“Virginia Artisans: Responsive & Ready”
special guest speaker
Becky anderson, Founding Director of handmade in america
"Opening Doors Through Tough Love"
Creating a thriving artisan business in today's economy is not for the weak of heart. It's survival of the fittest which encompasses all aspects from creating exquisite works of art and culture to maximizing and streamlining your business operations to be all they can be. Pulling from her extensive repertoire as a cutting edge craft industry leader and with a full working knowledge of the economic impact the professional craft industry can have on an economy of scale statewide (involving artisans, consumers, retail, schools, affiliates, suppliers & publishers & communities), Becky will concisely illustrate what it takes to thrive and become the type of artisan business destined to rise and be counted for!
Roundtable Discussion:
"The State of Craft in the Commonwealth"
This panel discussion made up of leaders and key influencers across our state will delve into the circumstances effecting change to the landscape of craft in the Commonwealth while entertaining your questions and concerns.
Panelists include:
Steve Galyean, Development Director, Virginia Tourism Corporation; Diana Blackburn, Director, ‘Round the Mountain; and Todd Christensen, Executive Director, Southwest Virginia Cultural Heritage Commission; and Sherri Smith, Director, Artisans Center of Virginia. Facilitated by Meghan Williamson, Board of Trustee Chair, Artisans Center of Virginia.
ACV MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Engage & Prosper - Learn what's new at ACV and how you can participate in ACV's “Studio School” education and outreach program “Career Pathways to Craft,” the ACV Artisan Trail Network, Retail Alliance Program, Traveling Craft Shows, “Virginia Creates” exhibitions, and more. - Speakers: ACV Executive Committee Members – Stacey Strawn, Blue Moon Gallery; Meghan Williamson, Staunton Creative Community Fund; Susan Ema Vernon, Senior Vice President/Investments, Stifel & Nicolaus; and Sherri Smith, Director, Artisans Center of Virginia Director
STATEWIDE LEADERSHIP
cOUNCIL FOR CRAFT
The conference will host a gathering luminaries for craft from all across the Commonwealth as they come together seeking ways to elevate and stregthen Virginia's Craft Industry through collaboration. Faciliated by Becky Anderson
awards for excellence
Saturday evening ACV will present the Artisans Center of Virginia Award for Excellence for significant and distinguished achievement in craftsmanship, advocacy or education. The presentation will be made by Artisans Center of Virginia Board of Trustee Chair Meghan Williamson with entertainment provided by jazz duo “Smith & Wray.” The ceremony is open to the public however advance reservations are required and there is a fee of $15 per person for non-conference registrants.
concurrent sessions
As artisans across the Commonwealth navigate through the current economic downturn, the theme for the January 2010 conference is “Virginia Artisans: Responsive & Ready”.
Although a lot can transpire between now and January to change the landscape on so many levels, we are looking to create a proactive program that accentuates the creative initiatives, fresh ideas and fulfilled visions that represent positive change and lasting strength for Virginia’s community of artisans.
Bookkeeping for the Creative - Speaker: Dennis Peltier, Enrolled Agent & Federally Licensed Tax Specialist, Roanoke, VA. Is selling your craft a business or a hobby? Ever heard of a 1099-MISC? How much is my time worth? Can I deduct it? How much can I deduct if I donate my craft to charity? Is every meal I eat when I'm working deductible? Tax reporting for small businesses is an ever-changing landscape. Find out what’s new, and how you can save money and keep out of trouble with the IRS.
And Now For Something Completely Different - Marketing Outside the Box - Speaker: Helen Nunley, Pretty Good Designs, Boones Mill, VA. Learn how to navigate the new wave of Social Media. You won't want to miss Helen’s engaging and entertaining presentation.... an artist entrepreneur and designer herself, be prepared for lots of creative ideas!
Artisan Trails, Coming to A Town Near You - Speaker: Diana Blackburn, Executive Director of ‘Round The Mountain, Abingdon, VA. Learn about the development and success of the artisan trails in the 19 counties of southwest Virginia.
Pushing the Boundaries - Exploring the Cutting Edge of Craft – Speaker: Alison Pack, Metalsmith, Art professor at Radford University. Explore some exciting examples of how artisans across the globe are expanding their media into new and creative forms that cross disciplines and provoke thought while maintaining their craft origins.
Awareness: Impacts of Artisan Practice in a Creative Economy – Speaker: Alison Pack, Metalsmith, Art professor at Radford University. Are you aware of how your business practices, or lack there of, can effect your peers? Learn how your decisions, for example on pricing or how you present your talent, are not only crucial for your success but can have a direct impact on your peers and the craft industry as a whole.
Micro-Lending for Artist Businesses – Speaker: Meghan Williamson, Executive Director of the Staunton Creative Community Fund. Tips and resources to fund, expand and grow your artist business.
Organize a Studio Tour - Speaker: Laurie Duxbury, Weaver and Chair of the ACV Studio Tour, Charlottesville, VA. Learn how the Artisan Center of Virginia’s successful Charlottesville Studio Tour operates and how you can create one in your area.
Put a Little Lift In Your Life - Speakers: Nancy Ross, Free Union, VA; Betsy Krome, Toano, VA; Becky Garrity, Charlottesville, VA; (and Nan Rothwell, Faber, VA in absentia), ACV Juried Artisans. A sharing of experience and knowledge from four potters who’s inspiration and collaboration led to the creation of a very fun and successful Clay Camp .....Learn how to create a similar event around your media.
Starting an Artist Cooperative in Your Community - Speakers: Susan Egbert, Gallery 108, Roanoke, VA; Judy Ligon, Oasis Gallery, Harrisonburg, VA; and, a representative from the Market Gallery, Roanoke, VA.
Creative Entrepreneurship - Speakers: Sandy Ratliff, Business Services Manager, Virginia Department of Business Assistance; Kitty Barker, Partnership Marketing Development Specialist, Virginia Tourism Corporation; teve Galyean, Development Director Virginia Tourism Corporation. This presentation is overview of the Entrepreneur Express program, which provides workshops on key elements of business development and practice for free at various locations in Virginia.
It's all About the Transaction! Speaker: Sherri Smith, Director, Artisans Center of Virginia. Learn how to expand your artisan business into new markets and how to create sell-able "intangibles" to extend your sales offerings.
What's On Your Mind? - An all day open forum peer-to-peer discussion of creative ideas and concerns about the Virginia Craft Industry.
Additional activities throughout the day include Private Portfolio Critiquing and a Silent Auction
SUNDAY, JANUARY 24TH CRAFT FAIR
The conference continues with a full-day Artisan Craft Fair at the Hotel Roanoke. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC from 10:00am to 5:00pm. FREE ADMISSION. The fair will feature a diverse group of artisans from around the Commonwealth representing a wide variety of media. This event will give Roanoke area residents and visitors a unique opportunity to meet, and purchase quality craft from, some of Virginia’s leading artisans!
