If you ask any artist what they need to succeed, the answer you receive will most likely be marketing and business skills. As Co-founder and Lead Instructor for JB Media Institute, today’s guest, Sarah Benoit leverages her years of experience as a digital marketing strategist to create timely, relevant, and engaging training content for small businesses and creative professionals of all kinds. Today on the Artsville Podcast, Sarah shares her extensive knowledge, offering valuable insights and practical tools to help you grow your business. Join us as we discuss social media, AI, and how to populate your website with tools that will make buying and selling your work simpler and easier. We also dive into why you need a content strategy roadmap, how to use SEO to your benefit, and much more! This episode is an invaluable marketing resource for artists, artpreneurs, and just about any small businessperson, so if you haven’t yet heard about the JB Media Institute or Sarah Benoit, stay tuned!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How Sarah got into this business as an “appreciator of the creators.”
• Reframing marketing for artists by zooming in on relationships.
• Tips for choosing marketing tools wisely and creating a digital strategy that works for you.
• Why Sarah recommends starting with one platform and building from there.
• Challenging certain misconceptions about emerging technology.
• Ethical considerations for artists regarding AI and social media.
• Practical advice for buying and selling artwork online.
• Where to learn more about digital marketing and content strategy for artists.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sarah Benoit — https://www.sarahbenoit.com/

Sarah Benoit Email — sarah@jbmediagroupllc.com

JB Media Institute — https://jbmediainstitute.com/

Content Strategy Roadmap — https://jbmediainstitute.com/training-and-workshops/content-strategy-roadmap/

Sarah Benoit on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/SarahDBenoit/

Sarah Benoit on X — https://twitter.com/SarahDBenoit

The Social Dilemma — https://www.thesocialdilemma.com/

Art Connections — https://www.arttoursasheville.com/

Mountain BizWorks — https://www.mountainbizworks.org/

Craft Your Commerce — https://www.mountainbizworks.org/craft-your-commerce/

Ferguson Family YMCA — https://ymcawnc.org/locations/centers/ferguson

Artsville Podcast — https://artsville.captivate.fm/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman —

Scott “Doc” Varn is the Executive Director and CEO of Preserving a Picturesque America (PAPA), an organization that combines history and art to conserve America’s most important sites. Sharing the mission behind PAPA, Scott joins us today to talk about his personal journey of falling in love with the process of unveiling key locations across the country. He speaks to the unique skills necessary to do this effectively, where he first acquired them, and how he goes about finding like-minded artists to join him along the way. We discuss the process of documenting old and new and understanding our place in history in order to educate generations to come. You’ll also hear all about the PBS documentary dedicated to PAPA, how to become an artist member, and where to view the work being produced by this important organization. Thanks for tuning into this conversation with a very special friend and colleague, Scott “Doc” Varn!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The history of PAPA and the unifying factor of America’s natural beauty.
• How Scott’s mission to discover these spaces was unlocked.
• Resources that point the team at PAPA towards key locations.
• Where Scott developed the skills necessary to get to this stage.
• How the process of conservation and preservation works.
• Finding the appropriate artists with the right intention.
• Documentation of the old and the new and understanding our place in history.
• Mediums available to the artist as they retrace the route through the French Broad Region.
• The PBS documentary bringing PAPA to a screen near you!
• How to become an artist member and where to view the artwork online and in person.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Scott “Doc” Varn on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/docvarn/

Preserving a Picturesque America (PAPA) — https://preservationthroughart.org/

America: The Land We Live In — https://www.pbs.org/show/america-the-land-we-live-in/

Blue Danube Productions — https://bluedanubeproductions.com/

Artsville Podcast — https://artsville.captivate.fm/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio — https://creweststudio.com/

Sand Hill Artists Collective (SHAC) — https://sandhillartists.wordpress.com/

Both students and teachers in the Haywood Community College (HCC) Professional Crafts program form a prominent part of the vibrant creative community in Western North Carolina, an area with a rich history of traditional craftsmanship. Today, you’ll hear from textile artist Amy Putansu and woodworking instructor Brian Wurst about the accessible nature of the HCC Professional Crafts Program in Waynesville, North Carolina, and the professional practice training that makes this program so unique. You’ll also gain insight into what it takes to apply, what you’ll learn as a student there, what the future of craft in America looks like, and much more! For anyone who is interested in additional training in clay, fiber art, jewelry, or wood, plus the entrepreneurial skills you need to market yourself and your work, you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation with Amy Putansu and Brian Wurst!

