Maren Granstrom/Island Institute

Participants gather for the welcoming remarks at the 2017 Artists & Makers Conference.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the 2017 Archipelago Artists & Makers Conference on Friday, April 7, 2017! We welcomed over 150 artists and makers from across the state to The University of Maine Hutchinson Center in Belfast for a full day of information, networking, and presentations on a variety of topics from professionals and peers.

Check out photos from the day here!

The 2017 conference offered three themed tracks highlighting information for those just starting a business, those looking to take their business to the next level, and those interested in tips for maintaining fulfillment, passion, and inspiration in their business! 

New features this year included:

  • Three tracks throughout the day—Foundational, Transformational, and Inspirational (focus on one track or mix & match from different ones!)
  • A Pecha Kucha-style event to inspire our creativity
  • ​A DIY tabletop photography workshop
  • Opportunities to meet with and have your product reviewed by retail experts
  • Opportunities to meet with and have your fine art portfolio reviewed by gallery experts

For a complete list of speakers & presentation topics, see the conference agenda:

PDF icon 2017 Artists & Makers Conference Agenda

For copies of the speaker presentations, see the individual PDFs below:

Foundational

PDF icon Approaching Stores and Galleries (Nire Cook, Maine Crafts Association)
PDF icon Getting Started in Business  (Jenn Dobransky, New Ventures Maine)

Transformational

PDF icon Grants and Opportunities for Artists and Makers (Julie Horn, Maine Arts Commission)
PDF icon Best Practices for Shows and Fairs (Kathleen Buchanan, Grey Seal Press)
PDF icon Creating Your Social Media Scrapbook (Abbie McGilvery, From the Nest)

Inspirational

PDF icon What is my vision? (James Morin, Flowfold)
PDF icon Sharing Stories, Stretching Ourselves (Julie Horn, Maine Arts Commission)
PDF icon Maine Marketing and Branding Trends_Andrea Beaulieu (Studio Linear)
PDF icon Maine Marketing and Branding Trends_Tammy Knight (Maine Made)

Afternoon Extras

PDF icon 2017 Artists & Makers Pecha Kucha presentations
PDF icon DIY tabletop photography with Michael O'Neil

Let us know what you thought!

Take a few moments to let us know what you thought about the 2017 Artists & Makers Conference. Fill out our survey, and help us make 2018 even better!