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Calaveras County Arts Council
  • Home
  • About
    • Membership
    • Donate
  • Music in the Parks
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Arts In Education
    • Poetry Out Loud
    • ArtSpirit
    • Scholarships >
      • Online Scholarship Application
  • Artists Studio Tour
    • For participating artists >
      • How to have a successful Artist Studio Tour
      • How to submit photos
  • Call for Entries
  • Artist resources

What's going on at the
​Calaveras County Arts Council?

Safe Space: The Art of Rural LGBTQAI+

5/4/2022

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Artists wanted for Calaveras County LGBTQ show
​Art due in gallery
June 16, 2022

Show In Gallery and online 
June 20 to August 18

Reception
June 23, 2022
5 to 7 p.m.
Learn how to submit
Join us to showcase the art of Calaveras-based rural LGBTQIA+ artists and their allies, friends and families for Pride Month. 

Anyone can enter artwork that celebrates, amplifies, and normalizes LGBTQAI+ lives in our rural California community. Let your art shine a light on a safe Calaveras County where everybody is welcomed, respected, and loved.

This show is a partnership with the Tri-County LGBT Alliance, #out4mentalhealth, Amador and Tuolumne Arts Councils, and Rosebud’s Café.

We look forward to your submissions!
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Calaveras Gold: Art from the Northern California Motherlode

4/26/2022

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Calaveras Gold Art of the California Motherlode

Artists from Calaveras County explore the beauty of the Northern California Motherlode

​The gold you find in the Motherlode isn’t only rocks dug from the dirt. Gold in Calaveras County comes in the form of paintings, photos and sculptures, mined by local artists from the depths of their own creativity, and love of where they live.
 
That creative gold is on display in the show Calaveras Gold at the Calaveras County Arts Council for the month May into June, a show of artwork and paintings that explores the landscapes and characters of the Northern California Motherlode. An artist reception will be held on May 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to attend and have a good time meeting artists and enjoying artwork. Snacks will be provided.
 
All the artists bring a strong sense of place to their work, that feeling of belonging to the Northern California Motherlode. Landscape paintings by Linda Lawrence celebrate two Highway 4 landmarks: Board’s Crossing and Mosquito Lake. Marilyn Hinsdale’s watercolors examine artifacts like picturesque barns and antique cars found in the county. Painters Barbara Hall and George Dillon put people in the landscape—you can feel the heat in Hall’s painting of a woman under a blazing sun, while Dillon’s colorful golf course gives you a bird’s eye view of the state of golfing in the county.
 
Deborah Marlene and Terry Richardson each concentrate on forests. Marlene’s watercolor called Moonshine over the Gold Rush shimmers in its golden frame. Terry Richardson invites the viewer to follow a flowery path through dense trees. Detailed photography by Elizabeth Seeley describes her loving and familiar relationship with the Sierra.  
 
But this show isn’t all landscapes. Images of frogs from artist Victoria Fout and photographer Katie Turnbeaugh reference the Mark Twain story that is classic Calaveras. Calaveras County events provide inspiration for two artists. Rars Shoemaker’s painting in marker pen of a person in a domino mask was inspired by Mark Twain Days in Angels Camp, while Nancy Tanner has created a moody impressionistic pastel painting of a Santa at Murphys’ Holiday Open House.
 
Portraits by Dave Manousos, in his distinctive “big eye” style hold stories about characters in Calaveras history. Connie Bowser’s round gourd decorated with painted poppies and pine needle collar supports another character in Calaveras County: A California Quail.
 
Executive Director Kathy Mazzaferro invites everyone to come see the show and support our local artists. “We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful county with so many talented artists. Our spring show has something for everyone.” 
 
You can see select paintings online at www.calaverasarts.org, but you really shouldn’t miss this special show about the place where we live.
 
Gallery is open Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Call 209/754-1774 to confirm hours.  
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ArtSpirit: Teen art show opens in Calaveras County

3/21/2022

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Calaveras School kids make glorious art
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ARTSPIRIT
​A show by and for Calaveras teens
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Awards reception on April 4 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
​

The Calaveras County Arts Council Gallery is open Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
22 North Main Street, San Andreas
209/754-1774
See online art show
​ After a two-month hiatus for cleaning and painting, the Calaveras County Arts Council Gallery in San Andreas is once again filled with artwork. The popular show ArtSpirit is on view during the month of March. Executive Director Kathy Mazzaferro couldn’t be happier.
 
