GET TO KNOW YOUR
VAE STAFF
Erika Corey
Chase Bryan
Sarah Powers
Rachel Herrick
Brandon Cordrey
Executive Director
Business Director
Director of Special Projects
Community Art + Events Manager
Exhibitions Manager
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jon Zellweger, Kevin Coggins, Barbara Wiedemann, Susan Jones,
Rick Bennett, Elaine Chapin, Kim Duffley, Glenn Dunn, Susan Ware Flower, Aly Khalifa,
Dan Lilley, Melissa Matton, Alison McGeary, Carol Fountain Nix, James O’Brien III, Patricia
Privilegi, Debbie Robbins, Kelly Spaulding, Ben Steel
ADVISORY BOARD
Drew Adams, Winston Bowden, Phyllis York Brookshire, Jeff Corbett, Sherry Essig, Ethan
Floyd, John & Trish Healy, Philip Isley, Dan McLamb, Lori O’Keefe, Rory Parnell, Laura
Raynor, Deborah Ross
HUGE
THANKS
To Everyone
Who Made
Ignite
Happen!
Our generous friends at PNC Bank sponsored this event in a big way, transforming it into
the conference of our dreams (and hopefully yours too)! Extra special thanks to PNC’s
Lesley Wilson, Rebecca Quinn-Wolf, Jenny Grant, and Angela Kuo for their support and for
believing the creative community deserves projects like this!
Thanks to The City of Raleigh Arts Commission and the North Carolina Arts Council for
funding this program’s development over the past few years.
Thanks to our wonderful Downtown & Warehouse District Neighbors who contributed their
support, space, and swag: Deco Raleigh (we’re looking at you Pam Blondin!), Clearscapes,
CAM Raleigh, FEED, HQ, Designbox, Raleigh Denim, Videri Chocolate, Ornamentea,
Artspace, and Jerry’s Artarama.
Thanks to DJ Mad Cow for making us sound good and keeping the energy up with cool
tunes. Thanks to Heather Gordon and Derek Toomes for making us look good!
We are so thankful for the community who helped make Ignite 2015 awesome: ArtsNow
NC, Jamie Katz-Court with PineCone, Thomas Sayre, Fred Belledin, Jon Zellweger, Dylan
Morris/NCSU, Triangle ArtWorks, Elsewhere, and IDEAS 40203. Three cheers for Janet
Stracke, Jason Arthurs, John Booker, Bailey Skiles, Linda Dallas, Jessie Williams, Laura
Ritchie, Mike Williams, Eleanor Oakley, and Pinecone (Piedmont Council of Traditional
Music) who made fourteen creative people’s days by providing full scholarships to Ignite!
Our volunteers and interns are magical human beings: Kristin Austin, Brenda Bokke,
Betsy Bryan, Donald Bryan, Monet Bush, Elena Caron, Nury Castro, Tatiana Chapelle, Miki
Davis, Kiki Farish, Andie Freeman, Dave Greway, Katie Gunter, April Hansen, Jo Ann Hart,
Jessica Jones, Liz Kelly, Becky King, Courtney Lockemer, Emily Malpass, Tracy Maniaci,
Bud Minton, Jessica Parnell, Julie Pitts, Diana Pyun, Jason Sharp , and Michelle Yellin.
Finally, huge thanks go to Dottie Cole and Melanie Stoer, the best Ignite teammates ever!
john cage
some rules for students & teachers
RULE ONE: Find a place you trust, and then try trusting it for awhile.
RULE TWO: General duties of a student - pull everything out of your teacher; pull
everything out of your fellow students.
RULE THREE: General duties of a teacher - pull everything out of your students.
RULE FOUR: Consider everything an experiment.
RULE FIVE: be self-disciplined - this means finding someone wise or smart and
choosing to follow them. To be disciplined is to follow in a good way. To be
self-disciplined is to follow in a better way.
RULE SIX: Nothing is a mistake. There’s no win and no fail, there’s only make.
RULE SEVEN: The only rule is work. If you work it will lead to something. It’s the
people who do all of the work all of the time who eventually catch on to things.
RULE EIGHT: Don’t try to create and analyze at the same time. They’re different
processes.
RULE NINE: Be happy whenever you can manage it. Enjoy yourself. It’s lighter
than you think.
RULE TEN: We’re breaking all the rules. Even our own rules. And how do we do
that? By leaving plenty of room for X quantities.
HINTS: Always be around. Come or go to everything. Always go to classes. Read
anything you can get your hands on. Look at movies carefully, often. Save everything - it might come in handy later.
CAM
HQ
CAM = Contemporary Art Museum
DB = Designbox
CS = Clearscapes
FD = FEED (Old Flanders)
409 W Martin St.
camraleigh.org
311 W. Martin St. (Upstairs)
www.clearscapes.com
307 W Martin St
www.designbox.us
302 S. West St.
HQ = HQ Raleigh
310 S Harrington St.
www.newhqraleigh.com
HARRINGTON ST.
FD
S. WEST ST.
WELCOME TO THE
WAREHOUSE DISTRICT!
DAWSON ST.
RTN
W. MARTIN ST.
VAE DB
COMMERCE ST.
RD
CS
UPSTAIRS
N
Videri
Chocolate
this way
RD = Raleigh Denim Workshop VCF = Videri Chocolate Factory
RTN = Raleigh TV Network
VAE = Visual Art Exchange
319 W Martin St.
raleighworkshop.com
310 W MartinSt.
www.raleighnc.gov
327 W Davie St
viderichocolatefactory.com
309 W Martin St.
visualartexchange.org
UPSTAIRS = Upstairs from VAE (via alley)
SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
9 – 9:45am: SIGN-IN & BREAKFAST @ VAE
10 – 11AM: CONCURRENT PANELS
How to Find a Store + Retail & Wholesale
@FEED
Moderator: Pam Blondin (Owner, Deco Raleigh)
Panelists: Cynthia Deis (Ornamentea), Julie Fuller (NC Territory Manager
daniel*richards), Jessie Williams (Edge of Urge)
Makers, crafters, and designers: learn the best ways to approach retail stores from
experienced store owners and artists. Learn the ABCs of wholesaling vs consigning
so you can choose the best path for you!
