ARTpreneurs

A Sincere Thank You

2011-08-01T12:00:00.033-04:00

To those who have made a significant impact on our youth, and made outstanding efforts to make the ARTpreneurs Workshop 2011 possible, our thanks goes out to you. Without your support, our work would not have been realized.

Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation

Maryland Multicultural Youth Centers (MMYC)

Showcase and BPC in Photos - ARTpreneurs Workshop 2011

2011-07-31T23:09:00.001-04:00

In six weeks, our artpreneurs created a product and showcase, and developed, presented, and defended a business plan.

In less than three hours, our artpreneurs showcased their products and competed in a business plan competition, highlighting the challenging and rewarding work they have done.

To say it was a proud moment, a memorable experience would be an understatement.

And the Winners ARE...

1st Place - Handle with Care

2nd Place - Tell Me Your Wish

3rd Place - Wired World Wide

People's Choice - Handle with Care

And now for the photos...

Many Many Thanks to the our judges, our mentors, our families, and friends, who made the day a success. To MMYC and Family Services, Inc., thank you for the incredible support in helping make the ARTpreneur's Workshop more available and exciting to the participants. To Ms. Trisha for her relentless work preparing for the event, Ms. Carien for her incredible talents displayed through each artpreneurs work, and Ms. Jan who's unwavering support of the ARTpreneurs Workshop create a unique transforming experience for our youth. Again, a sincere thank you.

"It takes a village." -African Proverb

WEEK 5: The Business Side of Art - by Comments

2011-07-22T22:13:00.001-04:00

Doing the financial parts of the business plan slides isn't as easy as it seems, its actually alot harder to figure out how to make the numbers add and still end up making enough profit to support our business and ourselves.
--
Adam and Lyev

This whole experience was a growing process. I learned the beginning of what it takes to start a business. There is a lot more to it than what we learned here at the ARTpreneurs workshop. The process of making the power point was extremely difficult because of the financial slides. I would get so lost in the numbers. It wasn't so bad once I received clarification from Trisha or Derek. Overall, I learned a lot about myself, business and life in general through this program. I got a little taste of what work is really like, but I also see that hard work has beautiful benefits.
--
Arnelle

WEEK 4: In Pictures

2011-07-20T12:45:00.002-04:00

Our Master Artist and Friend, Ms. Carien

2011-07-20T12:18:00.002-04:00

Congratulations Ashley Boalch Miss DC 2011!

2011-07-12T11:30:00.000-04:00

On behalf of the ARTpreneurs Workshop team, we say congratulations to our mentor, and Miss DC Pageant Winner 2011

Our Mentor, Miss Ashley Boalch

Work in progress

2011-07-11T22:58:00.004-04:00

Week 3: S.W.O.T and Product Development

2011-07-11T06:13:00.020-04:00

During the third week, artpreneurs were introduced to S.W.O.T analysis: a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats involved in a project or business venture. The youth will apply this strategy during the writing of their business plans. As the youth continue to develop their products, they critically evaluated their construction methods while identifying strengths and weaknesses and developed strategies to maximize the strengths in their product as well as solve possible weakness.

Artpreneurs and instructors had the opportunity to visit the Montgomery County Recycling Center, for an enlightening experience that left us in awe of the amount of recyclable materials processed, the incredible opportunities and a real appreciation for the workers at the Center. We also visited the beautiful Mansion at Strathmore Hall for the Creative Craft Council Show, where we saw inspiring works created by talented artists in a variety of material, including fiber, glass, metal, wood, clay and mixed media.

We look forward to a new week that will include a working lunch with our mentors and the refining and completion of the products. We were all fortunate to see incredible work by Ms. Carien, our Master Artist, who won 1st Prize for Mixed Media. Another great week of hard work, positive results, and great experience.

2011-07-07T20:34:00.003-04:00

Two Artpreneurs, Kelly and Diante work on their products.