“Having artwork back in the gallery is like having the kids come home for the holidays,” she said. That’s a particularly poignant observation, since ArtSpirit is dedicated to the work of Calaveras County teens.
Pointalist painting in blue and yellow tones of house, bridge and mountains
In this pointillist painting “Taunt,” Kyle Whitsitt explores landscape and color.
The show spotlights more than 100 artworks from the students of three Calaveras County high schools—Bret Harte, Calaveras, and Sierra Hills Education Center—and includes paintings, drawings, collage and ceramics.
 
While some of the works are serious artistic explorations—for example, Elias Harrison’s single flower gazes longingly at it’s reflection in a darkened window—other works are sheer explosions of joy—Calaveras High School ceramics collection features hilarious pieces like “monster” sculptures, a winsome frog on a box, and a smiling winged “snitch.”
Painting of reflection of pink flower in window.
A pink flower in Elias Harrison’s painting “Flower” bends toward its reflection in a darkened mirror.
Much of the work is done by students in their classrooms. According to Mazzaferro, “ArtSpirit is back because of the teachers. The show happened because the teachers took the time to bring it all over.” Mark Waelty of Bret Harte, Devon York of Calaveras High, and Lynn Lynn of Sierra Hills Education hung the show.
 
“The kids made the art and the teachers made the show.”
 
Arts in Education is one of the Arts Council’s signature programs. At their behest, March has officially been designated Arts in Education month by the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors.
 
"Calaveras County is so fortunate to have the support of our Board of Supervisors,” Mazzaferro said. “They understand the importance of all of the arts, be it music, dance, art, theater, etc. in the quality of life and the economic advantages the arts provide for Calaveras County. The Board's Resolution acknowledges the importance of arts education as part of the foundation for our future.
Photo of two women, one in blue and one in yellow holding up document
From left: Calaveras County Arts Council Executive Director Kathy Mazzaferro and Calaveras County District 3 Supervisor Merita Callaway show proclamation that March is Arts in Education Month in Calaveras County.

ArtSpirit will be on display through April 4, when it ends with a reception from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., and an awards ceremony at 4:30 p.m. You can view select pieces from the show at www.calaverasarts.org.
 
“I love all our art shows, but this is my favorite show of the year,” Mazzaferro said. “It’s alive, vibrant. There’s a fresh energy. There’s a newness. The kids are consumed with the joy of making it, and they’re excited to see their art in a real gallery.”
 
Mazzaferro encouraged everyone to visit the gallery and enjoy the show. "I cannot stress enough how much community support of the arts means to our kids. Please take the time to come to the Gallery and celebrate their accomplishments. Vote for your "People's Choice Award".
 
“These students will be our legacy, the ones who tell our stories in years to come."
 
And oh, what stories they already tell.
Color pencil drawing of girl with red orange hair and green eyes with mouth painted like a doll
Polina Lushova uses colored pencils to create this work titled “Orange.”
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Ovations presents a celtic Christmas

10/22/2021

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Celtic band Golden bough
​warms up the holiday season

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Ovations Performing Arts Series presents Golden Bough's A Celtic Christmas
Sunday December 5 (Champagne reception 2 p.m.; Concert 3 p.m.)
Alhambra Music Room, Ironstone Vineyards, Murphys
$50 per person 
Buy tickets to Golden Bough
It seems like we need winter cheer more this year than ever before. The Calaveras County Arts Council aims to deliver that cheer on the sparkle of harps and bouzoukis and a warm draught of fiddle music with their first winter concert and fundraiser in nearly two years.
 
On Sunday December 5, at the Alhambra Music Room at Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys, the Arts Council will present “Christmas in a Celtic Land,” a concert by the Celtic trio Golden Bough. The concert celebrates all things British Isles, with rare holiday music from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Cornwall, as well as traditional music from other Celtic nations like French Brittany and Spanish Galicia, and compositions by members of Golden Bough.
 
Golden Bough, venerable and respected musicians in Celtic music circles and beyond, has been providing an opportunity for loved ones to join together in song and celebration with their concert program for over 40 years. Margie Butler, Paul Espinoza and Kathy Sierra capture the essence and joy of traditional music on a wide variety acoustic instruments, including; Celtic harp, penny whistle, guitar, accordion, violin, viola, mandolin, and bodhran (a hand held drum, particular to the Celtic culture). The whole family will enjoy lively instrumental pieces, haunting ballads and humorous sing-alongs as the band creates an atmosphere in which the listener is transported to another place and time.
 