How to Find + Approach Galleries
@CAM
Moderator: Brandon Cordrey (Gallery Manager at VAE)
Panelists: Adam Cave (Adam Cave Fine Art), Kelly McChesney (Flanders Gallery),
Laura Ritchie (The Carrack Modern)
Artists & fine crafters: get tips on how to woo a gallery successfully! Get the inside
scoop on what presentation materials (images, artist statements, etc) really matter
to the folks calling the shots.
How to Book a Gig
@HQ
Moderator: Jaime Katz (Piedmont Council of Traditional Music)
Panelists: John Booker (Deep South Entertainment), Sharon Moore (NCSU Center
Stage/NC Presenters Consortium), Charles Phaneuf (Raleigh Little Theater), Sara
Phoenix (Cirque De Vol), Leah Wilks (Culture Mill)
Musicians, actors, dancers, & performing artists of all kinds - whether you’re trying
to land a gig or nail an audition, this panel will offer insights into what works...and
what doesn’t.
11:15 – 12:15pm: CONCURRENT PANELS
Making a Spectacle@VAE
Moderator: Chris Vitello (Writer for Indy Week)
Panelists: Mike Williams (ArtsNow), Stacey Kirby (Artist), Kaci Torres (AcroEntertainment), Shonna Greenwell (Rebus Works)
No, not spectacles like you wear on your face- we’re talking about spectacles as in
hooplas, happenings, and shenanigans! Besides having lots of great synonyms,
spectacles are a great marketing tool! Learn how to pull in a crowd (and the media)
by designing events that engage the public on multiple levels. (There will also
be 45-minute workshop at 1:45 on how to take these ideas and
apply them to your own work.)
Money for Artists@CAM
Moderator: Mary Kay Kennedy (Artspace)
Panelists: Sarah Corpron (New York Foundation for Artists), Jeff Pettus (North
Carolina Arts Council), Eleanor Oakley (United Arts Council), Justin Senkbeil
(Awesome Foundation)
Grants, fellowships and fiscal sponsorship are excellent sources of financial support
for creative entrepreneurs. Learn how to find them and how to apply successfully!
Taxes for Creative Entrepreneurs
@HQ
Speaker: Alex Lehman, CPA
Always one of the most popular sessions at Ignite! An experienced CPA will walk you
through the process of keeping records and filing taxes as a creative professional.
Don’t let the IRS haunt your dreams any more!
12 – 1:30pm: LUNCH (Gourmet Salad)
@ UPSTAIRS
1 – 1:30pm: Live/Work Space Design
@ UPSTAIRS
1:45 - 2:30pm: CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
Live/Work Space Group Brainstorm
@CLEARSCAPES
Facilitators: Fred Belledin and Jon Zellweger (Clearscapes)
(Follow up on lunch talk) Raleigh is working to brand itself as the southern capital
of arts and culture. Achieving this goal will depend in part upon the availability of
appropriate living and working spaces for artists. As living costs in Raleigh continue
to rise and traditional options for artist work spaces dwindle, join us to brainstorm
on potential new models for creating artist spaces
Stretching for Creativity
@ VAE
Facilitator: Lisa Barr (Rolfer + Massage Therapist)
Licensed Rolfer and Medical Massage Therapist Lisa Barr will lead you through
some stretches that will resolve tightness common to creative makers AND promote
creative thinking! Comfy clothes recommended!
Breaking Through Blocks@HQ
Facilitator: Melanie Stoer (Artist + Creativity Consultant)
Artist and trained facilitator Melanie Stoer will lead participants through an exercise
designed to pop your brain out of its rut! Great for overcoming creative blocks and
just generally thinking more innovatively!
Making a Spectacle Workshop
@CAM
Facilitator: Mike Williams (ArtsNow)
Learn how to create big buzz about your exhibits/shows by making them into
spectacles! Brainstorm new ideas relevant to your current (or future) projects. This
workshop will be a hands-on follow up to the Spectacle Marketing panel discussion,
though panel attendance is not a prerequisite.
2:45 - 3:45pm: CONCURRENT PANELS + WORKSHOP
Storytelling in Marketing@CAM
Moderator: Heather Gordon (artist)
Panelists: Beverly McIver (artist and subject of HBO’S Raising Renee
documentary), Pam Blondin (owner, Deco Raleigh), Brandon Ives (Brasco
Marketing)
Storytelling is an invaluable tool for marketing creative work! Telling the right
story about your work/process/self can allow audiences to feel more deeply
engaged and invested with you as a maker. (There will also be 45-minute
workshop on Saturday about how to take these ideas and apply
them to your own work.)
Creating Change@HQ
Moderator: Carl Dyke (Methodist University + Dead Voles)
Panelists: Erin White (Community Food Lab), Beth Khalifa (Lyf Shoes), Will
McInerney (poet + activist)
Learn how artists of all kinds are using creative skills to make a difference in
communities. Come learn how the creative work you make can improve the
community and in the process help your career. Karma, folks!
Big Picture Planning Workshop
@FEED
Facilitator: Bailey Skiles (Professor, NCSU Center for Creative Entrepreneurship)
Do you ever wonder how you’re going to bring together all the different parts of
being in business as an artist? Learn how to use the simple and popular Business
Model Canvas to organize and find new connections between your art practice,
marketing, sales, costs, networks, and other resources.
4:00 - 4:30pm: INTERACTIVE TOURS
Raleigh Denim Workshop @319 W Martin St
These denim tycoons are making a big splash in the national fashion seen! Tour the
workshop where it all happens.
Raleigh Television Network @310 W Martin St
Raleigh’s own local television station! Attend a live taping and hear about how RTN
works hard to spread the word about all the cool stuff happening in the oak city!
Videri Chocolate Factory @327 W Davie St
Handmade gourmet chocolate from bean to bar! Tour the factory, learn how they
started, and taste the merchandise!
