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. All About the Elevator Pitch. Talking about yourself and your art with someone new can be uncomfortable. What do you focus on? How do you engage people so that they want to learn more? Is it really possible to promote yourself and sound authentic? In this seminar, we’ll talk about the basics of the elevator pitch and why it’s helpful to have one. You’ll also work on your own pitch and, if you’re up for it, put it into practice with other attendees.
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
AirBnB Experiences. Luke Iannuzzi Pottery – Airbnb Experiences are unique, in-person or online activities designed and led by local experts.
Maker Spaces! My Earthwork – Thea Alvin. Thea teaches stained glass at the Waterbury maker space.
Working With Elders – Troy Hickman, Vermont Arts Council. Elders represent a growing population of eager students. The Vermont Arts Council and other funders provide support.
Utilitarian Craft & Gardening – Spring Road Nursery – Bryan Dunbar. Bryan’s pottery studio is inside the grounds of this nursery.
Gallery + Studios! Long River Gallery – Amy Hook-Therrien and Amanda Ann Palmer. Amy and Amanda are owners of the gallery and also have their studios on site.
Are you an Open Studio Participant? Pick up materials on the front porch of the conference center.