.com, the #1 Google rated site for “art fairs”; ArtFairInsiders.com, an online community for artists with over 7500 members; ArtShowReviews.com where artists review the nation’s shows and CallsforArtists.com, a site that offers exhibiting opportunities. Over 35,000 subscribers receive her art fair e-newsletters with all the latest news about the art fair business. Connie will present sessions in mastering the jury process, insider tips for success at art shows and lead a roundtable discussion regarding art show experiences. 
 Several conference activities are open to the public.  The public is invited to attend a March 14^th preconference activity at the Creamery Art Center.  BOMH juried artists Hue and Marla Parnell will host a reception and offer artist demonstrations in pastel and Raku.  Tickets are $15.00 and may be purchased at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Best of Missouri Hands. On March 15^th, the public may also participate in a printmaking workshop conducted by BOMH juried artist Deby Gilley. Spots are limited and pre-registration is required.  Email director@bestofmissourihands.org to inquire about fee and to reserve a spot.  Also open is the Artisan Showcase, a public show and sale of attendees work at the University Plaza on March 15^th.  There is no admission charge for the Artisan Showcase.

To learn more about ArtSmart and the Best of Missouri Hands, or to register on line for ArtSmart, visit www.bestofmisosurihands.org.  ArtSmart is supported by funding from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.