The intimacy of the Alhambra Music Room amid the glow and shine of holiday decorations make Ironstone Vineyards the perfect setting for Golden Bough’s rare carols and songs of celebration for the Winter Solstice and the New Year. Due to Covid restrictions, the Bret Harte Theater was not available for concerts this year, but as board member Ruth Morrow said, “it’s good to shake things up. And Ironstone at the holidays is really something special.”
 
Executive Director Kathy Mazzaferro agreed. “We’re grateful that Ironstone is welcoming us. As much as we will miss the high school theater, Ironstone is such a beautiful facility. What better place to welcome the holidays?”
 
The concert is also a fundraiser to support the Arts Council’s music programs Music in the Parks and Ovations. In a pre-concert gathering, you can increase your merriment with  champagne and hors d’oeuvres served by Ironstone. “We hope that you will join us for this fundraising event in support of our music programs,” Mazzaferro said.
 
After such a long hiatus, Mazzaferro is overjoyed to once again be bringing music to Calaveras County. “I want joy and sparkle to return to Calaveras County,” she said. “A chance for us to be together.”
 
“It reminds me of the song, When the Lights Go On Again (All over the World). There’s no better time for the lights to go on in Calaveras County.”
 
Tickets: $50 adults. Available online at www.calaverasarts.org, or call 209/754-1774 Monday through Thursday. Proof of Covid vaccination required for entry. “We take the health and safety of the citizens of Calaveras County seriously,” affirmed Mazzaferro. “We stand with other performing arts centers across the country in our joint efforts to crush this scourge. We will be following all current health department rules to keep everyone at the concert safe. Please respect the health of others.”
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Artists In-Person Studio Tours

8/25/2021

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Tour Calaveras County and meet artists In-Person!

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Download a printable map
After a year of online gallery shows, the Calaveras County Arts Council is pleased to present Artists In-Person Studio Tours.
 
This popular event is traditionally held on the third weekend of September (September 18-19, 2021). Artists Studio Tour is an opportunity to tour Calaveras County and meet artists who create artwork that ranges from paintings and sculpture to handcrafted soap and hand-stamped jewelry.
 
Visitors create their own self-guided tour using a printed or downloadable brochure with maps of each artist location. This year 28 artists will be exhibiting at 19 sites. “Seeing artists’ studios in person, getting a glimpse of their processes and work, is an experience that just can’t be duplicated online,” said Kathy Mazzaferro, executive director.
>>Browse the artists

Plan your tour

Start in San Andreas
A good place to start your tour is in San Andreas at the Gallery Store on Main Street, where you can see a collection of artwork by participating artists and pick up a brochure with directions. From there, head directly down St. Charles Street to Faultless and enjoy the very cool artwork of Sol Gatos, a long-time tattoo artist and writer.
 
While you’re heading north, stop at Deborah Marlene’s Mokelumne hill studio to see her watercolors and vibrant alcohol ink work on tile. From there, it’s a short 7 miles to the studio of painter and photographer Sonya Ziegler, who is exhibiting with jeweler Brenda Montelongo. Both artists are inspired by nature, and their work shows it.
 
In Mountain Ranch, four artists will exhibit at 3 sites: Ceramicist Steven Hall demonstrates wheel-throwing clay techniques at his studio on Old Emigrant Trail East, and Sarah Cuthill displays her fantasy creations and current publications on Oleo Acres Road. A late addition to the tour (they are not in the brochure), on Rail Road Flat Road, MB and Black Eagle open their amazing studio to show hand crafted furniture, jewelry, and cultural work. You won’t want to miss any of these artists!
 
Sheep Ranch is tiny, but the work of two artists—Shay Black and Gayle Lorraine—is mighty. It’s worth a trip to see Shay’s lovely creations and Gayle’s powerful abstracts.
 
At the other end of the county in Copperopolis, Susie Hoffman will show her watercolors, acrylic and oil paintings and drawings at Town Hall Arts. In Angels Camp, ceramicist Larissa Stevenson opens her private studio for the first time to show her charming sculptures and pottery.