5:00 - 6:00pm: PUBLIC KEYNOTE ADDRESS @ UPSTAIRS
Theo Edmonds and Joshua Miller founded IDEAS (ideaslouisville.com) to connect
artists and businesses in their home city of Louisville, KY. IDEAS serves like a
Creative Chamber of Commerce and is making huge changes in the community’s
cultural and economic landscape by creating permanent jobs for artists, giving the
public cool creative outlets, and just generally creating an inclusive creative mecca.
6:00pm: COCKTAIL RECEPTION @ VAE
6 – 9pm: FIRST FRIDAY!!
@ CITY-WIDE
SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, JUNE 7
8:45 – 9:15am: BREAKFAST 9:15 - 10:45am: PLENARY TALK
@ UPSTAIRS
@ UPSTAIRS
From the Studio to the Streets: A Dialogue on Community Building &
Contemporary Art Practice
SPEAKERS: Jennie Carlisle (Elsewhere Program Curator), Patrick McDonnell
(Elsewhere South Elm Projects Coordinator), Felici Asteinza & Joey Fillastre
(MILAGROS COLLECTIVE, Miami FL), Carmen Papalia (Artist Vancouver, BC)
This panel discussion, led by staff and artists working with Elsewhere Museum, will
focus on strategies for making art that responds to and connects with local contexts
and communities. Elsewhere will talk about its approach to socially engaged art
production and curation, share its thoughts on these practices and lead a group
conversation. Learn how this funky organization is building collaborative futures
from old things in Greensboro NC and across the globe.
11:00am – 12:00pm: CONCURRENT SESSIONS
“Summer of Drawing” Artist Talk @CAM
“Summer of Drawing” curator Bill Thelan and some of the exhibit’s artists will talk
about their work and the inspiration behind CAM Raleigh’s exhibit The Nothing
CAM Artist talk con’t...
That Is: a drawing show in five parts. From CAM: “This extraordinary exhibition
includes more then 85 local, national and international artists all exploring
contemporary approaches to drawing, mark making and gesture. The Nothing That
Is will be presented in five parts throughout the museum and also includes drawing
projects in the community.”
The Last Barn Dance@HQ
Speakers: Jason Arthurs + Ted Richardson (Filmmakers)
These local filmmakers will talk about the making of their much acclaimed film,
The Last Barn Dance: “Randy Lewis knows that losing his dairy business would
mean losing his livelihood – his farm is limping along through an economy that has
decimated most other family farms in Alamance County – but Randy is most worried
about losing his way of life and ending a family heritage that has hosted nearly 50
years worth of barn dances. The farm is fragile, the band is old, the barn is beaten,
and Randy, with no kids of his own and little faith the younger generation will pick
up the pieces, is trying to save the dance.”
Public Art Application Tips
@FEED
Moderator: Sarah Powers (VAE + City of Raleigh Arts Commission)
Speakers: Kim Curry-Evans (Raleigh Public Art Coordinator), Kelly McChesney
(Flanders Gallery), Matt McConnell (Public artist), Jeffrey York (Chapel Hill Public &
Cultural Arts Administrator)
The Triangle is chock full of opportunities for public art, both privately and through
municipalities! Learn how to find them and then how to apply successfully!
12:00 – 1:15pm: PERUVIAN LUNCH BUFFET @UPSTAIRS
1:30 - 2:15pm: CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS + PANEL
Storytelling Workshop@VAE
Facilitators: Brasco Marketing Team
Learn how to mine your life for stories that support and enhance your brand!
Brainstorm new ideas relevant to your current (or future) projects. This workshop
will be a hands-on follow up to the Storytelling Marketing panel discussion, though
discussion attendance is not a prerequisite.
Pricing 2D & 3D Art
@CAM
Speaker: Mary Kay Kennedy (Artspace)
Learn different ways of determining prices for 2D and 3D work, as well as no-nos
that raise red flags for galleries and buyers from pricing pro Mary Kay Kennedy
from Artspace.
Ethical Practices in Empowering Communities through Art @HQ
Moderator: Emily Catherine Mealor
Panelists: Linda Dallas (artist), Heather Bowlan (poet), Scott Renk (artist + teacher)
Working with the public on creative projects is rewarding, challenging, and
potentially life changing for everyone involved. It’s important for creative leaders to
understand their positions of power in order to create a democratic and empowering
experience for communities. Learn tips from social workers and artists in the know!
Designbox Tour (Lyf Shoes + 3D Printer Headquarters!) @DB
Learn how the creative team at Designbox are making people love their carbon
footprints with cute and eco-friendly shoes using 3D printing and locally produced
custom fabrics!
2:30 - 3:30pm: CONCURRENT WORKSHOPS
DIY Podcasts@CAM
Speakers: Adam Buccafusco, Aaron Earley, and James “Dudders” Dudley- the voices
and brains behind Damn Art Majors.
Spread your message while you build and contribute to a community through
podcasting. Find out how a group of Raleigh-Durham-based artists banded together
to create an art based comedy podcast has that has reached a national audience.
I Will: Self-Advocacy for Creative Professionals
@FEED
Facilitator: Emily Gelblum (The Green Door Group)
Self-advocacy is hard. It’s harder still when you recognize that vulnerability, fear,
and risk are critical components of doing it well. In this session, we’ll talk about the
extraordinary benefits of determining what you need, asking for it, and overcoming
the road blocks that often stop creative professionals from both naming and
pursuing what they want most.
Clearscapes/ Thomas Sayre Studio Tour
@Clearscapes
Tour the architectural firm and public art studios associated with Clearscapes!
Learn how they merge architecture + art to enhance and shape NC’s cityscapes with
projects like Raleigh’s beloved Shimmer Wall and the upcoming Union Station!
Pop-Up Tool Kit@HQ
Speakers: Beth Yerxa (Triangle Art Works) and Helen Seebold (artist)
Triangle Art Works literally wrote the book on Pop Up Events and founder Beth
Yerxa leading a panel discussion to tell you all about it! Learn the best ways
to find and borrow empty buildings for unusual and cool creative events.
It’s a win for you and for building owners!
4:00-5:00PM: Wrap Up + RESOURCE FAIR @VAE
Closing thoughts. Educational & community resources. Opportunities
to stay connected long after Ignite & get support from your new
peer group!