Key Points From This Episode:

• What HCC Professional Crafts offers, from fine craftsmanship to entrepreneurship skills.
• Things that make this program unique and how Brian became an instructor.
• Insight into the accessible application requirements and the history of the program.
• The kinds of students that typically attend the classes and what they learn.
• Fresh, contemporary takes on the traditional craft history of Western NC.
• Strong connections between economic development and craft making.
• How Brian and Amy have integrated entrepreneurship and creativity in their practices.
• Perspectives on what the future of craft in America looks like.
• A funny story about Louise’s last visit to the annual Penland School of Craft auction.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Haywood Community College (HCC) — https://www.haywood.edu/

HCC Professional Crafts — https://www.haywood.edu/programs/professional-crafts.php

Amy Putansu — https://www.putansutextiles.com/

Amy Putansu on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/putansutextiles/

Amy Putansu on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-putansu-76521113a/

Brian Wurst — https://southernhighlandguild.org/member/brianwurst/

Brian Wurst on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-wurst-38378775/

Annual Penland School of Craft Auction — https://penland.org/support-penland/annual-auction/

Artsville Virtual Gallery — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/virtual-gallery/

Artsville Podcast — https://artsville.captivate.fm/

Not Real Art — https://notrealart.com/

Art Connections with Sherry Masters — https://www.arttoursasheville.com

Mountain BizWorks —

By now, North Carolina’s reputation as an arts destination is well known, but did you know that it played a significant role in the history of the Studio Glass Movement in America? Since Harvey Littleton first moved to the area in the late 1970s, Western North Carolina has cultivated a thriving community of glass makers and supporting organizations. Today, we speak to Candace Reilly, who has been an active member of the arts community in Asheville for almost a decade and currently serves as Executive Director of Asheville’s largest public-access glass studio and gallery, the North Carolina (NC) Glass Center. As an advocate with a fervent commitment to nurturing creative talent, Candace believes that integrated arts education is critical for a more enriched and socially cohesive community. In today's episode, she gives us a glimpse into the history of glass and how the NC Glass Center is not only upholding traditions but democratizing the future of studio glass practice for an ever-expanding community of glass artists! Tune in for all this and more in another fascinating installment of the Artsville Podcast.

Key Points From This Episode:

• An overview of Candace’s background and her role at the NC Glass Center.
• Insight into the history of glass and glass artists in North Carolina.
• How you can learn about glass at the NC Glass Center.
• What to expect from the Dale Chihuly exhibition at Biltmore Estate.
• The explosive growth that led to NC Glass Center’s second location in Black Mountain.
• Different ways that NC Glass Center generates income (and how you can support them!)
• Where you can find the NC Glass Center online and how to contact them.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

North Carolina (NC) Glass Center — https://www.ncglasscenter.org/

“Glass on the Go" — https://www.ncglasscenter.org/mobile-unit

NC Glass Center on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/ncglasscenter/

NC Glass Center on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/NorthCarolinaGlassCenter/

Chihuly at Biltmore — https://www.biltmore.com/things-to-do/events/chihuly-at-biltmore/

Art Connections — https://www.arttoursasheville.com/

Mountain BizWorks — https://www.mountainbizworks.org/

Craft Your Commerce — https://www.mountainbizworks.org/craft-your-commerce/

Ferguson Family YMCA — https://ymcawnc.org/locations/centers/ferguson

‘Community Art, Friendship, and Healing: Artsville’s Partnership with the Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler’ — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/community-art-friendship-and-healing-artsvilles-partnership-with-the-ferguson-family-ymca-in-candler/

Artsville Podcast —

In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Neuman and Stephanie Munn to discuss the importance of art in building and strengthening communities based on their personal experiences. Stephanie is the Director of the Ferguson Family YMCA in Candler, North Carolina, and Wendy is a photographer, fashion designer, volunteer, and marketing expert.