Along Highway 4

 The critical mass of artists in Murphys is exceptional. At Art on Main, three artists will show their work. Duane Papais brings his wicked sense of word play to his digital creations, while Bambi Papais shows her charming watercolors of flowers and frogs. Sue King exhibits her graceful and elegant watercolors at the gallery this year.
 
Away from downtown Murphys, three artists open their private studios. You won’t want to miss the impressionistic work of painter Judie Cain, nor the acrylic and watercolor paintings of Joanie Taylor. The drive to Michael Gustavson’s studio on Fullen Road is a bit twisty, but oh-so-worth it to see his grand ceramic sculptures in a setting that rivals any museum.
 
On Highway 4, Quyle Kilns has become the traditional gathering place for artists. This year 6 artists will exhibit their work at the pottery. Sherri Bloomer, who hand stamps pieces from antique dyes, will be on hand to exhibit her jewelry. Victoria Fout lightens the day with colorful fantasy pieces that blur the line between painting and sculpture. George Haskel will exhibit paintings of Corgi’s and Sierra landscapes. And three ceramicists—Amanda Maule, Lydia Osias and Pamela Quyle—will exhibit their sculptures and functional ware. Each has a different style, and you’ll want to see them all.
 
Up the hill in Arnold, you’ll find three artist exhibiting in their own studios. Heidi Gaissert returns with her functional yet artistic ceramics. New this year, painter Tabitha Kremesec shows her landscapes painted in oil and watercolor, and Denise Davis opens her shop, Green Frog Soap Works, where she handcrafts specialty soaps as well as displays her paintings and photographs.
 
Dorrington is just a little farther, where you’ll find the beautiful studio of painter and quilter Ann Nancy Macomber. Her studio is a bit hard to find; keep a sharp eye out for the pink signs. The search is worth it.
 
Each artist will have their own Covid health precaution preferences. Please be respectful of their wishes when you visit their studios.
 
The brochure is free to the public and is available at the Arts Council Gallery in San Andreas, Quyle Kilns and Art on Main in Murphys, Town Hall Arts in Copperopolis, and Artsy Parts and Green Frog Soap Works in Arnold, plus other business across the county. Or you can download printable directions. 
 

Find out more at www.calaverasarts.org, or email ccacinbox@gmail.com.
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Poetry Out Loud in Calaveras County

3/29/2021

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Poetry Out Loud: Small but mighty in Calaveras County

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​Calaveras Poetry Out Loud 2021 Winners
 
Poetry transcended pandemic when Calaveras high school students competed online in the annual Poetry Out Loud recitation competition. CHS student Sydney Button won first place with his stunning version of All This & More by Mary Karr and Israfel by Edgar Allen Poe. Coming in second was Rayne Cutchall. Ana Hernandez took third place. 
 
Poetry Out Loud, presented by the Calaveras County Arts Council in partnership with the California Arts Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation, is part of a national program that encourages high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization and performance at a series of events leading up to a national competition. 
 
“This was our third year sponsoring the Calaveras Poetry Out Loud competition,” said Kathy Mazzaferro, executive director of the Arts Council. It was a difficult year. “Because of Covid and its impact on school site time, coaching was at a minimum. We couldn't hold our on-site pizza lunches. Ultimately, we held the competition on Zoom.” 
 
Students and judges participated from home, a chancey proposition “because of WiFi drop spots throughout the county with internet connections that can fade in and out,” said Mazzaferro. But despite faulty internet , the students  performed beautifully. “I am always impressed with the work the students take on in memorizing a minimum of two poems each,” she said. “This was our champion's second attempt to win the title.”
 
Ingrid Hjelmervik took the lead for the third year serving as Poetry Out Loud coordinator. “She does an outstanding job,” said Mazzaferro, who wants to also thank judges Noel Helmbrecht, Lisa McInturf, Catherine Sargeant, and Linda Toren for their careful attention to each student. 
 
Mazzaferro is proud of the students and the hard work they do for this competition. “We congratulate all the participants on a job well done.”
 
Students interested in competing in Poetry Out Loud next year can contact Kathy at (209) 754-1774 or goldrusharts18@gmail.com.
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What's up in Calaveras County Arts in December

12/1/2020

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Calaveras County Arts Council winter Newsletter

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Happy Holidays!
We hope that you and yours are keeping healthy and happy this season.
We are looking forward to the time when we can be together again. We havebeen planning upcoming music seasons for a time when it's safe for all togather, plus a special event to celebrate.
​
​Meanwhile, we keep the arts in Calaveras alive online. Please enjoy theartwork on our website, follow us on social media for artwork, updates, and news, and join our Zoom events (see below for the artist meeting in December.)