Second Week of ARTpreneurs Workshop 2011: GOAL SETTING

2011-07-05T13:44:00.000-04:00

The second week of the ARTpreneurs workshop was jam-packed with inspiring learning opportunities as the youth Artpreneurs continued to work within the framework of professional development and entrepreneurial drive. Following discussions on “Green business” and “socially responsible business practices”, Artpreneurs choose business partners, based on shared interests and skills required. Artpreneurs were introduced to a variety of recycled materials and construction methods and tools to transform raw material into innovative products. The newly formed business teams started working on their product designs by doing research and design drawings, referencing the principles of good design. On the business-side Artpreneurs focused on goal setting and time management, concepts that were continuously reinforced while they worked on their product designs.

The ARTpreneur workshop was fortunate to have professional artist, Ellen Hill, share her artistic journey and endeavors with us. Youth Artpreneurs presented several of their product designs to Ms. Hill who gave them valuable feedback that the Artprenuers will take into consideration when deciding which product they will create for the business competition. As instructors we were impressed with the creative designs and the innovative thinking displayed by the Artprenuers as well as their flexible teamwork and dedication as they work towards their goals.

2011-07-03T14:32:00.000-04:00

Guest Speaker and Arist Ellen addresses the artpreneurs.

Business Ideas

2011-07-02T14:51:00.002-04:00

Artpreneurs Vanya and Sasha present their design and company "Fab Bands"
to artist, Ellen for review.

First day of Business

2011-06-29T11:22:00.002-04:00

Today we started working on our business plans. We are working on our group names and we are looking over past business plans.

Business Mentors

2011-06-28T15:09:00.009-04:00

Today we had the business mentors come to the kick- off event. We met Ava, Ashley, and Alexandra. They all have different backgrounds. Two are communications majors and Ava is a marketer. There is a lot of information we can get from them, and we are really excited to work with them. We had a relaxed lunch, and we got to talk about our interests and to try and see who we want to work with. It seems like all of them have different level of expertise. Some have worked with social media and smaller businesses, while other mentors have had a lot of experience working on product development and have conducted study after study of consumer analysis. They are all great!

Here are some of the comments we have documented from the kids about their experiences:

"A person always needs a guide. There is always someone more experienced than you whom can advise you and set you on a better path."- Vanya

"I think I would want one of the mentors with music experience to help me as they have connections in entertainment." Lyev

"We are really lucky to have such a diverse group to advise us." Trisha

Thank you 2011 Mentors!

2011-06-28T14:00:00.002-04:00

To become a mentor, please click on the following links to learn more.

Mentor Invitation
Application Form

We have three new mentors that have joined the ARTpreneurs team. We are really excited to have them here.

Ashley N. Boalch is a University of Maryland communications major student.
Alexandra P. Sacasa is a University of Maryland communications major student.
Ava Gupta is an independent contractor and marketing advisor to larger corporations.
Brandon Baker is a college student at Grove City College, studying Entrepreneurship.

Mentors are an invaluable part of our program. We are still looking for new mentors to join the team. In being a part of the ARTpreneurs Workshop, you may find a unique transforming experience in yourself. When you do, please share with others.

Green Products for a Green Business

2011-06-27T23:33:00.004-04:00

Artpreneurs were introduced to the qualities of a sustainable business, social responsible business practices, and explored the potential of recyclable materials.

Artpreneurs experiment and create with newspaper and wire.

2011-06-27T23:13:00.003-04:00

Youth Artpreneurs learned about the Ten Principles of Good Design as developed by the industrial designer Dieter Rams and then applied it by creating fabulous functional products using only newspaper and wire.

First Week of ARTpreneurs Workshop 2011: PERSPECTIVE

2011-06-23T15:00:00.000-04:00

The first week has passed ever so quickly, and yet the Artpreneurs have established themselves as incredible learners, exhibiting professional behavior and entrepreneurial drive.

Our first week began with a welcome from Jan, Derek, Carien, Trisha, and Kristen. The artpreneurs received a binder, with important paperwork, to use as their journal and to keep handouts. After the administrivia, we dove right into the learning. Learning included, but was not limited to, PERSPECTIVE, studio management, principles of "good design", and critique.

