community Archives

Building Community Through Art: The Lights Out Model (255)

What started as weekly artist video interviews during the pandemic became a statewide arts organization with popup exhibitions, state contracts, and a sustainable funding model.

Daniel Sipe and Karlë Woods share how they built Lights Out from scratch with no money, no connections, and a willingness to take risks—plus why they invested in track lighting and marketing before almost anything else.

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Art world gatekeeping forces artists to compete with Damien Davis (254)

What if the scarcity you’re experiencing isn’t real? Visual artist, educator, and writer Damien Davis exposes the gatekeeping mechanisms—from application fees to institutional approval—that keep artists competing instead of collaborating.

He shares why learning business skills helped him bypass permission structures, redefines what success actually means, and explains why artists talking to each other threatens the people who benefit from keeping you isolated.

Art world gatekeeping forces artists to compete with Damien Davis (254) Read

Community, kinship, and career stability with Malene Barnett (242)

Artist and activist Malene Barnett draws from her Caribbean and West African heritage
to guide her multidisciplinary practice.

In this conversation, she shares how she balances clay, textiles, and other mediums
while trusting the creative process. Malene also talks about designing work that holds memory, the role of community and kinship, and why artists should share their process as a way to connect.

Community, kinship, and career stability with Malene Barnett (242) Read

Community Liaison, Translator, and Glass Painter with Samra Bashir (217)

Glass artist Samra Bashir’s work is a fusion of South Asian and Islamic traditions, using light as an essential element in her paintings.

In this episode of The Art Biz, we discuss how art fosters connection, how Samra built a community around her work, and why sharing art in real-life spaces matters. Listen now and explore the power of art to bridge cultures.

Community Liaison, Translator, and Glass Painter with Samra Bashir (217) Read

Finding Your Artist Voice through Mentorship with Julie deBoer (ep. 201)

This episode of The Art Biz delves into developing an artistic style with the support of mentorship. Julie and I explore the challenges of finding a unique voice, the significance of embracing what naturally emerges in your work, her shift from gallery representation to self-sales, and the value of being part of an artist community.

We end with a conversation about how, with so many commitments, Julie prioritizes her art.

Finding Your Artist Voice through Mentorship with Julie deBoer (ep. 201) Read

Using Her Superpower and Biomaterials with Kelly M. O’Brien (ep. 196)

The experience of spending more time in nature during the pandemic catalyzed an artistic shift in Kelly O’Brien towards sustainable biomaterials for her art. She explains her transition from high-carbon materials like glass and steel to plant-based, biodegradable options—sharing tips and resources for doing the same.

Kelly also discusses her latest solo show and her engagement with her new community, how she maintains a robust art presence both in the US and the UK, and funding sources.

Using Her Superpower and Biomaterials with Kelly M. O’Brien (ep. 196) Read

Leaning Into Her Roots and Community Art with Marilyn Fontaine (ep. 185)

Marilyn Fontaine, a multidisciplinary artist whose work is spiritual with a strong foothold in feminine themes, finds fulfillment by collaborating with others outside of her studio walls.

Marilyn and I talk about the work she does within her Afro-Carribean community in East London, including how it is funded and why her growing network is essential. We also discuss her studio rituals, leaning into the discomfort of rejection, and learning to let go.

Leaning Into Her Roots and Community Art with Marilyn Fontaine (ep. 185) Read

The Art Biz ep. 146: Remember The Many Opportunities We Have Because We’re Online with Barbara Muir

In a day when we’re all kind of sick of sitting in front of our screens, Barbara Muir is unabashedly happy about being online. And she thinks you should be, too.

We talk about all of the opportunities that have come Barbara’s way because of her blog, how she gets things done, and the sweet ritual she shares with her husband.

The Art Biz ep. 146: Remember The Many Opportunities We Have Because We’re Online with Barbara Muir Read

Steel wire sculptures of vine outlines on a light wood floor with white wall behind | on Art Biz success

Focusing on the art, not the art business with Rebecca Welz (133)

This is the first episode of The Art Biz with a guest who admits to not being interested in the art business. But don’t leave!

My conversation with Rebecca Welz centers around how she sees her art as part of the continuum, and how she encourages her students to think holistically about their careers. We invite you to do the same.

Focusing on the art, not the art business with Rebecca Welz (133) Read

Michael Gadlin paintings in studio | on Art Biz Success

Artist as problem solver with Michael Gadlin (93)

Michael Gadlin sells originals, consults, teaches, designs, builds websites, and even hosted a show on public television. He is gifted with what seems to be an endless supply of energy.

Michael waxes philosophically about the life of an artist. Deep stuff. We talk about the lessons he learned from other working artists, the artist’s collaboration with viewers, why it’s important to be part of a community, and much more.

Artist as problem solver with Michael Gadlin (93) Read

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Consider 44 possible reasons why your art isn't selling.