SPEAKER BIOS
(alphabetical by last name)
Jason Arthurs + Ted Richardson
lastbarndance.com
Co-directors Ted Richardson and Jason Arthurs have logged 20 years of combined experience
documenting the daily life of North Carolinians through documentary photography and most recently,
documentary filmmaking for editorial publications and non-profit organizations. Arthurs’ first fulllength documentary film, Without a Fight, premiered in 2012 at the Full Frame Documentary Film
Festival and Richardson began early production on his debut film, The Last Barn Dance, in 2011.
Session: The Last Barn Dance
Felici Asteinza + Joey Fillastre
milagroscollective.com
Felici Asteinza + Joey Fillastre are part of Milagros. Milagros creates vibrant abstract murals in
collaboration with communities to transform architectural facades and infuse urban environments with
new energy and vitality. Milagros’ playful style is based in a love for the transformative potential of
decorative patterns and color. Their previous mural commissions can be found throughout Florida, New
York, and Arizona.
Session: Elsewhere Plenary
Lisa F. Barr
moonshadowmassage.com
Lisa F. Barr is a Licensed massage therapist and Certified in Medical Massage, Rolfing, and Rolf
movement. She is co-owner/operator of Moonshadow Medical Massage in downtown Cary. Her
primary passion is getting people into a more comfortable, pain-free lifestyle. Her complete profile is
located at www.moonshadowmedicalmassage.com
Session: Stretching for Creativity
Fred Belledin
clearscapes.com
As Principal at Clearscapes, Fred is responsible for the development and management of projects
throughout all phases of design and construction. His experience includes many of the firm’s largest
and most sustainable projects. Long interested in both design and craft, Fred joined Clearscapes as an
architectural intern in 1997, involving himself in both the architecture office and the art studio. Today,
Fred’s focus is on urban adaptive use and infill projects through which he seeks to help preserve the
craft-based traditions of North Carolina and contribute to the evolution of enduring and desirable
urban environments.
Session: Clearscapes Live/Work Space Brainstorm
Pam Blondin
decoraleigh.com
Pam Blondin opened Deco Raleigh in Fall 2012 with a mission centered around building community
and promoting downtown as a fertile retail environment. The store features the work of more than
75 local artisans and brands and has been named “Best Gift Store” by both the Triangle Downtowner
and The Indy. Deco sponsored the raleigh [ ] space parklet on Salisbury Street, partners with several
Raleigh businesses and donates to dozens of local charities.
Sessions: How to Find a Store (moderator), Storytelling in Marketing
John Booker
deepsouthentertainment.com
John Booker is a Triangle native, with twenty years of experience in the North Carolina music scene,
both as a musician and Talent Buyer. Booker has been working full-time at Deep South Entertainment
for three years, serving as Booking Agent and Operations Manager of Raleigh’s Deep South The Bar
– as well as Talent Buyer for events such as Raleigh City Plaza’s free summer concert series Oak City
7 and Pickin’ In The Plaza, The Town Of Chapel Hill’s Live & Local series, various festival events such
as Lonerider’s Showdown in Moore Square Park and Deep South Entertainment’s 20th Anniversary
Street Festival, plus countless fundraisers, corporate and private events, and the company’s latest
contract – booking talent for The North Carolina State Fair. Having both performed on and booked
his acts for stages as big and varied as New York City’s Irving Plaza, Raleigh’s Red Hat Amphitheater,
and San Francisco’s The Independent – John Booker has a wealth of experience in all facets of the
music business and an intense passion for providing quality entertainment for the music fans of North
Carolina and beyond.
Session: How to Book a Gig
Heather Bowlan
boaatpress.com/heather-bowlan-boaat/#heather-bowlan
Heather Bowlan worked for four years as a Community Engagement Specialist for Planned Parenthood
Los Angeles, where she helped to develop a model for grassroots engagement strategies now used
by Planned Parenthood affiliates across the country. She received an Academy of American Poets
University Award while completing her MFA in Creative Writing at North Carolina State University
and will attend the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts as a resident fellow in Fall 2015. Heather is
Chapbook Editor for BOAAT Press and a staff member for Raleigh Review; her poetry has been recently
published or is forthcoming in Chicago Quarterly Review, Codex, Nashville Review, and elsewhere.
Session: Ethical Practices in Empowering Communities through Art
Jennie Carlisle
goelsewhere.org
Jennie Carlisle oversees Elsewhere’s residency programs and directs artistic processes and project
production at the museum. Additionally, she acts as a liaison between artists and communities and
coordinates the production of public programs at the museum. She is a curator and art historian
focusing on collaborative processes of art production and curation and situation driven aesthetics. Her
recent curatorial projects at Elsewhere include Southern Constellations, Museum as Instrument, South
Elm Projects, and A­Live in the Kitchen. She has received funding for these initiatives from the National
Endowment for the Arts, Arts Place America, and the North Carolina Council of the Arts among others.
She completed PhD course work in Art History at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in
2011.
Session: Elsewhere Plenary
Adam Cave
adamcavefineart.com
Adam Cave grew up in Northern California and Europe before attending Connecticut College, where
he double majored in Fine Art and Art History. He began his gallery career in Santa Fe, New Mexico
in 1992 and later spent over ten years as the director of Gallery C in Raleigh. Adam has served on the
Town of Cary Public Art Advisory Board as well as lectured for The Visual Art Exchange and The Fine
Arts League of Cary. For three years he served as art chair for the Alliance of Aids Services - Carolinas
“Works of Heart” auction, and has been a juror for the Greenville Museum of Art, the US Figure
Skating Championships poster competition, as well as for Artspace and Artsplosure in Raleigh.
Session: How to Find + Approach Galleries
Brandon Cordrey
visualartexchange.org
Brandon Cordrey is the exhibitions manager for Visual Art Exchange, the program and development
director for Arts Access, and an instructor at Pullen Art Center. He earned his BFA with a concentration
in painting and drawing from East Carolina University.