Injected into the creative work of the artpreneurs, a business plan template was provided and business topics were shared. Cost of goods sold (COGS) were identified, noting that besides materials, an artists time has value. Return on Investment (ROI) was also calculated using bags of chips we ate for lunch as a real example. We calculated a 400% ROI... wow!

By the end of the first week, incredible products were made out of paper, glue, and wire, that astounded us as instructors. We are ever so proud of the new friendships being formed, consideration of others being exhibited, listening and learning that is occurring, and the high output of each artpreneur.

First Day of ARTpreneurs Workshop 2011

2011-06-22T14:54:00.006-04:00

"Walked in thinking that all of these employees (us) just wanted a summer job. Leaving realizing these kids have great ideas and a strong desire to be heard. Excited for these six weeks!" - Mika

"This is your life...you better do you, or you might as well be living a lie." - Lyev

"This program can help me explore any future possibilities for myself." - Kelly

"This first day was very informative and such a great ice breaker for everyone. I met some amazing new people."- Vanya

"exciting. mind-opening. I liked the day in general, I had no problems with today and I believe I am going to really like this workshop." - Adam

"Today I got to meet new people who have things in common with me." - Huiyan Soong

"Today was exciting.It was interesting to see how the rest of the program pans out." - Arnelle

"It was epic. I net new people and made a block buddy!"

ARTpreneurs Workshop

Become a Mentor Today, and Make a Difference in your own Life

2011-06-16T22:14:00.001-04:00

Find out how to become actively involved in the ARTpreneurs Workshop, as a mentor, and see the power of building a community of learners together.

Click here for more information.

Ready for Change!?!

2011-06-15T15:54:00.002-04:00

We are pleased to announce the 2011 ARTpreneurs Workshop will kickoff on Tuesday, June 21st @ 10am.

Our team, consisting of Jan Goldstein, Executive Director of Arts on the Block, Carien Quiroga, Master Artist, Trisha Gupta, Project Manager, and Derek Sontz, Entrepreneurship Instructor is excited by the recruitment of interested, exciting, and energized apprentices who will be our 2011 ARTpreneurs.

We are ready to change the world, one interested artist, one entrepreneur, at a time. If you are ready for a change, a change for the better, contact artpreneursworkshop@artsontheblock.com for more information.

2011-05-23T23:36:00.003-04:00

Dear Friends,

Hope you can stop by one of two local Original Pancake Houses (Bethesda and Rockville) between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. for breakfast, lunch or what have you...

A whopping 15% of all proceeds will go to Arts on the Block, a fabulous organization on whose staff I serve. Help us provide programming for more youth than ever this summer -- and help spread the word about Dine Out Day!

Are You Ready to START your own ECO-FRIENDLY ART BUSINESS?

2011-04-11T21:15:00.015-04:00

Apply Online by May 31st, 2011

ARTpreneurs Workshop Summer 2011 in Gaithersburg

Are you a creative young person who loves to make things and dreams of owning your own business?

Want to COMPETE TO WIN $500 AND OTHER AWESOME AWARDS learning how to make it happen?

WHAT: In this workshop, you will...

meet creative and inspiring artists and business owners
discover what it takes to start a "green" arts enterprise (business)
explore what kinds of products are in demand
investigate a business idea
create and defend a business plan
market and sell your product
and MORE!

WHEN:

Tuesday, June 21 – Thursday, July 28, 2011 (six weeks).
Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., except the week of July 4, which is Tuesday through Thursday (Lunch provided).
Participants may not plan for more then one absence during this period.

WHERE: Gaithersburg

WHO: If you are a young person aged 15-21 living in Montgomery County who

is creative
likes to be your own boss
is available and can get to Gaithersburg during the time period described above (“WHEN”)
enjoys working in teams
is a US citizen or has Legal Alien status…

YOU CAN APPLY FOR THE ARTPRENEURS WORKSHOP!

HOW TO APPLY

Thank You - Workshop 2010

2010-07-22T12:00:00.031-04:00

Thank you.

I am grateful for the opportunity to make a difference. I am grateful for learners who worked hard. I am grateful for the outcomes we achieved.

