SAAC will be the host location once again for the two-day workshop “Making Art Work” presented in partnership with Artist INC Express, a career development initiative by Mid-America Arts Alliance, and the Arkansas Arts Council, to be held in El Dorado on September 21-22, 2024. Arkansas artists Anna Zusman, Ben Grimes, and Yuni Wa will lead this immersive nine-hour program designed to help artists in art, theatre, and music lay the groundwork for a successful and sustainable arts practice.
Artists in any field who are interested in enhancing their careers can register now at www.artistinc.art. This Artist INC Express workshops connect creatives with local arts entrepreneurs that offer their first-hand experience in career-building. Registration LINK
The workshop will feature discussions, activities, and practical exercises focused on addressing the unique challenges artists face throughout their careers. Participants will have the opportunity to set personal goals, define their artistic vision, and develop a distinctive personal brand in a supportive environment.
Anna Zusman, originally from the former Soviet Union, has lived in cities like New York City, Providence, and San Francisco before settling in southern Arkansas six years ago. Her travels give her a unique outsider’s perspective, influencing her figurative art, which uses visual metaphors and surreal elements to explore the human condition and society. She also teaches at Southern Arkansas University and exhibits her work nationally.
Ben Grimes is an actor, writer, and Artistic Director of Riverside Actors Theatre. He earned a BFA in acting from Webster University and initially worked as a professional actor. In 2006, he joined the Army, and after serving, returned to theatre in 2017 for healing. This experience motivated him to obtain a Master’s in Public Service from the Clinton School. In 2020, Ben founded Riverside Actors Theatre to address veterans’ trauma.
Yuni Wa is a music producer, DJ, and musician from Little Rock, Arkansas, known for over 30 albums, EPs, and singles that made an impact in the underground music scene in the 2010s. His notable releases, including *Ethereal Lover* (2015), *Data_Our Program Is Forever* (2015), and *Context 2* (2016), each have over 2 million streams. With a multi-genre style, he focuses on electronic, funk, jazz, and hip-hop. In 2022, he performed at Electronicon 3 in New York with artists like Washed Out and Neon Indian, constantly exploring new sonic territories.
Artist INC Express is a streamlined version of the widely acclaimed Artist INC Live program, which has empowered over 2,000 artists since its inception in 2009. By retaining the core concepts of building a lasting arts practice while providing a shorter, more flexible format, Artist INC Express aims to reach a diverse range of artists seeking growth and development.
Artist INC Express provides a dynamic alternative to traditional classroom learning, requiring participants to commit to a full nine-hour workshop where each exercise builds on the last. Attendees should be ready for active involvement in discussions, hands-on activities, and collaborative work. Ultimately, Artist INC Express nurtures a vibrant artist community, fostering collaborations, resource sharing, and ongoing support beyond the workshop.
“Artist INC has been a transformative experience for me as a participant and later as a facilitator. I feel that I became a lot more effective in marketing my artwork and more deliberate about presentation of my work. Artist INC provides a great framework in helping to structure one’s art practice and I love to share this information with other creators. The most valuable aspect of my experience as a facilitator has been meeting new people and connecting with the artist community in Southern Arkansas,” stated Zusman.
Artists of all disciplines and skill levels are encouraged to register this free program at www.artistinc.art by the 5pm September 20 deadline. For additional details, please visit the Artist INC website or contact the SAAC office at 870-862-5474. SAAC is located at 110 East Fifth Street, El Dorado, Arkansas.
