When it comes to the business of selling their art, many artists are hampered by inexperience, indifference or a classic case of avoidance behavior. But making a successful career from your art requires a basic knowledge of business fundamentals.
Sponsors Volcano Art Center and the Hawaii Museum of Contemporary Art will offer “The Business of Art,” an intensive one-day workshop with instructor Ira Ono from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 19 at the museum in Hilo. Ono, successful artist and founder and owner of Volcano Garden Arts, will help workshop participants navigate basic business principles. Topics will include the pros and cons of being your own boss; copyright basics; branding; pricing products for profit; focusing on galleries/gift shops; trade show visual merchandising; affordable display techniques; foolproof presentations; Internet marketing and getting free publicity.
Cost for the workshop is $36 for members of either organization and $45 for nonmembers. Participants are encouraged to bring sample artwork for Ono to review. To register, contact Volcano Art Center at 967-8222 or visit volcanoartcenter.org.
Ono is an internationally known, multifaceted visual and performing artist known in Hawaii for his fresh and innovative work that engages the viewer with a wide range of media and subject matter. His work is featured in the Hawaii State Art Museum and private collections in the U.S., Europe and Japan. He’s also the founder and director of annual trash art shows on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.
Two additional Business of Art workshops will be offered by instructor Tiffany DeEtte Shafto at the Kohala Village Hub in Hawi on Aug. 23 and at the Donkey Mill Art Center in Holualoa on Aug. 30. Shafto, an award-winning woodworker and community volunteer, has served on several boards including the Hawaii Craftsmen and the national Craft Organization Development Association.
These workshops are supported in part by a grant from the State of Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism’s Creative Industries Division.