To the artists, your hard work is appreciated and respected. To our guests, your time, energy, and experience was worthwhile and added value to our workshop. To our showcase and business plan competition judges, we are grateful for your feedback as our future leaders develop. To our team, simply put... you rock! To our supporters, without your generosity, the ARTpreneurs Workshop Experience (AWE) would not have been possible... a sincere thank you.

"It takes a village." -African Proverb-

We have begun an exciting journey, together, as the discovery and exploration of the intersection of art and entrepreneurship provide opportunities we will continue to take advantage of, and create "unique transforming experiences" for our ARTpreneurs.

"To infinity, and beyond!" -BL-

July 21, 2010

2010-07-21T19:08:00.020-04:00

We prepped for the Showcase and Business Plan Competition down to the last minute. Everyone dressed for the occasion and everyone had butterflies in the stomachs. Guests started to arrive ahead of schedule -- judges, mentors, field trip hosts, Arts on the Block board members, and a parent or two. We took our places behind the display tables and talked about our products.

When 11:00 rolled around, it was time to present the business plans. Eco-Treasures, the jewelry team went first, followed by Paper Lantern, Inc. and L & J Coasters. It was a bit unnerving standing in front of so many people, but everyone stepped up to the plate. The judges and audience members asked a lot of great questions, and made some excellent suggestions.

After the last presentation, the judges loaded up their plates and sequestered themselves in a room with Derek to discuss the presentations. When they emerged a half hour later, Derek was charged with announcing the winners. The scores were very close, he said, and the judges were amazed at how much we had done in such a short time.

L & J Coasters (Lindsay and Jenai) took first place and will divide the $200 prize (that's artist/mentor Eileen Martin in the photo with L and J); Eco-Treasures (Heruy, Sasha and Sita) will divide the $100 second place prize, and Paper Lantern, Inc. (Abra, Drew, Hark, Lester and Toney) took home the highest compliments for the product with the greatest potential for taking to market!

Once the guests had left, we took some time to process this event we had all been waiting for. Here are some of our thoughts on how the day went:

Lindsay: "I enjoyed seeing the outcome of the stress and the math and the lectures. Everything came together even though yesterday we did not think it would..... In the beginning of the workshop I only saw cans... now....we have a product and learned a lot...(which) is great."

Abra: "This morning I woke up and I wondered if I should make it or not. But when I got there and I began to explain my product I forgot about everything. I stopped worrying about everything and I started to do what I came here to do."

Erin (aka Hark): "For me today, the best part was selling the first model and the best part is that our group has the chance to sell a mass marketed project."

Heruy: "I used to think starting a business would be too much, but (now I think it's possible)... Knowing that people want to buy our stuff is great. Incorporating numbers with art is doable; not easy, but plausible!"

Lester: "Sometimes you can not change other people – but I learned to keep pushing. I made friends, partners, and new opportunities to sell more products. Nobody can not do everything but everybody can do something. That is one thing I am learning here."

Sasha: "The best part of today was selling a good portion of our products."

Jenai: "My favorite part of today was doing the presentation and speaking with confidence and getting through it. I spoke with confidence and certainty. I was really nervous about people asking me questions but then I realized I had the answers."

Drew: "Thank you to the staff."

Toney: (My favorite part was) "making money and seeing everyone do well and succeed."

Jenai's mom: "Not only did I get to see my daughter present her business plan yesterday, but I got to see how much they changed it overnight. (Their work) has has motivated me to want to sell something; to start my business practice...If you can get out there and do something for yourself, the money you get is all yours... I've always told my children, "Don’t go to school to be a janitor; instead go to school to run the janitor department."

Jan: "I am so proud you all -- because you are the ones who stuck it out. There were so many more teens who applied for the workshop, and only some of them showed up to interview. Of the ones who interviewed, not all made it into the workshop. Of the ones who did, you made it through to the end -- despite the pressure and the stress and all the difficulties of working on a team with others you barely know -- etcetera! I am so impressed by how far you have come and how you had to support each other to get the job done. The sales were the icing on the cake! Congratulations, everyone!!!"