Scroll down to read the whole newsletter:
  • Artist December meeting
  • One-of-a-Kind Gift Show
  • Poetry Out Loud
  • Artists Call to entry

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SUPPORT THE ARTS IN CALAVERAS COUNTY
How do your contributions to the Calaveras County Arts Council keepthe arts blooming in Calaveras County?

  • You support signature events like Music in the Parks and the Ovationswinter concert series.
  • You beautify our towns with public art
  • You give local artists a place to exhibit their work
  • You support an arts economy that benefits the community
  • You strengthen arts education for Calaveras public school students.
 Without you, the Arts Council could not do all that it does.
​We appreciate your generosity.
Contribute to the Arts

Artists December Meeting
December 16, 6 p.m.
Via Zoom
Our November artists meeting was such fun, we wanted to offer another chance for artists and members to meet again in Decembervia Zoom.
Victoria Fout will again be leading the meeting, and will be sending out invitations soon.
We'd love for you to attend. Please contact Maggie at ccacinbox @ gmail.com for an invitation and a Zoom link.

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One-of-a-Kind Gifts of Art
Colorful and charming, the One-of-a-Kind Gift Show at theCalaveras County Arts Council gallery in San Andreas is chock-a-block with artworks that will lighten this holiday season. This show represents the work of 25 artists, with over 40 pieces of joyful artwork.
​
You can see the show in the gallery by making an appointment with Kathy at goldrusharts18@gmail.com.
Or you can enjoy and purchase the art online at the Arts Council’s website www.calaverasarts.org)
Visit the One-of-a-Kind Gifts of Art shop

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Poetry Out Loud 2021 News
Poetry Out Loud is most likely going virtual this year, as we continue to work to ensure the safety and health of participating students and staff.

​Thanks to super-volunteer Ingrid Hjelmervik, who volunteered for the third year to chair and coordinate our local competitions, we'll again be joining the nationwide poetry competition, where high school students recite classic and contemporary poetry. This competition is open to all high school students in Calaveras County.


If interested in competing, or volunteering for this event, please email Kathy at goldrusharts18 @ gmail.com


ARTIST CALLS TO ENTRY
Post Cards for a New Year
Online gallery show presented by the
Calaveras County Arts Council

Online Registration starts December 1
Show online and in gallery: January 11 –February 26
Drop art off at gallery: January 4-8
​(Drop off by appointment only. Email Kathy at goldrusharts18 @ gmail.com)
We invite artists from Calaveras, Amador, and Tuolumne Counties to participate in a postcard/small works show, Post Cards for a New Year. We are accepting up to 30 artists, with no more than 2 pieces of art per artist. This show will be displayed in the gallery and online.

Theme:
We want to see postcard-size art that describes your experience of 2020, orwhat you’re hoping for in 2021. We’ve all had a rough 2020 and we’re all looking forward to 2021 being a better year. What postcard do you want to send to the world?
Requirements:
All artwork must be under 5” x 7” (You can orient that vertically or horizontally).If framed, frame must be no larger than 5” x 7” or 7” x 5.”
Use any medium: collage, digital, watercolor, acrylic. All oils must be thoroughly dry. If using charcoal or pastel, make sure artwork is well sealed with fixative. Please don’t use glitter, and affix all media securely.
Learn more about Post Card Show

Ironstone: Spring Obsession
Presented by
Ironstone Vineyards
Show opens: Saturday, March 6, 2021
Show closes: May 9, 2021
Once a year, Ironstone Vineyards in Murphys fills its winery with artwork andshowcases artwork from across the nation. This is a juried and a judged show,with prizes given.
​

Theme Division: Daffodils
Online Registration ends January 1, 2021
Open Division
Online Registration ends January 31, 2021
Learn more about Ironstone Vineyards Spring Obsession show

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Calaveras County Arts Council's mission is to build a unitedcommunity by awakening, supporting, and nourishing the arts.

We rely on people like you, who believe that the arts make this world a better place.

