Our goal at the Artists’ Network is to provide tools and opportunities for artists to use to continue to build their art practice. In order to provide access to artists across Canada, we are continuing to deliver these sessions via Zoom.
Our monthly Education sessions via Zoom are FREE to members and only $25 for non-members to attend.
UPCOMING
RECURRING EVENT – Figure Drawing in the Gallery
Recurring every third Tuesday night of the month, unless otherwise noted.
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
For beginners or experts, take the opportunity to draw a live model at the gallery. Different form a pure figure drawing session, Steven Lewis will be on hand to provide guidance, critique and direction …if desired.
More important materials & session information in the link.
Writing for Artists – Part II
April 17, 2024
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
In-Person at the Leslie Grove Gallery
Speaker: Stephanie Vegh
Moderator: Nicola Woods
Sometimes art can speak for itself – but more often than not, artists need to communicate on behalf of their work and ideas to reach a wider audience.
Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch to Connect to Customers
May 15, 2024
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
In-Person at the Leslie Grove Gallery
Speaker: Kate Taylor, Judy-Ann Cazemier
Moderator: Nina Bradbury
Put simply, attention spans are shrinking!
It is has never been more important to make the biggest impact in the shortest time – the time it takes to travel a floor or two in an elevator. Join us for this ‘in person’ session and learn how to give a synopsis of your work in a way that is relevant, succinct, and impactful, yet when practiced feels like natural conversation.
How to Sell Art
June 19, 2024
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
via Zoom
Speaker: Jason Horejs
Moderator: Carolyn Laidley Arn
Join Jason Horejs, gallery veteran of over 32 years and owner of Xanadu Gallery, as he unveils the secrets of art sales in “How to Sell Art.”
PAST
Sometimes art can speak for itself – but more often than not, artists need to communicate on behalf of their work and ideas to reach a wider audience.
Creating and maintaining an authentic Instagram profile can be intimidating and time consuming. How do you make sure your time is used wisely? Join us as we share specific tips you can use today to increase engagement and make it more fun!
Feb 21, 2024
An Artist’s Practical Guide to Bookkeeping
Panelists: eXavier Peterson
Moderator: Kate Taylor
Bookkeeping – another world but so critically important to your practice. There are many things that are specific to visual arts when it comes to bookkeeping. Learn how to capture all your write offs and an overview on how to use accounting software for your business.
This education session is for artists who intend to submit to 2024 group, solo and outdoor shows, with a focus on upcoming Artists’ Network outdoor shows, Riverdale ArtWalk and ArtWalk in the Square.
Nov 15, 2023
What are Traditional Galleries Looking for and how can you get Representation?
Panelists: Andrea Jackman, Jelena Jankovik
Moderator: Kate Taylor
Although there are more options than ever to sell your work, many buyers still prefer to see art in person through a traditional gallery. The global art market is up but traditional galleries still sell more art/year so….how do you get representation? Join us as e chat to gallery owners about whet they are looking for and how you an improve your chances of being noticed. (P.S. – it is NOT by showing up unannounced at the gallery.)
Oct 18, 2023
Online Galleries – how do they work and are they right for you?
Panelists: Julia Hacker, UGallery, Curator on the Go
The value of online art transactions totals around 11 billion U.S. dollars/year. How can you get into the action? What is the best way to determine if an online gallery is a good option for your business? Join us as we chat with artists and online galleries about this growing trend. See Part II – Getting Gallery Representation – next month.
Sept 27, 2023
I Need Help! How Coaching can help you elevate your art practice
Panelist: Alissa Sexton
Moderator: Kate Taylor
We all get stuck sometimes and working with a coach can be the difference between slogging through the challenges or getting help to find your path. One of the critical pieces is finding a coach that you connect with and who understand your business. Join us to hear how you can work with a coach and drive your art and your business forward as well as 2 artists who have used coaching to elevate their practice.
Sept 6, 2023
Your Email list is GOLD – How to leverage it to build your business!
Panelist: Kristy McCarley
You hear it all the time – not to rely on social media alone to connect with art buyers. People who sign up to receive your newsletters are GOLD – they have chosen to hear from you so….how do you nurture and build those relationships to grow your business?
July 19, 2023
AI IN THE ART WORLD – what does it mean to you?
