Building Trust: Let the Community Know Who You Are!

Once the local art community became familiar with me, I made more and more friends and contacts. These new friends would not let me get bored!  There are ample opportunities to better yourself and your career by taking a little piece of the art world and making yourself part of it.
   Help out at art events. My first little adventure in the Magical World of Helping was when I helped the with set up at the Ishpeming Renaissance Faire in exchange for a small tent to use to sell my art. This was my very first art fair of any kind, and I was hooked. I was also hooked on the behind-the -scenes glory! I loved helping make something cool happen and being part of such a neat event.
   Join an art organization. I got involved in The West End Community Arts Network (WeCan!) of Ishpeming, MI because I wanted to be involved in something big. Almost three years later, we're still trying to be big. Being a part of this group helped me meet Tom Cappucio, the Vice President at the time of The Marquette Symphony Orchestra board of directors. Tom eventually asked me to join the symphony board, which I did. This has been a priceless experience. I've learned a lot, and I've met many great people who love art.
   Volunteer for a committee. Many Boards of Directors have several subcommittees that need help. Often these subcommittees are looking for help from the community, and don't require any board membership. Maybe it's a steering committee for a new organization, or a program study group for a museum.
   Donate some of your art. I've donated a lot of art to organizations, charities, and benefit auctions.This may seem counter-productive to the idea of making money. But remember, you're marketing yourself as a likable person who cares about the community. This gets your name and your art out in very good ways. Just limit your involvement. It's easy to get over worked. I only donate to causes I care about, like the poor little guy with liver cancer, or The Upper Peninsula Children's Museum.
   Care about your community. Help plant flowers! I helped the former Ishpeming DDA Director with some public landscaping. Now she's a client! Clean up the streets. Run for elected office. I'm currently on the Ishpeming Cemetery Board. I like that board. We don't get a lot of complaints.
 Move! While you're sitting around, somebody else will be out taking your prospects!

This painting sold at the Children's Museum Auction for $1000!
Thanks Jake Gervais for providing this picture!