Business of Art: Artists' Panel Offers Tips Turning Creativity into Cash

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Artists and art advocates will discuss how artists can best market themselves, attain business skills and become more successful at The Business of Art from 6-9:45 p.m. Friday, Aug.14, at Wayne State University’s Old Main Building.

The university will assemble a panel of local experts from Detroit’s vibrant creative scene who will offer students, alumni and others the tips they need to turn their creativity into successful commercial enterprises, building on what organizers call Detroit’s strong tradition of arts entrepreneurship.

“Detroit has a deeply rooted entrepreneurial spirit,” Matthew Seeger, Ph.D., dean of the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University, said in a statement.

“But in the past, our artists have not always been recognized as entrepreneurs nor have they been expected or encouraged to have entrepreneurial skills,” Seeger said. “Today’s more competitive playing field necessitates approaching art with a more innovative approach.”

Organizers of the presentation are the Alumni Office of Wayne State University’s College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts. Panelists are:

• Bridget Russo-Gottlieb (moderator) – Russo-Gottleib directs Shinola’s marketing efforts. Her fashion industry background includes projects with Ali News and Bono at Edun, a company committed to reducing poverty on the African continent. She also ran her own company, Passion Projects Consulting, which focused on fashion ventures with a philanthropic angle.
• Howard Hertz – Hertz is one of Detroit’s most notable entertainment attorneys, having represented clients that include Eminem, George Clinton, Russell Simmons, The Romantics, Marilyn Manson, O-Town, Pantera, Marcus Belgrave, The Go, Mike Posner and Atlantic Records. Hertz works with clients on contract negotiation, litigation, intellectual property, entity formation, and estate and tax planning.
• Cecelia Sharpe – Cellist Cecelia Sharpe is an active freelance musician performing with artists such as Jessica Care Moore, Stacey “Hotwax” Hale, Nick Speed, and Insite the R.I.O.T. Performances also include headlining Dally in the Alley with Invincible, opening for Erykah Badu at The Masonic Temple with Monica Blaire, and an abstract solo cello performance with dancers at The N’namdi Art Gallery. She is also an educator and the founder of Urban Stringz.
• Jon Dones – Dones is the founder of Studio Teal. One of his personal goals and driving motivations in life is to be a legendary diplomat between creativity and business. His professional trajectory has touched photography, art and film production, fashion, art direction, publishing, dee jaying and organizing events. But the thread that runs though all of these has been his disposition and mindset towards taking broad conceptual ideas or business objectives and turning them into creative and strategic executions.
• Jocelyn Rainey – Rainey holds a master’s degree in art from Wayne State University and she is a dean of instruction at Wayne County Community College District. A painter and a sculptor, she is also the founder of Found Art in Odd Places 313, and jRainey Gallery. Rainey also founded and runs a non-profit community art program called Finding Mona Lisa.

The panel discussion, “The Business of Art,” will take place in the Schaver Music Hall and the Elaine L. Jacob Gallery located in Wayne State University’s Old Main Building.

Guests are asked to enter at the 480 West Hancock Street entrance between Cass Avenue and Second Avenue. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and attendees can enjoy the exhibition Sculpture X Symposium in the Elaine L. Jacob Gallery until 8 p.m. The panel discussion runs from 6-7:30 p.m.

The event will be followed by a networking street party at 7:45 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.

Self-parking is available for a small fee at the Corner of Cass and Hancock, at Woodward Parking on Cass across from the Hilberry Theatre, or metered parking along nearby streets.

To attend, RSVP here by Aug. 12.