Panelists: James Fowler, Mark Gleberzon
Artificial Intelligence has been making waves in various industries, and now it’s making its mark in the creative realm. But what does this mean for artists? Can technology truly replicate the creative process? Mark Gleberzon and James Fowler will shed light on how AI is shaping the art world and how artists can navigate this new landscape.
JUNE 21, 2023
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Understanding Copyright
Speaker: Paul Sanderson, Barrister and Solicitor, Owner Sanderson Entertainment Law
As artists show more work digitally, the challenge of protecting your rights becomes more complicated. Who owns the rights? What rights does the new owner have to the work? Is there a time limit on copyright laws? Can you print copies of a sold work? Join us to find the answers to these and more questions….
MAY 24, 2023
EVERY WORD COUNTS: How to write a convincing artist statement
Speaker: David McClyment,
For most visual artists, writing their artist statement ranks right up there with going to the dentist (apologies, to all you dental workers, but its true!). As visual people we all believe that our work speaks for itself. But in the competitive world of money and exposure visuals are simply not enough. EVERY opportunity – especially those with juries or selection committees – will require an artist statement …
APRIL 8, 2023
HUMANTIME: Your Part in the Really Big Picture (PART II)
Speaker: Martha Johnson
Continuing on from Martha’s previous seminar HUMANTIME– A REALLY BIG PICTURE ABOUT ART, this session. Artists will be chosen to submit work for critique and discussion as to their connection to a greater lineage. Conversation and themes discussed finding placement in the Contemporary art world. Martha’s version of critique is positive, layered, insightful and thorough. It is meant to inspire action, assist in completion of a work if required and importantly suggest when to stop.
MARCH 29, 2023
HUMANTIME: A Really Big Picture about Art (PART I)
Speaker: Martha Johnson
Martha Johnson has developed a series of “Big Concept” lectures that navigate human history and the narrative of making art. She speaks to artists that may not have had the opportunity to study visual art directly and are looking to establish depth in practice as well as finding their niche.
GOOD ENOUGH IS NOT! How to photograph your artwork so that people pay attention. Whether we like it or not, EVERY opportunity in the art world – exhibitions, competitions, commissions, and frequently sales – is dependent on your ability to photograph your artwork in a compelling way.
JANUARY 26, 2023
How to Create a Strong Submission
Speakers: Angela Lane & Kate Taylor
This is the time of the year when artists start to think about submitting to outdoor fairs or art shows. Too often we see artists rejected not because of their work but because their submission is not strong. Join us as we share a few insights to ensure you always put your best foot forward!
DECEMBER 7, 2022
Helping your Clients Build and Hang their Art Collection
Panelist(s):Jodi Wheeler, Tamara Robbin Griffith
Whether you are a collector or an artist who hangs their art for a client, the placement of the art is critical to the overall look of a space. Join our panel of interior designers and professional installers for tips and tricks to get it just right, how to give suggestions and encourage clients to build a diverse collection of art. Overcoming barriers – hanging heavy or large art.
NOVEMBER 16, 2022
Creating Alternative Revenue Streams
Speakers: Diane Montreuil, Elizabeth Sutton & Julia Veenstra
Moderator: Kate Taylor
Selling prints or functional merchandise is a great way for artists to supplement their income. Having multiple revenue streams allows artists to leverage an online store and to weather the economic ups and downs, ensuring you have items to sell when higher priced original art may be more challenging. Join us as the panel discussed multiple options and why they chose to sell items in addition to their original work.
OCTOBER 26, 2022
Selling your Art without Selling out!
Speakers: Jessica Lin (Residency: Toronto, Portugal, Paris), Vicki Carruthers (Residency: France) and Cherie Harte (Residency: Toronto)
Moderator: Laraine
So, you got accepted into a show….now what? Learning how to connect to potential buyers is critical but does not come easily to many artists. If you struggle to ‘sell’ your work, we invite you to learn from our panel of artists who will share tips to talk about your work in an authentic way….and make the sale…both in-person and online!
SEPTEMBER 21, 2022
Using Artist Residencies to Grow your Art
Speakers: Jessica Lin (Residency: Toronto, Portugal, Paris), Vicki Carruthers (Residency: France) and Cherie Harte (Residency: Toronto)
Moderator: Laraine
Residencies allow artists to commit 100% of their time to developing a new body of work or to explore a new direction. This focused time and energy can reinvigorate your practice. Join our panel as they share their residency experiences.
