Island Institute
Archipelago Director Lisa Mossel Vietze welcomes guests to the 6th annual Artists and Makers Conference on April 5, 2019 at Point Lookout in Northport, Maine.
The 6th annual Artists & Makers Conference took place Thursday, April 4th and Friday, April 5, 2019, welcoming close to 200 artists and makers from across the state to Hedges Hall at Point Lookout in Northport for a full day of information, networking, and presentations tailored to the needs of Maine's arts-based businesses.
Open to all artists and makers who live and produce work in Maine, the annual event offers three themed tracks – Foundational, Transformational, and Inspirational – that highlight 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. Other highlights include hands-on workshops, a Pecha Kucha-style event to inspire creativity, and the opportunity to network with professionals and peers.
See below for photos and video from the event, presentation highlights, and more!
Thursday evening keynote: Robert Shetterly
Artrist Robert Shetterly speaks to guests during the Thursday evening keynote at the 2019 Artists and Makers Conference.
Americans Who Tell the Truth: An Evening with Robert Shetterly
Robert Shetterly's "Americans Who Tell The Truth" portraits and narratives highlight citizens who courageously address issues of social, environmental, and economic fairness. By combining art and other media, it offers resources to inspire a new generation of engaged Americans who will act for the common good, our communities, and the Earth. During this special event, Shetterly presented from his body of work and shared his process for how he chooses who to portray.
View a video of Robert Shetterly's presentation here
Friday Keynote: Suhail Bisharat
Island Institute
Friday keynote Suhail Bisharat discusses connections between Maine and the Middle East and how art inspires conversation and connection.
Keynote Speaker Suhail Bisharat described the challenging task of building and housing a collection of contemporary art from across the Arab and Islamic world, the role of national leadership, artists, and the private sector as they came together to create the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts in Amman. Inaugurated in 1980 by the late King Hussein and Her Majesty Queen Noor, the permanent collection includes the work of more than 800 artists from 59 countries.
View a video of Suhail Bisharat's keynote here
Photo Gallery
Photo highlights from both days of the 2019 conference can be found in the photo gallery here.
Conference Speakers
- Rich Brooks, flyte new media
- Whitney Burdsall, New England Made
- Allison Carmen, Island Institute
- Carrie Cleveland, CERF+
- Kenny Cole, Visual artist
- Karen D’Silva, Karen D'Silva Creative Services
- Claire Donnelly, Island Institute and Fox Island Printworks
- Michele Gilfoil, Planet Botanicals
- Gabrielle Melchionda, Mad Gab’s
- Barbara Michelena, CRAFT Gallery
- Craig Olson, Island Institute
- Colin Page, Colin Page Paintings
- George Pearlman, George Pearlman Pottery
- Addie Peet, Addie Peet Design
- Laura Pierce, Iris Designs
- Lindsay Pinchbeck, Sweet Tree Arts
- Julia Powell, Fine artist
- Brian Reid, Brian Reid Furniture
- Josh Rogers, Heritage Seaweed
- Jesse Salisbury, Contemporary sculptor
- Laura Serino, Island Apothecary and Bella Luna Toys
- Robert Shetterly, Painter and author
- Alex Steed, Knack Factory
- Bobbie Wentworth, J. Edward Knight Insurance
Pecha Kucha-style presentations
- Kim Bernard
- Abe Goodale
- Jake Ryan
- Jesse Salisbury
- Anneli Skaar and Mark Kelly
- Laurie Sproul
Conference sessions and descriptions
Additional Resources
Presentations
- Business Model Canvas Workshop
- DIY Photography Workshop
- Wholesale vs Retail – What's the Best Strategy for Your Business
- The Importance and Impact of Email Marketing
- Instagram Successes and Failures
Videos
- Americans Who Tell the Truth: An Evening with Robert Shetterly
- Session: Branding Best Practices
- Session: The Importance and Impact of Email Marketing
- Friday Keynote: Suhail Bisharat
- Session: What is an Artist's Obligation to Society?
- Pecha Kucha-style Presentations
Other details
New to Arists & Makers? Photos, presentations, and information from the 2018 conference can also be found here.
Special thanks to our supporters
Special thanks to John and Tina Gillis, Molly Haley, Ed Fretag, and Down East magazine for supporting the 2019 conference.