Session: How to Find + Approach Galleries (moderator)
Sarah Corpron
nyfa.org
Sarah Corpron, Program Officer for Fiscal Sponsorship at New York Foundation of the Arts (NYFA),
has worked within the private and nonprofit arts sector for the past 9 years. Prior to joining NYFA,
Sarah was the Programs Director at Visual Art Exchange (VAE) in Raleigh, NC. At VAESarah managed
multiple education and outreach programs for emerging artists as well as the training and organizing
of an annual open-source creativity festival, SPARKcon. In addition to her work in the nonprofit sector,
Sarah also worked as artist liaison and events manager for a private fine art gallery, ArtSource, for
over 3 years. ArtSource Gallery focused on connecting collectors with emerging southern regional
contemporary artists, with a special emphasis on the unique art needs of corporate clients. Sarah
earned her BA in Art History and her BA in History from Sweet Briar College in VA, as well as a
Certificate on Non-Profit Management from Duke University’s Center for Continued Education.
Throughout her career, Sarah’s professional focus has been to provide opportunities and resources for
artists interested in career growth and project planning, something she is thrilled to continue doing in
her role at NYFA.
Session: Money for Artists
Kim Curry Evans
raleighnc.gov
As the Public Art Coordinator with the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, Kim Curry-Evans works
closely with designers, artists, architects and project teams to create art that is integrated in City
buildings as a result of Raleigh’s Half-Percent for Art (HPA) program, established in 2009 in order
to enhance the City’s vitality and civic life. In the three years since Curry-Evans started working with
the City, the public art program has begun nine different HPA public art projects, including one at
the recently completed Northeast Remote Operations Facility. Additionally, she oversees some of the
temporary public art projects that can be viewed throughout Raleigh, such as the highly popular
Art-On-The-Move project, which emblazons artwork on the sides of Capital Area Transit buses for six
month periods. Currently in the works is a temporary public art project with artist Bland Hoke that
will celebrate bluegrass music as a part of September’s International Bluegrass Music Association’s
annual conference. Curry-Evans received her B.A. in Art History from Arizona State University and
has attended Harvard University’s Summer Leadership Institute. She has worked for the Metropolitan
Museum of Art, the Phoenix Arts Commission, and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, before
directing for seven years the nationally-recognized 40 Acres Art Gallery in Sacramento, California.
Session: Public Art Application Tips
Linda Dallas
appetite4art.com
Linda Dallas is an artist and illustrator living and working in Raleigh, North Carolina. Her vibrant
watercolors are a visual celebration food. She has taught drawing, illustration, design fundamentals
and watercolor workshops at schools and art centers across North Carolina. In 2014, Linda taught
a six-week watercolor course in the Czech Republic for N. C. State University’s Prague Institute. She
serves on the Arts Commission for the City of Raleigh and is currently the Chair of the Commission’s
Grant Committee. Linda is currently Assistant Professor of Visual Art for Saint Augustine’s University.
Session: Ethical Practices in Empowering Communities through Art
Damn Art Majors (Adam Buccafusco, Aaron Earley, and James “Dudders” Dudley)
damnartmajors.com
Three artist friends discuss art, life, and the pursuit of capital gain on their weekly podcast Damn Art
Majors. Every episode features round table discussions, segments, guests, and or hilarious games.
The podcast topics are general and diverse so everyone can join in. What started out as a group of
friends meeting up and conversing over libations has evolved into a podcast with over 50 episodes,
hundreds of listeners, and an online community of artists and non-artists sharing their work, ideas,
and interests. Now in its second year; Damn Art Majors continues to grow. The variety show has added
more guests, interactive opportunities, on-location reporting, and the perspective of Sara Thomas, a
sharp-witted literature connoisseur. Damn Art Majors continues to offer their unique brand of humor
and insight into the world of creative human endeavors through their iTunes and Podomatic channels.
Connect with the show via Facebook, Twitter, or damnartmajors.com.
Session: DIY Podcasts
Cynthia Deis
ornamentea.com
Cynthia Deis is an artist and art teacher. She has designed jewelry and decorative accessories for
major retailers and galleries under several trade and brand names. She owns Ornamentea, a
downtown Raleigh craft ingredient store that has been inspiring and encouraging the indie craft
movement for 16 years. Cynthia consults with retail store startup clients and designers to improve
processes and inspire independent business growth.
Session: How to Find a Store
Carl Dyke
methodist.edu
Carl Dyke is a Professor of History at Methodist University in Fayetteville, NC. His research covers the
history of formal social and political theory in mostly Europe in mostly the 19th and 20th centuries.
Carl also has an ongoing project on interdisciplinary approaches to the formation and operation of
identity, which spans a number of media including visual art.
Session: Creating Change (moderator)
Theo Edmonds
ideaslouisville.com
Theo Edmonds earned his BA in Theater and Art Studio from Transylvania University in Lexington,
KY and his JD/MHA from Tulane University in New Orleans. While still in his twenties, Mr. Edmonds
became administrator of one of the most respected heart and vascular programs in the United States –
Ochsner Heart & Vascular Institute. He went on to lead the heart and vascular development strategies
for the southeastern region of the nation’s second largest hospital corporation and for the largest
medical facility in Honolulu, HI.
As a corporate strategist who himself had been in the arts from a very young age, Mr. Edmonds began
to notice the changing nature of arts philanthropy. As both an artist and businessperson, he realized
the untapped value in the relationship between artists and entrepreneurial structures. In his late
thirties, Mr. Edmonds received his MFA Art Studio from the University of Kentucky. His transdisciplinary
work and poetry investigate the commodification of identities and gentrification of ideas within
capitalist structures.
Before co-founding IDEAS, Louisville’s creative chamber of commerce, Mr. Edmonds was both an artistin-residence and then Creative Development Director for Residency Unlimited (RU). Focusing the artistic
process in strategic ways to create innovative, entrepreneurial activity while simultaneously contributing
depth and substance to emerging forms of contemporary art is at the core of his artistic endeavors. Mr.
Edmonds was recently named by Southern Living Magazine as one of “50 People Changing the South in
2015” and is a member of Metro Louisville Government Commission On Public Art.
Session: Keynote Address
Julie Fuller
danrichgroup.com
Julie is the NC Territory Manager for Atlanta-based daniel*richards. She found her passion for working
with retailers after a decade of fundraising and event planning in the nonprofit community. She now
travels the state working with small businesses, selecting product lines that enhance and grow their
retail sales and keeping them connected to the latest trends and best brands from across the country.