AUGUST 3, 2022
Embracing Traditional Learning Through Art
Speaker: Josy Thomas
Josy Thomas learned early on the power and importance of the Longhouse Teachings. His grandfather, Jacob Thomas, started his training at age 6 until he passed away when Josy was 17. Join us to learn how Josy used his traditional teachings to create meaningful art.
JUNE 28, 2022
BUILDING YOUR BRAND with Benny Bing
Speaker: Benny Bing
Join us in a session with Toronto based artist Benny Bing as we discuss the benefits of branding and what it takes to build a successful brand. Get the recognition you and your art deserve!
MAY 11, 2022: Success Strategies for Outdoor Art Shows
Panelist: Jamie MacLean, Kate Taylor, Marjolyn van der Hart, Nancy Bennet & Moderator: Angela Lane
Artists well experienced with outdoor art shows, will share their knowledge on how to create a booth that draws in buyers. Then we’ll hear their tips about how to sell to the general public. The seminar will also include an opportunity to chat with the artists and share ideas.
April 13, 2022: Visual Arts Grants: The Essentials
Speakers: Sean Devine, Michael Peterson
Learn how to put together a grant application for the Canada Council for the Arts.
Sean Devine and Michael Peterson, Program Officers from the Canada Council’s Explore and Create program will walk you through: how to create an artist profile on the Council’s portal, what types of grants are available, what to expect through the application process, and strategies for successful submissions.
We will also speak with Artists’ Network members who have received grants and to hear about their experiences with the process, the benefits and the experience overall.
February 23, 2022: Taking Your Career to the Next Level
Speakers: Angela Lane, Celine Gabrielle, Kari Serrao LEARN MORE
Hear about the experiences of three artists and get inspired to take the next bold step, understand the need to take some risks and to step outside of your comfort zone and gain practical information about how to make it happen. Join us to hear from three artists who have taken different paths through social media, outdoor art fairs, gallery shows and social events.
February 23, 2022 – The Gallerists Seminar
Speakers: Joan Spence, Spence Gallery; Phil Emond, Gordon Harrison Gallery; John Gagné, Gagné Contemporary
We’ve all walked past the window of a well-known gallery and pictured our art in its window. Join the Artists’ Network for an evening with a special panel of three well-known gallerists who will share their secrets on how to make that dream a reality.
January 19, 2022 (online) – Getting Your Art Show Submission Right
Speakers: Angela Lane, Professional Artist, Director ArtWalks, Artists’ Network and Kate Taylor, Professional Artist, Chair of Artists’ Network
November 17, 2021 (online) – From Frazzled to Focused: Digital Tools to Organize the Business Side of Art
Speaker: Justin Anthony, Artwork Archive
November 3, 2021 (online) – Photographing Your Artwork
Speaker: David McClyment
October 20, 2021 (online) – Getting Your Paid Ad Strategy Working
Speaker: Marjolyn van der Hart
October 13, 2021 (online) – Growing Your Social Media
Speaker: Marjolyn van der Hart
September 15, 2021 (online) – From the Studio to the Institution
Speaker: Fynn Leitch
Seminar on applying to Public Galleries and Institutions
August 11, 2021 (online) – Wisdom of Kinship: The Creative Spirit and Indigenous Art
Speakers: Diane Montreiul and Grandmother Kim Wheatley
Discussion with artists exhibiting in Wisdom of Kinship: Indigenous Art Exhibition
June 23, 2021 (online) – Dos and Don’ts of Artist’s Statements and Applications
Speaker: David McClyment
Learn to write to get accepted to art shows.
June 9, 2021 (online) – How to Have a Great Website that Sells Your Art
Speaker: Marjolyn van der Hart
Learn how to turn your website into an e-commerce site.
April 28, 2021 (online) – Growing Organic Traffic
Speaker: Marjolyn van der Hart
Learn the ins and outs of keywords, SEO, hashtags and content strategy to build the organic growth of your website and social media.
April 14, 2021 (online) – Grants for Artists Seminar
Speaker: Peter Kingstone
Learn how to apply for a Toronto Art Council Grant
March 29, 2021 (online) – How to Sell – An Art Launch Playbook for an Online Sale
Speaker: Marjolyn van der Hart
Learn how to create a unique online event to sell art.
