DETROIT (June 3, 2014) - Artists and arts advocates -- all Wayne State University alumni -- will discuss how artists can best market themselves, attain business skills and become more successful during a panel called "The Business of Art," which will be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2014, at Wayne State University's Old Main Annex at 480 W. Hancock St., Detroit, MI 48201.
"Detroit has a deeply rooted entrepreneurial spirit, and the development of social media has created new opportunities for artists to promote their work," said Matthew W. Seeger, Ph.D., dean of the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts at Wayne State University. "The network has always been critical to the artist and even with digital tools, face-to-face contact is still essential. We are excited to provide our alumni and the community at large with opportunities to connect and the necessary tools to promote their own art-based entrepreneurial pursuits. 'The Business of Art' panel discussion provides an opportunity for our alumni and others to build on Detroit's tradition of arts entrepreneurship."
Sponsored by the Alumni Office of Wayne State University's College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, with support from the Coleman Foundation, this event will discuss a topic frequently on the minds of modern artists. The panelists -- all members of Detroit's vibrant creative scene -- include:
Adriel Thornton (moderator) - Thornton is music and production director for Detroit Electronic Music Festival and founder of the events production company FreshCorp. He is also a well-known influencer and thought leader.
April Boyle - Boyle leads entrepreneurial initiatives for D:hive. She is the co-creator of a number of ventures, including the award-winning Family Hootenanny concert series and CD, the critically acclaimed Indonesian pop-up restaurant Komodo Kitchen and the all-mom rock band The Mydols, featured on the cable television series Gene Simmons' Family Jewels.
Brent Smith - Smith is half of the critically acclaimed hip-hop duo Passalacqua and a member of rap group Cold Men Young. He is a recipient of the Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellowship and develops many eclectic and creative methods to promote his artistic pursuits.
Dominic Arellano - Arellano is the executive director of the nonprofit Forward Arts, through which he develops opportunities for artists. His connections include affiliations with Detroit Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the Greening of Detroit.
Jocelyn Rainey - Rainey is a dean of instruction at Wayne County Community College District. A painter and a sculptor, she is also the founder of Finding Mona Lisa 313, Found Art in Odd Places 313 and JRainey Gallery.
"The Business of Art" will take place in the Schaver Music Recital Hall and the Elaine L. Jacob Gallery, located in Wayne State University's Old Main Annex building. Guests are asked to use the 480 West Hancock Street entrance between Cass Avenue and Second Avenue. There will be a networking reception in the gallery where attendees can enjoy the exhibition PRAXIS, a compelling mix of '70s cool and political ideology, from 5 to 6 p.m. The panel discussion runs from 6 to 7 p.m. An audience Q & A session will from 7 to 7:30 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.
Please RSVP by June 23 at http://specialevents.wayne.edu/the-business-of-art.