The group represents dozens of exceptional brands of books, gifts, and paper including Raleigh’s own
Moon & Lola.
Session: How to Find a Store
Emily Gelblum
thegreendoorgroup.com
With over a decade of experience as an executive coach and consultant, Emily Gelblum believes
that all people and organizations that want to change can change with the right support, planning,
accountability, follow-through, and celebration. Her work focuses primarily on creating workplaces
where people want to show up everyday. Most of Emily’s partnership with clients focuses on authentic
leadership, self-advocacy, and effective communication techniques. At the moment (though this
changes consistently) her favorite quote is, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity,
and change.” - Brene Brown
Session: I Will: Self-Advocacy for Creative Professionals
Heather Gordon
heathergordon.transition-project.com
Heather Gordon is a Durham-based visual artist whose interest lies in telling the stories of our lives
through geometry and mapping. As the Artist Liaison at Golden Belt where she keeps her studio, she
works to build, nurture, and protect a safety zone for the studio artists in her community and open
opportunities through pop-up exhibitions for risk-taking artists in the triangle. She is a 2014 recipient
of the North Carolina Fellowship, and has three upcoming exhibitions this fall at The Carrack, DAG’s
Suntrust Gallery, and SECCA.
Session: Storytelling in Marketing
Shonna Greenwell
rebusworks.us
Rebus Works began in 2003 as a community oriented gallery run by artists, for artists. A joint project
of local photographer Shonna Greenwell and printmaker Lee Moore, Rebus Works focused on media
and artists that were less frequently featured in other Raleigh galleries at the time. Today Greenwell
is the owner of Rebus Works and proprietor of pH7 Fine Art Framing. She upholds the original vision
of Rebus Works as a space rooted in the local community. Rebus Works regularly features the work
of area artists, and also hosts The Saturday Market, where farmers and crafters show off their wares
every weekend. Rebus Works also continues to provide opportunities to learn, grow and be challenged
in the form of seasonal Children’s Art Camps.
Session: Making a Spectacle
Brandon Ives
brasco.marketing
Brandon Ives leads client marketing and strategy efforts at Brasco. He focuses on branding initiatives,
messaging, integrated communications planning, and online marketing strategy. Brandon also
provides client services and business development efforts at the agency. Brandon graduated from
East Carolina University, as a broadcast journalism major.
Session: Storytelling in Marketing
Jamie Katz Court
pinecone.org
Jamie Katz Court has been with PineCone for almost 8 years, and working with artists and nonprofit
arts organizations for more than a decade. She studied journalism in college and feels incredibly lucky
every day to be part of the Triangle’s creative community.
Session: How to Book a Gig (moderator)
Mary Kay Kennedy
artspacenc.org
Mary Kay Kennedy currently works at Artspace, a non-profit visual art center in downtown Raleigh.
She joined the team at Artspace in August of 2012 after six years of managing commercial fine art
galleries in Raleigh. At Artspace she assists with memberships, communications, and fundraising. Ms.
Kennedy stays involved with the local art community by jurying shows, volunteering with other art
organizations, and working on her photography. She lives in Raleigh with her husband, one son, one
child of unidentified gender on the way (due in Sept), one dog, one cat, one tortoise, and one fish.
Session: Money for Artists (moderator), Pricing 2D + 3D Art
Beth Khalifa
designbox.us
Beth Khalifa is a co-founder of Designbox, an innovation house based in Raleigh, NC, that launches
brands, products and experiences for clients around the world. Beth sets creative direction and launch
strategy, developing identity and messaging components to support and enhance business goals of
each client. Designbox clients improve quality of life through sustainable stewardship, communitybuilding, creative empowerment and outdoor lifestyle.
Session: Creating Change
Stacey Kirby
stacey-kirby.com
Stacey L. Kirby is an interdisciplinary artist based in Durham, NC. Kirby draws on her design, book
arts, printmaking and theatrical background to create ‘performative interactions’ that combine
installation and performance in alternative, private and public spaces. Fueled by the current political
climate and issues of citizenship, Kirby invites visitors to become active participants in her work to
empower the voice within all of us. Kirby is a recipient of the NC Arts Council Artist Fellowship for
Visual Artists (2014-15). She recently exhibited work at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
as part of AREA 919: ARTISTS IN THE TRIANGLE and in a solo exhibition at the Contemporary Art
Museum (Raleigh, NC). Session: Making a Spectacle
Alex Lehman
mpcllp.com
Alex Lehman is a Certified Public Accountant and Senior Tax Manager with McMillan Pate & Company
in Raleigh. Alex currently serves as Treasurer on the Board of Directors for The Green Chair Project and
Theatre Raleigh, and has previously served as both Treasurer and Chairman of Visual Art Exchange.
Alex’s professional areas of expertise include corporate and partnership taxation, individual taxation
and estate planning. Prior to becoming an accountant and moving to North Carolina, he worked as
a commercial lender with various banks in South Florida. Alex was born in Italy, grew up in South
Florida and moved to Raleigh in 2005. Alex, along with his wife of 19 years and his 8-year old
daughter live in North Raleigh.
Session: Taxes for Creative Entrepreneurs
Kelly McChesney
flandersartgallery.com
Kelly McChesney has been the Director of Flanders Gallery in Raleigh since 2006. She has served as
curator and consultant for various corporations since 2009 and helped to produce over 120 exhibitions
in galleries, universities, corporations, non-profits and alternative exhibit spaces throughout her
career. Her art experience prior to opening Flanders Gallery includes work in the Image Collection
Department and the museum of the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C.; exhibition
preparation at La Universidad del Pais Vasco, Spain; and volunteer work at the Athens Institute for
Contemporary Art, in Athens, GA during its inception. She received her B.A. degrees from U.G.A.
As director of Flanders Gallery, Kelly strives to explore new concepts in contemporary art through
exhibitions using various media.