March 24, 2021 (online) – How Safe is Your Studio? Health and Safety for Artists
Speaker: John Deal
How Safe is Your Studio? Health & Safety for Artists will help you develop a safe and healthy working practice in your studio. You may be inadvertently exposing yourself to toxic and potentially harmful chemicals and situations as you create your artworks. What are the hazards and what can you do to eliminate or reduce their impact by adjusting your practices and environment?
Feb. 24, 2021 (online) – Back by Popular Demand! Building your Online Art Business
Speaker: Marjolyn van der Hart
This seminar will update your knowledge of websites, ecommerce and provide you with the tools to build your art business online. Artist, digital marketer and Artists’ Network Board member, Marjolyn van der Hart will reprise a condensed version of the sessions from last spring with new tips and tricks to help you succeed online.
Jan. 20, 2021 (online) – Level Up, Ladder Up
Speakers: Artists’ Network Board members
How do you become involved in our artist led network? The Artists’ Network is your Ladder ꟷ we help artists level up their skill set to thrive and succeed in the Toronto market. Our goal is to share with you our ideas in generating a program that provides you the educational resources, tools, and opportunities to show, share and sell your art.
Nov. 11, 2020- (online) – Packaging & Shipping Art
Speakers: Mark Starling, Managing Director, PACART and Kate Taylor, Professional Artist, Chair of Artists’ Network
This seminar aims to provide participants, like you, with a broad understanding of the process, so that in the future you will be able to organize the transport of your works with the least disruption, and your artwork arrives in one piece!.
October 20 & 22, 2020 (online) – Branding & Art: How to Communicate to Your Buyer Effectively?
Workshop Leader: Marjolyn van der Hart,VDH Digital
We are inviting you to be part of this Interactive 2 day workshop that will help find the words and language to speak directly to your buyer. This workshop is to help you with the marketing content you need to attract your followers and make them fans of your work..
September 1, 2020 (online) – ArtWalk iin the Square Online Store Bootcamp
Speakers: Angela Lane, Professional Artist, Director ArtWalks, Artists’ Network and Kate Taylor, Professional Artist, Chair of Artists’ Network
To help you navigate your storefront, we are hosting a walk through and Q&A on the Eventeny platform. As well, we want you to get the best experience and have outlined a number of online marketing resources and opportunities for you!
June, July, August 2020 – (online) Artist Roundtables
In these uncertain times we need each other more than ever. What a better time to meet fellow Artists’ Network members. Share online strategies, discuss your art practice and talk about life.
Bi-weekly or once a month we will host 1-hour “Artist Roundtables” on the Zoom video conferencing platform, consisting of small “pods” of artists.
June 2020 (online) – Professional Practice
Speaker: Nicole Collins
June 2020 (online) – Sharing Your Art Story
Speakers: Charmaine Lurch , visual artist and Nathalie Bertin, visual artist
June 11, 2020 (online) – Riverdale ONLINE ArtWalk MARKETING BOOTCAMP
Panel: Zoey Zoric, visual artists and visual artist, Moderator Marjolyn van der Hart, Professional Artists, Director Social Marketing Artists’ Network
Learn how to activate your social media for success!
June 2, 2020 (online) – Riverdale ArtWalk Online Store Bootcamp
Speakers: Angela Lane, Professional Artist, Director ArtWalks, Artists’ Network and Kate Taylor, Professional Artist, Chair of Artists’ Network
To help you navigate your storefront, we are hosting a walk through and Q&A on the Eventeny platform. As well, we want you to get the best experience and have outlined a number of online marketing resources and opportunities for you!
June 2020 (online) – Paid Social Media
Speaker: Marjolyn van der Hart,VDH Digital
May 2020 (online) – Organic Social Media
Speaker: Marjolyn van der Hart,VDH Digital
May 2020 (online) – Optimization for E-commerce
Speaker: Marjolyn van der Hart,VDH Digital
May 2020 (online) – Websites for Selling Art
Speaker: Marjolyn van der Hart,VDH Digital
Feb 2020 – Writing for Artists
Speaker: Marjolyn van der Hart,VDH Digital
Jan 2020 – Grow Your Art Career!
Panel with Johanna Reynolds, Marnie Mandel, Jennifer Wigmore,