In our conversation, Stephanie delves into the mission of the YMCA in fostering community connections and the wide range of programs they have for people of all ages and backgrounds. We discuss Wendy’s experiences as a photographer and fashion designer, including her work with cancer patients and her efforts to bring art into various organizations and events. We also talk about the importance of building friendships, building a safe place for children and families, Wendy’s Mandala and Kaleidoscope project, the role of art in bringing people together, why community engagement is essential, and much more! Join us, as we uncover the intersection of art, community, and healing with Wendy Neuman & Stephanie Munn!

Key Points From This Episode:

• A brief update on Artsville's growth and new opportunities for 2024.
• The unique art scene and community of Candler and Enka.
• YMCA’s mission to build communities through inclusive programs.
• How Stephanie realized the potential of the Candler and Enka communities.
• Fostering artist-community engagement through Wendy’s workshops.
• Discover the collaborations and wearable art featuring Wendy’s photography.
• Stephanie shares details about the latest YMCA offerings and member benefits.
• Wendy’s experiences photographing terminally ill children and cancer patients.
• Why involvement with the YMCA is critical and how to get involved.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Artsville — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/

Wendy Neuman | Clothing — https://wendynewmandesigns.com/

Wendy Neuman | Photo — https://wendyneumanphoto.com

Wendy Neuman on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/wendynewmandesigns/

Wendy Neuman on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/wendynewmandesigns/

Wendy Neuman on on Pinterest — https://za.pinterest.com/WNDesigns/

Stephanie Munn on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-mcgrath-munn-a11694275/

Stephanie Munn on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/stephanie.munn/

Call Stephanie Munn — 828-273-0346

YMCA of Western North Carolina — https://ymcawnc.org/

OpenDoors Asheville — https://opendoorsasheville.org/

Arterial Network — https://artistsatriskconnection.org

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards — https://www.artandwriting.org/

Kenn Kotara —

In this episode, we introduce two bright young artists, Elizabeth Walton and Amy Massey, who are making waves in Western North Carolina and beyond. Both Elizabeth and Amy recently graduated from Artsville’s First Virtual Gallery of Artists Cohort program, a digital and live marketing initiative designed to help artists succeed in the business of art. Elizabeth is a talented jewelry designer, with a passion for metalsmithing, and Amy Massey is a 2D artist and massage therapist. In our conversation we delve into their journeys, discussing their inspirations, creative processes, and the impact of the program on their careers. We unpack what keeps them inspired, juggling different jobs, how to market yourself without a gallery, their unique approaches to their work, the biggest lessons from the Virtual Gallery of Artists program, and much more! Join us as we discuss their artistic journeys, the challenges they face, and the exciting future of arts in Asheville and beyond. Tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introductions and background about guests Elizabeth Walton and Amy Massey.
• Elizabeth’s journey from inheriting a studio to pursuing a sustainable metalsmithing practice.
• They share their main takeaways and lessons from the Virtual Gallery of Artists program.
• Amy discusses her unique fusion of art and bodywork and where she draws inspiration from.
• Discover Elizabeth’s design process and how nature influences her work.
• New friends and networking opportunities from the Virtual Gallery of Artists program.
• Explore their diverse career paths, including galleries and self-promotion through art festivals.
• Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities present in today's competitive art market.
• The vibrant arts scene in Asheville and the exciting prospects for artists in the future.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Amy Massey — https://www.amygmassey.com/

Amy Massey on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/amymasseystudio/

Ren Ren Jewelry — https://redrenjewelry.com/

Ren Ren Jewelry on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/redrenjewelry

Ren Ren Jewelry on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/redrenjewelry/

Not Real Art — https://notrealart.com/

Arterial Network — https://artistsatriskconnection.org

Appalachian State University — https://www.appstate.edu/

Sandhill Artists Collective — https://sandhillartists.wordpress.com/

Woolworth Walk — https://www.woolworthwalk.com/

Kenn Kotara — https://www.kotarastudio.com/

Michael Manes — https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-manes-97379a8b/

