Professional Practices for Artists: Business of Art

Frank Juárez

Rahr-West Art Museum, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, 2010.

In 2010 I presented on the topic of the business side of art to a group of local artists. I believe it might have been at the Rahr-West Art Museum in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. I was invited by the late Tony Rajer (1952 – 2011), a nationally known art historian and preservation/renovation expert. When I received the email inviting me to speak, I was surprised. He mentioned that he created a series in which he invited creative speakers to present on various topics.

I thought to myself what do I have to offer? After all, I only have been creating art professionally since 2008. He said to simply talk about my journey as an artist. What I have found as a springboard to my first presentation was to talk about my experience in the Teacher Institute of Contemporary Art (TICA) Program (2008-2010). TICA was a nationally known program that invited secondary art educators from across the U.S. to SAIC (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) for a week-long residency during the summer. This experience had an impact on how I created and talked about art and how important it was to build [art] community for support. After the presentation we took a group photo. This photo reminds me that as artists our journey has start somewhere. Although there are commonalities in every artist’s story, there are unique and compelling tidbits that people can connect to.

Bay View Public Library, Bay View, Wisconsin

That same year I was invited to speak at one of Bay View Artists Guild’s monthly meetings at the Bay View Public Library. I was invited by Anita Burgermeister, artist and president of the Bay View Artists Guild. And, I also presented at one of UW-Green Bay art department’s art courses. I was invited by Christine Style, art professor.

UW-Green Bay, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 2010.Photo by Christine Style.

I was a bit nervous presenting on the business of art because I was not sure if what I was presenting would be interesting. One thing I learned is even if we do not find something interesting it may be of interest to someone else. Personal stories, source of inspiration, work in progress, books, magazines, podcasts, documentaries, et cetera can captivate an audience as long as it comes from your voice.

Thirteen years later, I continue to present on this topic. Engaging in the business side of art is so vital to an artists’s career especially if your goal is to have a sustainable studio practice. In what ways do you engage in the business side of art? I would love to hear from you.