Artists’ Toolkit: The Business of Art is a mini-professional development series presented by the Somerville Arts Council and the Somerville Museum. In collaboration with Somerville Open Studios, this program provides useful resources to the Somerville cultural community to elevate their artistic practice.

“What’s Your Story?”– Enhancing Your Digital Presence
Location: Somerville Museum
Date: Tuesday, April 4 (5:00 – 7:00 p.m.)
To register, visit https://www.somervillemuseum.org/artists-toolkit

What’s your artistic narrative?

By nature, artists wear multiple hats – not only do they have to be creative in their studios, but creative in how they present their work to the world. The internet can be a vast pool of knowledge, filled with numerous ways to promote your art. However, the rapidly changing trends and platforms in social media and marketing can often be both daunting and overwhelming. How do you find your voice? How can you be your own cheerleader and say “Hey, World, look at my art”?

To help navigate some of these questions, the Somerville Arts Council, Somerville Museum, and Somerville Open Studios will host “What’s Your Story: Enhancing Your Digital Presence” event – an in-depth presentation that will demystify the many facets of the marketing process. Featuring panelists Dave Ortega and Christina Balch, this forum will provide some useful tips on social media, art apps, reels vs. posts, generating effective email lists for newsletters, and general Marketing 101 to help you get ready for Somerville Open Studios and beyond. Afterwards, we invite people for an informal discussion and sharing of ideas.

The Price is Right: The Art of the Sale 
Location: Somerville Museum, 1 Westwood Road
Date: Tuesday, April 18 (5:00 – 7:00 p.m.)
To register, visit https://www.somervillemuseum.org/artists-toolkit

How should I price my work? As artists, this can be an all-too familiar phrase and cyclical scenario. Your painting is done, but what’s next? Finding the value of a finished piece can feel like a challenge and be a difficult hurdle to navigate: What’s my worth? Should I have flexibility in my pricing? How do I establish relationships with galleries, retail venues, etc.? 

In this panel discussion, studio director and gallery professionals, Lynn Gervens (MudFlat Pottery Studio) and Marie Craig (Fountain Gallery), will define best industry practices, answer frequently asked questions about the selling process, and provide strategies for generating appropriate pricing for your work. So, come on down and join us for “the Price is Right” and realize the true value of your art.