Trisha: "What makes any kind of art worth it for me is doing it for other peoples stories. You guys have amazing stories. I personally feel so honored to be a part of this team. You guys are that important, and your work is that important. Its rare that I find things that valuable, I find that you guys are that valuable."

Derek: "I only hope that you all feel the same pride and gratefulness that I feel. You worked hard and your hard worked paid off. Things have changed, and for the better! One of the main reasons you do it (teach) is to see the lights go on (in your students)...and that light went on, whether it happened two weeks ago or just today. I am extremely grateful to work with you today. What happened in Pay it Forward: (the main character) wanted to change the world...by influencing three people every day. Help another artist; come back and check people doing right and catch them doing that. Stop people from doing wrong. Don’t sit there and do nothing. If you are the one joking around and not doing well in the class, make a positive change. To be the person sitting next to the distracting and disruptive person and allowing it to happen is even more wrong...Make sure that every day...you choose to wake up on the right side of the bed."

Special thanks to our very special judges -- Jessica Beels, jewelry artist; Moe Dweck of Data-Trieve; Dave Heffernan of Bethesda Green; Deborah Simon of The WayGoose; Carol Trawick of the Jim and Carol Trawick Foundation, and Verice White of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship for lending their time and expertise!

July 19, 2010

2010-07-19T21:37:00.000-04:00

At t-minus-three-days to the business plan competition day, all teams were putting the finishing touches on their products and business plans. Everyone even got to rehearse once. It has become obvious that while we have covered a lot of ground in twelve days, we would love a few more weeks to dig even deeper in the future!

July 15, 2010

2010-07-15T21:29:00.001-04:00

Sally Canzoneri, paper/book/origami artist whose work is sold at ArtSpring among other retail outlets, drove up from DC to work with the paper team. In the course of just a couple of hours, a wonderful idea for a product gelled from all the previous ideas of the team and Sally's vast experience: an origami lantern made from old maps!

July 13, 2010

2010-07-13T22:34:00.003-04:00

Evan Rosenthal and Mike O'Brien are Squiidies. It wasn't very long ago that these guys and a couple of their friends were classmates at Sherwood High School; now they own Squiid -- a web design business that is growing by leaps and bounds. Mike is the main designer. He has a degree in art, but actually started out as a journalist. He is a great cartoonist and illustrator, and on the side he also sells his original drawings. (Check out his booth at the Fenton Street Market someday). Evan is the front man. He goes after new accounts and is the first person to work directly with clients. Evan and Mike were great guests because they were really honest with us about all the hard work that goes in to starting your own business. But they both agreed that for them, owning a business is so worth it!

July 13th

2010-07-13T16:22:00.003-04:00

Today we worked on the business plan and we got our first glass grinder. We are using materials I have never used before and I really like trying new things. It was really cool to get recycled glass and work with Eileen.

July 12, 2010

2010-07-12T22:45:00.007-04:00

Two talented and generous artist/entrepreneurs visited the studio today. They really were more like mentors than anything else. Eileen Martin founded Martin Glass Creations currently located at VisArts in Rockville. Eileen dropped in to work with the "hard objects" team and in no time, the juices were flowing! The team described their ideas for art coasters to Eileen, and Eileen in turn offered some sage advice on construction methods and sources of glass that helped make the team's vision take shape, literally. Veronica Szalus, a multi-media artist from Arlington who was instrumental in founding Artomatic and still is a member of the core team, has a degree from Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and a wealth of experience making jewelry, which she enthusiastically shared with the metal teams. Both guests shared with staff how impressed they were with the talents of our young artist/entrepreneurs. And both are looking forward to seeing how the ideas grow and take shape!

July 9th

2010-07-09T16:29:00.006-04:00

Big field trip today to Rockville. Our first stop was 10,000 Villages. 10,000 Villages has a unique business model that we did not see anywhere else. All the products were made internationally in other countries. The artisans are local people in urban and rural communities. Before 10,000 Villages was started they had no audience to market their products to. As Derek has taught us this week 10,000 Villages is a retailer. They buy their products and pay fair trade wages to their artisans. It was really cool.We also spent some time at WayGoose, another handmade crafts store in Rockville, and VisArts Too, the gift shop affiliated with the VisArts gallery next to the library.

