In Winter 2017/2018, gallupARTS offered a 3-part FREE Business Management Workshop series for artists. This program served 72 artists total, going a long ways toward fostering entrepreneurship in Gallup’s creative sector.

Overview of 1st Workshop: 
On November 3, 2017 gallupARTS hosted is first Artist Business Management Workshop in partnership with New Mexico Arts and the Gallup Small Business Development Center. Twenty-five artists attended and gained–in their words–“valuable,” “interesting,” “exciting,” and “inspiring” information from artist Maggie Hanley on how to build a clientele, price and market artwork, and make online sales. One artist said that after 15 years, this workshop has “put me on the path of success.” Wow! 

Overview of 2nd Workshop:
On January 13, 2018 gallupARTS hosted is second Artist Business Management Workshop at the Navajo Tech Innovation Center. Thirty-two artists–weavers, painters, silversmiths, fashion designers, flower designers–gathered from as far away as Rio Rancho, NM and Flagstaff, AZ, from across McKinley County, from Tohatchi to Iyanbito, and from Gallup to get tips and tricks from renowned Navajo painters Bahe Whitethorne Sr. and Jr. Attendees described what they learned as “relevant,” “salient,” “informational,” “motivating,” and “meaningful”. 

Overview of 3rd Workshop:
On February 28, 2018, gallupARTS hosted its third and final workshop in the series. Presented by renowned painter and silversmith Teddy Draper, Jr. this roundtable discussion focused on setting up shop, taxes, inventory and more pro tips. Fifteen artists left inspired and motivated to strike out on their own!

In 2023, gallupARTS and 516 Arts‘ Indigenous Art Program are teamed up to to present a series of FREE artist-led master classes
at ART123 Gallery in downtown Gallup for local artists and artisans to develop skills for professional and business opportunities.

Here’s a recap of the series: 

• Saturday, February 18: Writing for Artists
  IAIA Instructor Brian Fleetwood guided artists through the process of writing artist statements, bios and resumes. 
• Saturday, March 11: Build-a-Portfolio
  516 Staff provided tips to build a professional portfolio from both the narrative and technical angles and artist/art instructor Dana Aldis demoed how to take high quality artwork photographs using smartphones.
• Saturday, April 15: Craft an Online Presence
  Lyndon Tsosie shared how he uses websites and social media to build his audience. 

2023

• “Art Be Smart: Intellectual Property and Indian Arts & Crafts Act for Artists” (September 19, 2023)
  • Presented by Ken Van Wey, Indian Arts & Crafts Board Program Analyst, and Susan Anthony, U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Tribal Affairs Liaison and Senior Trademark Attorney

2024

• UNM-Gallup’s Business of Art Bootcamp Partner
• Artist INC Presenter in partnership with New Mexico Arts and the Mid-America Arts Alliance
• DIY Canvas Stretching Workshop with Jerry Brown
• Mat-Cutting Workshop with OFPL MakerSpace

• Download a comprehensive list of artist business management resources from Pave (Program in Arts Entrepreneurship) here. 
• Download the Small Business Development Center’s “How to Start a Small Business” presentation here. 
• Download the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office’s list of different types of intellectual property here.