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Thriving Stories
Below is a growing collection of stories from organizations and artists across the country that align with the self-assessment survey.
Collaboration must benefit everyone
Vicente Yepez turned down an opportunity to write the script for an independent film because, even though there was some overlap with his...
Protecting time & finding words
Filmmaker Spade Robinson is extremely protective of the time and space it takes to concentrate on art, which requires making sacrifices....
Goals and generosity create opportunities
Markeith Woods describes visiting his written long-term goals every day, morning and night, and using a vision board. He practices...
Communicating built confidence
Megha Rao, a bharatanatyam dancer, shares that learning to talk and write about herself and her work has helped her grow take her work to...
Building community through support and sharing
Visual artist Kinya Christian suggests that artists sincerely acknowledge each others’ talents to build the community and the audience...
Networking and generosity helps the ecosystem thrive
Amos Cochran describes how creating a network of other artists – especially those outside of his discipline of music – made a difference...
Planning and networking lead to celebration
Keely Brice describes how she breaks down a writing project, planning daily word count targets around other obligations, and how she...
Getting out of our heads and connecting
Joy Clark describes connecting with other writers through their work to avoid feeling isolated, and how they reciprocate. When she’s...
Solitary but not Isolating
Painter Helen Kwiatkowski shares how painting is a solitary but not isolating practice. She doesn’t say no to new ideas, but she’s...
Thriving with a Community & Listening to Your Body
Musician Jasper Logan describes how he and other artists have supported each other over time, personally and professionally. When his...
Networking & Collaboration is Key to Success
Painter and printmaker Briseida Ochoa connects with other artists digitally and in person, supporting each other and sharing techniques....
Creating a Support Group for Artists
Artist Kristine Shomaker describes how she fostered a support group of artists and the benefits she derives from this community.
Sometimes Saying No Is the Right Thing to Do
Artist Robert Yoder describes when and why he’s said no to opportunities and what he’s learned from negative experiences.
Valuing Your Personal Energy as a Resource
Tristan Hessing offers his perspective on the importance of considering your personal energy as a valuable, finite resource and carefully...
I Won't Waste Any More Days of My Life
by Ted Gillespie www.tedagillespie.art As a husband and a breadwinner, my art always took a backseat to life’s responsibilities. Today at...
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