I am heaven bent on championing artists and writers by curating art-filled, fun events for artists and authors to show and sell their work and expand their reach in the community. No more starving artists or authors!!!
We creatives have bought into the idea that because we have a gift of art or writing that we have to give it away. It is easy for us to create so why should be ask a lot of money for what we create? Because we add value that no one else can add. We have a unique way of seeing the world and expressing it through our craft that no one else can do.
Using the word “gift” to describe someone’s talent is part of the problem. Yes it is a gift that was given to us from our soul, God, Goddess, Spirit or the Universe or what ever you want to call it, but that does not mean we have to give it away. If we under price and undervalue our work we perpetuate the myth of the starving artist.
Have you ever been to an art show and someone next to use is selling their paintings for $20? I have! Not only are they devaluing themselves but they are creating an environment in the buyer that says art should be cheap. If you think about it you know that a painting took more than say an hour, possibly 2 or 3 so in essence they are making between $5 and $15 an hour if you take off money for supplies. So art is worth what you might pay for a Big Mac at McDonald’s and if it is any more than that it is priced to high?
That is the equivalent of selling your soul, because you put your soul into what you paint.
Another thing I hear all of the time is “I have to mark it cheap so it sells because I have bills to pay.” That statement comes from lack consciousness and a belief that if it isn’t cheap it won’t sell. What if an art collector walked by, saw your $25, $75 or $100 painting and would have bought it if it was $1000 or more. The same painting! That actually happens! Collectors like to show off what they buy and what fun is it to show off an amazing painting that you bought for $25. $25 means it has little value.
So I am creating events where artists and authors are valued. Where authors and artist support each other and the community takes notice. For example I will be interviewing each participant and posting the interviews in both of my blogs. I will share on social media and ask each participant to share each blog on their social media. Imagine the impact of 25 people sharing your interview on their social media pages. That will touch a lot of people who the participant might never reach. In order to build community before the event I am having a gathering of all the vendors to get to know each other and brainstorm ways to improve attendance.
Brush & Pen is currently taking place at Blue Harbor Center for the Arts on Saint Paul’s West Side. The first event is August 18, 2018. This is an intimate venue that will comfortably hold about 25 individual vendors. Katelyn curates each show to make sure there is a diverse variety of artists and authors. Individuals are invited to participate. There are no crafts in this show.
Imagine lots of people appreciating and buying art, stolling musicians, and lots of beauty. Artists meeting authors and artists and authors meeting community! Followed by a meet the authors and artists networking event.
All the events are in the spirit of fun, creative expression, to showcase local artist and bringing community together.
katelynmariah
Medicine Woman Art 