Artist Professional Development
gallupARTS and 516 Arts‘ Indigenous Art Program are teaming 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.
- Saturday, February 18 from 1 – 4pm: Writing for Artists
Get help with writing your artist statement, bios, resume and more from artist and IAIA instructor Brian Fleetwood. - Saturday, March 11 from 1 – 4pm: Build-a-Portfolio
Learn how to build a professional portfolio from both the narrative and technical angles from 516 staff and artist/art instructor Dana Aldis. Includes still life photo station and smartphone demo. - Saturday, April 15 from 1 – 4pm: Craft an Online Presence
Learn about how best to represent yourself, your work, and your practice’s digital identity with artist Heidi Brandow.
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 Tedd y 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!
- Download a comprehensive list of artist business management resources from Pave (Program in Arts Entrepreneurship) here.


