The 12th annual conference took place on Friday, February 28th, 2025.
Its theme was Tool Box TLC: Technology, Lifelong Learning, and Collaboration. The day’s workshops, presentations, and roundtable discussions focused on tools for artists, long-term professional development, and how our arts community can come together to create more collaboration. The conference was generously sponsored by Kendall College of Art and Design and was be held at their historic Woodbridge Building in downtown Grand Rapids. In all 120 artists and arts workers attended the event, the most in eight years.
Opening Panel
New Kids on the Block: A panel discussion of five arts leaders new to their organizations and/or new to Grand Rapids, Cindy Fowly (Grand Rapids Art Museum), Mary (Grand Rapids Ballet), Suzanne (Frederik Meijer Gardens), Catlin (ArtPrize), Wardell (The Diatribe).
Session I
• Foundry and Fabrication — Practice, Collaboration, and Production: A panel discussion led by Gabrielle Egnater of GVSU featuring four area sculptors like Jerod Christy (JC), Artist and 3D Technical Supervisor at GVSU.
• How to Become a Creative Leader in Your Community as a Transplant: A presentation by Hollywood trained award-winning filmmaker, critically acclaimed podcaster and comedian Virginia Anzengruber.
• Collage in Community — The Game!: A workshop by artist Chelsea Lake Roberts
• Artmaking as a Daily Practice: A presentation by artists John Jurries and Ryan Crawley.
• Navigating Creative Goals Alongside Parenting: A dialogue between artists Hailey Johnson and Emily Mayo
• Pitching 101 — How to Land Big Bylines to Build Your Writer Platform: A presentation and workshop by writer Elle Warren
Session II
• When You Stop Making Things for Fun, Your Art Might As Well Be Dead: A presentation by artist John Donavon
• Transformational Growth — The Case for Mentorship: A workshop by artists Lora Robertson and Scoob.
• Media Management for Creative Professionals Part 1: A presentation by Matt Patulski
• From Maker to Markets —How to Start Selling Art at Artisan Markets – A: A step-by-step guide by artist Jenny Hearns
• From Scarcity to Strength — Identifying Your Creative Identity: A workshop by artist Jarran Fountain
• Centering Community Transformation: A panel discussion led by Monk Mattheus, Head of Culture for the Center of Community Transformation
Session III
• Studio Without Walls —Healing Through Art: A presentation by artist Pamela Alderman
• From Brand to Fans — Building Your Art Business & Selling with Confidence : A dynamic breakout session featuring Susan Coombes, co-owner of Periwinkle Fog and Shyle Lyons, organizer of Merchants and Makers
• Compassionate Collaboration: A panel discussion led by curator Annamarie Buller
• Portrait Making — A Visual Representation of Who You’re Becoming: A workshop by Jill Vyn and Emerson Antcliff
• Abstract Expressionism in the Contemporary World: A workshop by artist Merima Smajlovic
• Media Management for Creative Professionals Part 2: A presentation by Matt Patulski
The Day’s Schedule
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM
Speed Dating
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
Check in
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Opening Remarks and Keynote Panel
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Breakout Session Block #1: Six locally-led roundtables, workshops, panels and presentations
12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
Catered Lunch
1:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Dance in the Annex Performance
1:45 PM – 2:30 PM
Breakout Session Block #2: Six locally-led roundtables, workshops, panels and presentations
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM
Breakout Session Block #3: Seven locally-led roundtables, workshops, panels, and presentations
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM
Final Remarks
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Happy Hour
Continue the day’s conversations at a complimentary happy hour hosted by AllArtWorks in their viewing studio at 333 Cesar Chavez Ave.
Break it Down | Make it Better 