ABOUT THE FOUNDER

In September 2014 I was invited by Falls Foundry to present a session on Artists as Entrepreneurs at the Design Center in Sioux Falls. The interest of artists in entrepreneurism and business was evident by the large turnout for the event. Jess Johnson of JAM Art & Supplies and Zach DeBoer of Exposure Galleries were in attendance. I reached out to both to pursue presenting a more in-depth series on business basics for visual artists. Business Basics for Artist was offered 4 times in various forms. Each time I tweaked the content and deliberated with translating traditional business to the needs of visual artists.

My desire is to support artists in developing business skills, so they can be profitable and continue doing what they love and are passionate about.

In the summer of 2017, I had the opportunity to attend a full week intensive presented by Springboard for the Arts in St. Paul. This was the first Train-the-Trainer Intensive for the Work of Art: Business Skills for Artists programming, and the artist-led community development models. Now I have my curriculum, their curriculum and their Work of Art workbook to draw from for content.

My creativity has been in the business world using strategy, collaboration and an understanding of perspectives. I have formal training as a business coach, experience in business & leadership development, managing established multi-state businesses and startups. It is a different form of creativity. I am in awe of artists and how they can touch our soul. I hope to share what I have learned so they can continue to pursue their passion.

-Claudia