Give us a shout to find out how you can help. We need volunteers, helpers, members, and artists!
​
Call us at 209/754-1774 (message) or email at goldrusharts18 @ gmail.com

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How to Instagram

7/21/2020

 

Online platform made in the shade for artists

Part 3 in a series about artists going online
Other parts in this series: 
Putting your art on(line)

Should I show my art on Facebook?
How to Instagram
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​Instagram tends to be a happy place, devoted to image scrolling and tending towards the inspirational. You can follow friends, artists you like, cos-players, dress makers, car collectors, gardeners—there are loads of random topics to make you smile.
 
Instagram is built primarily for smartphones. You can see your account on a desktop system, but you can only post to Instagram via your smartphone, unless you pay for a service that posts for you, or use a complicated workaround.

It's all about the stories

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What makes Instagram so popular? It’s all about the stories. They are fascinating. The sweet story of a girl and her dog. The strange and wonderful world of a fantasy artist. The foul mouthed botanist. The musings of a man with pet pigs. And best of all, art lessons from skilled artists.
 
(Personal note: I follow many, many artists. I take classes from artists I find on Instagram. I learn from their videos. I purchase artwork and books. I advertise for the Arts Council on Instagram. And I post my own artwork.)
 
Since Instagram is a visual medium, good photos of your art are crucial. And you’re already doing that, right? If not, read our blog post on how to photograph your art.
 
The fun thing about Instagram is that you get to be creative with your photos; you’re not entering a competition.  There aren’t strict rules. Photograph your art in different locations. On your desk. In the garden. On your head. Be creative  Study what other artists do and try out their ideas. Take the time to honor your art and make it look good.
Think of Instagram as an open studio tour in cyberspace.
Like Facebook, Instagram offers a personal account option and a business account option. A business account option allows you to advertise, gives you analytics about your traffic, and a host of other benefits. If you elect to have a private account as a way to share your artwork with the world, be sure and make it public so you can be found. (How to make your personal Instagram account private) 

Ceramicist Steven Hall, who owns Brownell Ceramics in Mountain Ranch has a business account for strictly business purposes, and a private account for his own use. “I use the personal account for posts that don't contribute to the branding and marketing of my business, like camping, birthdays, family, and friends etc. I use the business account for my professional page because IG provides analytics and advertising that aren't available to personal accounts.”
 
According to Hall, Instagram analytics can help you market your work with information like what time of day your viewers are most active so that your posts are more likely to be seen and engaged with.

He also warned against posting too often so you don't wear out your followers. It's a good idea to take time and consider your Instagram strategy to make the most of your online efforts. 

 
A beginners guide to Instagram
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/how-to-use-instagram
​

https://productpictips.com/how-to-photograph-your-art-for-instagram/#Get_Your_Art_Seen_On_Instagram
 
Should I convert to an Instagram business account?
https://blogs.constantcontact.com/instagram-business-account/
 
How to promote art on Instagram
https://sproutsocial.com/insights/promote-your-instagram/

Should I show my art on Facebook?

7/21/2020

 
Part 2 in a series about artists going online
Other parts in this series: 
Putting your art on(line)
Should I show my art on Facebook?
How to Instagram
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Face to face with Facebook

Facebook is the biggest dog in the social media yard. It’s probably the most popular platform right now. While you may have personal reasons for not joining FB, it is currently one of the easiest ways to reach new collectors. A smart social media plan can reach hundreds, if not thousands of pairs of eyeballs. Remember that FB has right around 1 billion users. That’s quite a potential audience.

Facebook personal page vs Facebook business page

​When you start on Facebook (FB), you start with a personal page. That’s where you post notices of birthdays, weddings, graduations, vacations, or possibly inflammatory political opinions. You can make posts on your personal page private or public. You friend people on your personal page; they can accept and friend you back.
 
A Facebook business page is a different animal. You (technically) are allowed only one personal account, but you can have multiple business pages. (Remember, if you don’t follow FB’s rules, you might be banned from the site. Yes, they can do that.)
 
A business page is where you post information about your business. You might post information related to your art, or related to the business of art. You engage with your followers. You can create a gallery of your artwork. You can sell products from your business page. You can buy advertising for your business page. Your business page(s) is/are for your businesses.
 
This is possibly the most important thing about a business page:
People can follow your business page.
Yes, people can follow your public posts on your personal page (Here’s how to allow followers to your personal page)

But changing the visibility of posts is cumbersome and unless you use your personal page for only business posts, you risk mixing personal and public at inopportune times.
 