Drumming at 10,000 Villages

2010-07-09T11:30:00.001-04:00

Special thanks to the 10,000 Villages Rockville team for letting us see the space and have some fun.

July 8, 2010

2010-07-08T21:48:00.003-04:00

Everyone in our workshop loves to make art, and everyone would love to make money from our art. But what exactly do artists need to KNOW about money and finance to be successful? While Derek spends a whole lot of time talking about this, we were also joined today by guest Darien Wright, an MBA/CPA on loan to us from the Marriott Corporation, who spoke at length about the costs involved in doing business. He was...awesome (like all our other guests!)

First week reflection

2010-07-03T16:25:00.002-04:00

Today I really liked the line activity. We worked with wire to create a sculpture. Mine was a heart and two faces made of hangers and pipecleaners. I really liked that we got to walk around and see some of the other peoples artwork. The most interesting piece of art that I saw was Drew’s. It was a mobile and it was awesome.
Toney

June 30, 2010

2010-06-30T22:16:00.001-04:00

A panel of four individuals visited the workshop today. Each had a really valuable story and perspective to share! Carien Quiroga, a South African artist who has been leading the Arts on the Block "Pour Your ART Out" workshop since the beginning, talked about having two different but complimentary entrepreneurial careers: as a self-employed community artist/teacher and a mosaic artist. ARTpreneurs Workshop lead artist Cynthia Milloy described her art, design and business experiences, which included building a home remodeling company with her husband and starting a deli in Annapolis prior to becoming an elementary school art teacher. Fashion designer Sylvia Huezo, founder and owner of the Red Hue Boutique in College Park, discussed how her entrepreneurship class at Montgomery Blair High School a few years ago (yes, taught by Derek!) exactly tapped into an entrepreneurship nerve she didn't know she had, and ultimately led to her writing a business plan and opening her own boutique featuring her designs. Daniel Tortolero, who is currently enrolled in the business school at University of Maryland, rounded out the presentations by making a pitch for continuing with entrepreneurship education at UMD, Montgomery College, or anywhere else a curriculum is available. We were really honored to have these fabulous guests share so much invaluable information and advice with us!

ARTpreneurs Workshop Summer 2010 - Are You Ready?

2010-06-28T18:30:00.000-04:00

Today I successfully set up the blog for ARTpreneurs Summer 2010, and I feel great.

I am grateful to work with an amazing team of individuals dedicated to youth entrepreneurship. Jan, Robyn, Cynthia, and Trisha make up an incredible team. Together, with outstanding artists, we are making history.

We are equally grateful to have had the support and encouragement of Carol Trawick and the Trawick Foundation, as well as Tom Harr of Family Services Inc. With their resources, we are able to make a greater impact on others.

Artists... Are you ready?

Our mission is to make a salable product out of recycled materials and build, present, and defend a business plan around the created product.

We have had discussions, activities, a guest panel, and guest speakers, and tomorrow we will be going on a field trip.

Students have been respectful, responsible, and ready to become entrepreneurs, and more importantly to become great citizens. I look forward to seeing creative products from teams of artists, who have learned to problem-solve and make decisions.

A simple philosophy to my teaching and learning is the progression to understanding through awareness and learning.

Artists and Entrepreneurs...

Please be aware of our objectives, posted on this blog and around the studio. Review them regularly to identify what you are learning, and what more you are able to learn.
Please utilize the resources available, as learning can be more effective with the resources available to you. This includes, but is not limited to the books, people, and online resources presented.
Please reflect regularly on your experience, your beliefs, thoughts, and ideas. This includes writing in your journals, as well as publishing posts on this blog. Please label each posting with your name.

What will it take?

What will it take for you to see the opportunities before you?
What will it take for you to recognize the opportunities are for you?
What will it take for you to take advantage of these opportunities and build your dreams?