Session: How to Find + Approach Galleries, Public Art Application Tips
Matt McConnell
mattmcconnell.com
Matt McConnell is a sculptor born and raised in Charlotte, NC. He graduated from the NC State
University College of Design with degrees in Architecture and Industrial Design. A consistent focus
of his work is capturing and expressing the energy of time, motion, and invisible forces, often using
transformation and repetition in geometric forms. This vision, combined with a passion for exploring
new materials and fabrication systems, has produced a diverse portfolio of projects created for both
public and private spaces in a wide variety of materials, including metals, glass, fabric, plastics, wood,
and concrete.
Session: Public Art Application Tips
Patrick McDonnell
goelsewhere.org
Patrick McDonnell has worked in government, nonprofit, and start­ups and has a breadth of
understanding about how to navigate the different sectors of city building. He holds a Master’s degree
in Urban Planning and Master’s in Higher Education from the University of Michigan. Prior to joining
Elsewhere he worked at Dallas City Hall as an Urban Designer for a year, and freelanced for two
years consulting on creative placemaking projects and youth education programs with nonprofits in
the Dallas area. In 2012, Patrick was named to the Next City Vanguard class as one of 40 under 40
urban leaders in the county. He serves on the Association for Community Design board (2012­present),
including a term as President from 2013­2014. As South Elm Projects Coordinator, he works closely with
Elsewhere’s curators to launch and oversee the call for South Elm artist portfolios, articulate public
place­making practices as well as expand relationships with local community stakeholders, businesses
and partners.
Session: Elsewhere Plenary
Will McInerney
willmcinerney.com
Will McInerney is an award-winning poet, journalist, speaker, educator, consultant, and performer.
Will specializes in the intersection of conflict resolution and creative expression through oral history
collection and storytelling in Middle East and North Africa-based conflict zones. Will’s work has been
featured on National Public Radio, American Public Media, Al Jazeera English, Tedx, at the National
Storytelling Festival, and at numerous conferences, performance venues, and universities across the
United States and internationally.
Session: Creating Change
Beverly McIver
cravenallengallery.com/artists/beverly-mciver
Beverly McIver is widely acknowledged as a significant presence in contemporary American art and
has charted a new direction as an African American woman artist. She is committed to producing
art that consistently examines racial, gender, social and occupational identity. McIver was born in
Greensboro, North Carolina in 1962. She is the youngest of three girls born to Ethel McIver. Her
oldest sister Renee is mentally disabled, with the mindset of a second grader. Beverly is Renee’s
legal guardian. Renee is a frequent subject of the artist, as are other family members. McIver earned
a bachelor’s degree in art from North Carolina Central University, a master of fine arts degree in
painting from Pennsylvania State University, and an honorary doctorate from North Carolina Central
University. She is currently the Esbenshade Professor of the Practice of Visual Art at Duke University.
Session: Storytelling in Marketing
Emily Catherine Mealor
Emily Catherine Mealor received her Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis,
focusing on community development and arts integration. She has worked with various arts initiatives
in St. Louis and Raleigh including Barnes Jewish Hospital’s Arts and Healthcare Department and VAE’s
SPARKcon Festival. Most recently she was hired to work with the North Carolina Arts Council as the
Community Arts Coordinator.
Session: Ethical Practices in Empowering Communities through Art (moderator)
Joshua Miller
ideaslouisville.com
Originally from Chattanooga, TN, Joshua Miller moved to Louisville, KY in 2007. He earned a B.A. in
Business and Art Administration from Bellarmine University in 2011, and MBA from Indiana University
in 2013. During his time at Bellarmine, he was part of the team that launched Nfocus Louisville
Magazine in 2010, and currently serves as the Editorial Associate.
Mr. Miller co-founded IDEAS with Theo Edmonds in Louisville, KY, launching the first artist-run,
entrepreneur focused chamber of commerce in the United States in October, 2013.
As an artist, his work primarily manifests through portraits, environmental and experiential
photography. His latest work documents IDEAS’ initiatives and broadens the conversation around the
nexus of art, culture, and marketplace through the online publication “Exponential Thinking.”
Session: Keynote Address
Sharon Moore
ncpresenters.org
Sharon Moore is the director of NC State LIVE (formerly the NCSU Center Stage Performing Arts Series)
where she and the staff offer a diverse multi-disciplinary program that encourages community and
campus engagement. She was a founding member of the North Carolina Presenters Consortium in
1991, serving as President 1998-2000 and recently returning to the Executive Board in 2014. She
currently serves on the board of ARTS North Carolina as Vice President and chair of the Arts Day
Committee.
Session: How to Book a Gig
Eleanor Oakley
unitedarts.org
Eleanor H. Oakley is a professional arts administrator with 40 years of experience in nonprofit
management, fundraising and corporate communications. Since 2002, she has served as President/
CEO of the United Arts Council of Raleigh and Wake County, an organization raising $1.2 million
annually for arts programming in Wake. For the previous ten years, she managed Raleigh Little
Theatre. Eleanor holds a B.A. and M.B.A. from Meredith College. A member of the Raleigh Professional
Women’s Forum, she was inducted into the Triangle YWCA’s 2006 Academy of Women and has served
on the Board of Arts North Carolina.
Session: Money for Artists
Carmen Papalia
psusocialpractice.org/carmen-papalia
Carmen Papalia designs tours and experiences that invite participants to expand their sense of
perceptual mobility and claim access to public and institutional spaces. Papalia’s work makes visible
the opportunities for learning and knowing that come available through the nonvisual senses. It is
rooted in his own experiences with visual impairment and access to public space.
Session: Elsewhere Plenary
Jeff Pettus
ncarts.org
Jeff Pettus is Senior Program Director for Artists and Communities at the North Carolina Arts Council.
Among his other duties, he oversees all of the artist grant and professional development programs
at the Arts Council, including fellowships, regional artist project grants, and the Creative Capital
professional development partnership.
Session: Money for Artists
Charles Phaneuf
raleighlittletheatre.org
Charles Phaneuf is a Raleigh native who returned to the area to become Executive Director of Raleigh
Little Theatre in January 2012. He is interested in the role that arts play in community development
and serves on the boards of the Hillsborough Street Community Service Corporation and the Friends of
the Gregg Museum. As a part-time musician he performs with the North Carolina Symphony, the Heart
of Carolina Jazz Orchestra, and Corn & the Colonels, a pan-Americana band. @CJPtoNC.