It’s more professional (and risks less embarrassment) to have a business page for your business. It allows for organic reach as people share and like your posts on your business page. And it allows for boosted posts and paid advertising if you decide to embark on that adventure. (You can't advertise or boost a post from a personal page.)
 
I follow a ton of FB business pages. I like to know what my favorite businesses are doing. What is the local bookstore selling? (She’s on FB)  What is the local catering company making for home-delivery Friday (She’s on FB). What’s the local theater producing this weekend? (They’re on FB.)
What are my favorite artists making? (They’re on FB.)
​

When I follow a business page, FB (mostly) feeds their posts into my newsfeed, especially if I’ve engaged with them on their pages in the past (this is why engagement with posts is so important). Engagement can be simply saying, nice work! on one of their posts. Or it can be a question for them to answer. Always answer comments on your posts. (You can block people if you get a nasty commenter. Your page is your space.)
 
The upshot: Facebook is still the leading way to advertise your artwork. To effectively advertise and sell your art, you need to create a business page.
 
How to make a business page on Facebook
https://sproutsocial.com/insights/facebook-business-page-guide/

The difference between a personal page and a business page www.outboundengine.com/blog/facebook-business-and-personal-pages-the-differences-dos-and-donts

www.thrivehive.com/why-you-need-a-facebook-business-page/

​Facebook marketing strategies
https://blog.hootsuite.com/facebook-marketing-tips

Putting your Art on(line)

7/21/2020

 

Displaying your art on the internet

Part 1 in a series about artists going online
Putting your art on(line)
Should I show my art on Facebook?
How to Instagram
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One of the things we’ve learned during the current crisis is the importance of taking your business to the internet. In March, as the shut-down began, businesses that made a nimble pivot to online were able to mitigate the damage caused by the shut-down. Even as we tentatively open businesses, customers who are leery of shopping as they did before COVID-19 spend more time (and more money) online.
 
The business of art is a business just like any other. Artists need an audience of collectors and a great way to reach those collectors is online—in fact, until we are able to safely open the country, online might be the only way you can reach collectors. And online takes your art show, which was probably local, and gives you the opportunity to make it national, if not international.
If you don’t have an online presence, now is the time to create one.
Picture of many people
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
I know artists who treat this part of their business as pure drudgery, not part of the creative process. I admit, it’s hard to get over that hump.
 
Overcome your resistance! Marketing your work online is a creative adventure. You are telling your story. You're creating a persona and a digital space for your art, and that space—that persona—will be a work of art that showcases the work you make irl (in real life).
Overcome your resistance!
Here are some ideas and resources to guide you through the journey to online success. This is not meant to be an exhaustive look at social media marketing. A person can spend a lifetime studying that topic. This is just a taste, to get you started.

Should I social? A beginner’s guide to social media

Picture of woman and social media icons
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
Social media is social. It's good for networking, making friends (yes, I’ve made friends on social media), keeping up with trends, learning new things and having fun. Oh yes, and advertising your artwork. Social media is a popular way for many businesses to be online for little or no monetary investment. 
 
You don’t have to become a social media junkie to use it effectively to advertise your work. But you do have to come to terms with it, maybe even enjoy it a little. Remember, advertising on social media is all about engagement. It’s about being social. Respond when you get comments. Follow others. Be friendly, kind, patient. All the things you are in real life.

What platform should I use?

Set limits. Pick one or two platforms and start playing.
Choosing a social media platform can be bewildering.  What works for me may not work for you. You’ll learn to work social media in your own way. The important thing is to start.

​The big dogs (right now) are Facebook and Instagram, simply because of the sheer numbers of users (1 billion for Facebook). But they aren’t the only game around; Twitter or Linked In might be right for you, or Pinterest or TikTok. You’ll have to figure out which one you like the best (or hate the least), and which one provides the most return on your time. Set Limits. Pick one or two platforms and start playing. 
​
Keep in mind that the social media ecosystem changes fast, so you’ll want to stay aware so you can respond to all the twists and turns of life online. But there's no need to become obsessed if you don't want to; even a basic presence on social media can help your art business.

Resources

Cory Huff at Abundant Artist describes how to choose between  FB, Instagram, and Pinterest.
www.theabundantartist.com/cant-decide-facebook-instagram-pinterest-heres-choose

Artist and businesswoman Lori McPhee has a series of blog posts on social media.
www.finearttips.com/fine-art-tips/2020-club/social-media-tips
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