2026 Spring Arts Seminars
Mind Your Own (Arts) Business
April 16 – 9 – 4:00, White River Craft Center, Randolph VT
8:30 – 9:00 Conference Registration – RSVP Below
9:00 – 9:45 – Vermont Crafts Council Annual Business Meeting – All Are Welcome
Special session 10AM – 11AM. Don’t miss this!
Dave Speidel and Brett Murray bring deep creative experience across design, branding, and storytelling to this keynote on how narrative shapes business. From Dave’s work with cultural institutions and mission-driven organizations to Brett’s brand-building across music, film, and Vermont businesses, they offer a powerful look at how authentic storytelling becomes your brand. Together, they’ll break down marketing into what really matters—clarity, connection, and consistency—while helping you craft an elevator pitch that resonates and a story people remember.
Dave will be leading the discussion and is a graduate of Tyler School of Art & Architecture and a former Board member of The Shelburne Craft School, VSA Vermont and AIGA Vermont.
He is also a partner at Place Creative Co. in Burlington. Related past clients: Vermont Arts Council, Robin Mix Glass, Craft Producers, Anichini.
11:00 – 12:00
Let’s Work on Brand Basics
A. Photographs: Taking, Using, Organizing. Could you use some tips for how to take good images of your work? Not only will we give you guidance, but we’ll also have a photo setup (tripod, lights, background) on hand for you to try out what you’ve learned. Bring a piece or two that you can fit into a shoe box (nothing huge) and we’ll help you take useful pictures with your phone and tell you what format to choose when sending them to us.
B. Words About Your Art and Where to Use Them. Talking about your work in print and in person is not as easy as you think and requires practice. Your elevator speech, your artist statement, your artwork descriptions are all part of a consistent way to speak about your work. We’ll go hands-on in this seminar.
Presenters:
Elissa Campbell – Blue Roof Designs
Katie O’Rourke – Katie O’Rourke Art
12:00 -1:15 LUNCH
We will provide pizza and salad.
Please RSVP (below) so we have a head count.
1:15 – 3:30 Diversifying Your Arts Business
You already have design skills, studio practice, and a social media presence.
What other opportunities exist for you to put these to work for your business and bring in new revenue streams?
Panelists
Luke Iannuzzi Pottery – AirBnB Experiences.
Blackthorne Forge – Steve Bronstein – Installations and Commissions
Working With Elders – Troy Hickman, Vermont Arts Council
Spring Road Nursery – Bryan Dunbar, Connecting utilitarian heritage craft and agriculture.
Long River Gallery – Amy Hook-Therrien and Amanda Ann Palmer.
Are you an Open Studio Participant? Pick up materials on the front porch of the conference center.