BRATTLEBORO — The Arts Council of Windham County will present a program entitled “Selling Art in Windham County!?” on Thursday, March 27, from 7 to 9 p.m., at The Works Café, 118 Main St.
Windham County is a great place for artists and craftsmen to live and work, but often a frustrating place to sell. Why is this, and what can artists do about it? What models work, and which ones don't? By one estimate, successful area artists make 80 percent of their sales outside the area. What are the realities and opportunities for successful marketing from Windham County?
The Arts Council of Windham County, in partnership with Brattleboro-West Arts and The Works Café, is presenting this forum to help artists make wise and appropriate decisions about marketing and sales strategies.
Painter and arts entrepreneur Charlie Hunter, glass artist Randi Solin, and gallery owner Greg Worden will share their experience and insights. The forum will continue with questions and peer discussion.
Questions to be explored will include: What is the natural market? What are local buyers looking for? Best ways to communicate with markets beyond the local? How important is a local market for reasons other than sales? What is the best relationship between galleries and artist studios in this area? How do artists get buyers to come to the area? What is the area's present and desired brand? How well do Open Studio tours work? How much has the Internet changed things?
The forum will begin with a potluck dessert. The forum is appropriate for all artists, craftsmen, and anyone interested in the topic. It is free for ACWC members, $10 for others.
Future forums include an April 24 session on breaking into the business, with reports and lessons learned from the Vermont Arts Council's training program, and a May 22 session, “Working Together: Joys and challenges of collaborations and groups,” with a discussion of best practices and tips for working together creatively.
For more information about ACWC or this forum, visit the Arts Council of Windham County Web site at www.acwc.us or contact Doug Cox at 802-257-1024 or dcox@sover.net.