Blue Spiral 1 — https://bluespiral1.com/

Art Connections with Sherry Masters —

Artworks are regularly sold at auctions around the world for record sums of money, but today’s guest believes that auctions serve a greater purpose than just growing the highest bidder’s collection. Every object is an invitation to consider our personal and collective histories through the unique and often fascinating story it has to tell. Today, you'll hear from a local auctioneer, Southern fine art specialist, and Senior Vice President of Brunk Auctions, Lauren Brunk. Brunk is a private auction house specializing in the sale of fine art, jewelry, antique furniture, coins, and countless other areas of collecting ranging from contemporary art to antiquities. In this episode, Lauren offers some insight into the world of auctions, the types of people that make up the buyers and sellers, how auctions retell the stories of the items they sell, and so much more. For a comprehensible guide to the secondary art market, be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Defining the secondary art market and how it differs from the primary art market.
• How virtual art sales have evolved since the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The wide variety of people who make up Brunk’s buyer and seller communities.
• Ways that auctions retell the story of the items they sell.
• Insight into the relationship between auction houses and museums.
• Lauren’s relationship with the Black Potter, Jim McDowell.
• How Brunk supports the next generation of art storytellers through community outreach.
• What the objects at art auctions can teach us about value.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Brunk Auctions — https://brunkauctions.com/

Brunk Auctions on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/brunkauctions/

Email Brunk Auctions — info@brunkauctions.com

Lauren Brunk on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-brunk-291ab51/

Lauren Brunk on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/laurenb1969/

Jim McDowell — https://blackpotter.com/

‘Jim McDowell: The Need to Look Back in Order to Move Forward’ (Episode 13) — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/jim-mcdowell/

Nasher Museum of Art — https://nasher.duke.edu/

Ogden Museum of Southern Art — https://ogdenmuseum.org/

A Question of Value: Stories from the Life of an Auctioneer — https://www.amazon.com/dp/1469678098

Artsville — https://www.artsvilleusa.com/

Scott “Sourdough” Power — https://www.notarealartist.com/

Louise Glickman — https://www.louiseglickman.com/

Daryl Slaton — http://www.tailsofwhimsy.com/

Crewest Studio —

You wouldn’t think that a town of under 500 people could be home to a thriving art gallery, let alone two competing ones across the road from one another. But in Bakersville, North Carolina, that is exactly the case. Joining us today is Andy Palmer, who co-owns the In Tandem gallery with his wife Silvia Ferrari-Palmer on the main street, and Vicki Essig, who runs Mica, another beautiful gallery just across the road. We talk with Andy and Vicki about their work as artists, and how the symbiotic relationship between their two galleries has contributed to the rich artistic community of Bakersville. Tuning in you’ll learn about the process behind Vicki’s incredible artworks (woven by silkworms!) and how her small community has supported her labor-intensive creations. She also shares the powerful story of a pair of silk overalls made in honor of civil rights activist, Joyce Ladner, how they were sold to a descendent of hers, and what this fortuitous connection demonstrates about community building. We hear from Andy about how his wife’s digital outreach transformed their gallery, the immense impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on online sales, and how he utilizes his background in ceramics to find artists for their gallery. Our conversation also covers Mica and In Tandem’s approach to branding, the Toe River Council’s important work supporting artists, and details about Artsville's new virtual gallery of artists. To hear all the fascinating details of this thriving artistic community and how to partner with other galleries, be sure to tune in!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Get to know today’s guests, Andy Palmer and Vicki Essig.
• Insight into Vicki’s weaving artworks and how she uses silkworms for her threads.
• The benefits of being part of a small community and how they have supported her process.
• Details of Andy and his wife Silvia’s gallery, In Tandem.
• How Silvia improved digital outreach and how COVID-19 increased their online sales.
• Where they find their artists and how Andy uses his expertise as a ceramics artist.
• Vicki’s gallery Mica and its location across from In Tandem in their small town, Bakersville.
• How they work together instead of competing with one another.
• Mica’s selection process and how they support their artists.
• How Bakersfield’s thriving artistic community has supported economic growth in Bakersville.
• An overview of how In Tandem and Mica approaches branding.
• The Toe River Arts Council and their impactful work supporting artists.
• Details about the Hilloween event in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
• Learn about Artsville’s exciting new virtual gallery of artists.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Andy Palmer — https://www.intandemgallery.com/andy-palmer-bio

In Tandem Gallery — https://www.intandemgallery.com/

Vicki Essig — https://www.vickiessig.com/

Mica — https://www.micagallerync.com/

Penland School of Craft — https://penland.org/

The Toe River Arts Council — https://toeriverarts.org/

Hilloween — https://www.hilloweennc.org/

Hilloween: A Mechanism for Unity with Gina Phillips —