Session: How to Book a Gig
Sara Phoenix
cirquedevol.com
Sara Phoenix is a performer, director and owner of Cirque de Vol studios and Celestine Movement
Arts. She is also the chief ringleader of the booking department. Before creating Cirque de Vol Studios,
she owned and operated a performance booking and production company known as Phoenix Rising
Productions. She has many years experience organizing and booking circus, aerial and vaudeville
entertainment for a wide variety of events.
Session: How to Book a Gig
Sarah Powers
visualartexchange.org
Sarah Powers is the Executive Director at Visual Art Exchange, a non-profit in Raleigh NC dedicated
to incubating emerging artists and connecting the community to the arts. She is currently a member
of the City of Raleigh Arts Commission, a board member for Triangle Art Works and the Downtown
Raleigh Alliance and a past recipient of an Indies Art Award. She is also currently co-chairing the
Cultural Plan for the City of Raleigh. Sarah is also an artist based in Raleigh, North Carolina whose
mixed media work focuses on industrial and rural landscapes and landscape details. Powers is a
graduate of Rhode Island School of Design and is represented locally by The Mahler Fine Art.
Session: Public Art Application Tips (moderator)
Scott Renk
scottrenk.blogspot.com
Scott Renk is a urban sketcher, award winning animator/filmmaker/artist, and teacher of At-Risk
students. His animation and artwork have been shown and recognized throughout the world. Scott has
had many different experiences of working with all levels of community with art. These experiences
include teaching Urban Sketching to 200 architects from around the world at the AIA 2015 National
convention, working with At-Risk students through grants with local art organizations, speaking on
panels for Arts Access on teaching art to At-Risk students, working on the Teacher Advisory Group for
the school of Design at NC State, and developing a community of urban sketchers with CAM Raleigh
and beyond.
Session: Ethical Practices in Empowering Communities through Art
Laura Ritchie
thecarrack.org
Laura Ritchie is Co-founder of The Carrack, a zero-commission gallery and performance venue in
Durham, North Carolina. The Carrack provides professional space at no cost to artists and fosters
connections between artists and audiences through interdisciplinary programming. Laura is interested
in re-imagining the visual arts community, negotiating boundaries within the art world, and adding
to the creative possibilities of gallery models. At The Carrack, she is working to build a safe, inclusive
space for provoking work that ensures the visibility of underrepresented artists. She also works for the
Durham Art Guild where she runs a Creative Mentorship Program that partners Durham high school
students with professional artists. Laura is a native of Salisbury, North Carolina. She holds a Bachelor
of Fine Arts degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, studied at Studio Arts Center International in Florence, Italy
and at the Institute for Curatorial Practice at Hampshire College.
Session: How to Find + Approach Galleries
Helen Seebold
littleflowerart.com
Artist Helen Seebold has created numerous site specific installations throughout the Triangle working
with various organizations including Cow Parade, the Durham Storefront Project, Windows on Chapel
Hill, Open Art Society’s POP! Downtown Art Series in Fuquay-Varina and Siler City, as well as her
own Pop_Up Project “Message in a Bottle” Her projects incorporate nature and cultural traditions as
themes and she collaborates often with artist Erin Lawler.
Session: Pop-Up Tool Kit
Justin Senkbeil
awesomefoundation.org/en/chapters/raleigh
Justin Senkbeil is an active social entrepreneur and dreamer based in Raleigh, NC. He sits on the
Raleigh Environmental Advisory Board, is the founding Dean of the Raleigh chapter of The Awesome
Foundation, Awesome Raleigh, co-creator of community-focused shared workspace, BLDG Co. (est.
2012), and co-founder of Raleigh-based CompostNow (est. 2011).
Session: Money for Artists
Bailey Skiles
baileyskiles.com
Bailey Skiles works at the cross-section of the arts and business. Her experience includes work
with the Peace Corps’ artisan business development program (Morocco), arts education nonprofit
administration (NYC), event management for the National Gallery of Art (DC), and teaching arts
entrepreneurship courses at NC State University. She is the director of operations and finance for
Decade film and media (DC) and is a visual artist, working primarily in collage and installation.
Session: Big Picture Planning
Melanie Stoer
melsieglass.com
Melanie Stoer is a local Raleigh glass artist and business consultant. After earning her B.A. in Business
Management from Washington College in Chestertown, MD, Melanie spent 15 years in the business
world working in sales, marketing and analysis. In 2008, she was certified by Synectics World as a
creativity trainer. As a trainer, Melanie works with corporate teams to tap into their creativity in order
to generate, nurture and implement new innovation, ideas and processes. As a glass artist, Melanie
exhibits her work at local shops and galleries, and participates in art festivals in the Triangle and
beyond. She is also an instructor at Pullen Arts Center.
Session: Breaking Through Blocks
Kaci Torres
acroentertainment.com
Kaci Rene Pierre Torres is an acrobatic performer and multi-medium artist, including paints, fabrics,
murals, ceramics, and movement. Her art was featured by the City of Raleigh’s Art-on-the Move in
2008, and she has numerous, permanent murals on display around the triangle. Kaci trained as
an acrobat in California, Colorado, and New York City, exploring different styles while refining her
own. Together with Katie, she co-founded AcroEntertainment in 2007, the first acrobatic group in the
Triangle, performing partner acrobatics, aeriel silks, and trapeze. She is the co-creator and lead
organizer of circusSPARK, an annual event that brings together circus talent at Raleigh’s SPARKcon
street festival, since 2010. She graduated from NC State University with a degree in Economics and
then worked at Pabst Brewing Company as the NC Field Marketing rep before landing her current job
as Sales Director at Gamila Company. She lives in Raleigh with her husband (Walden), cat (Tippy) and
turtle (Chunx) and continues to foster the growth of the local circus community.
Session: Making a Spectacle
Chris Vitiello
indyweek.com
Chris Vitiello is a visual arts critic and columnist at Indy Week and other publications. He organizes art
events throughout the Triangle such as Fotoflic, a quick-turnaround photography project program, and
Mixtape, an occasional performance and presentation series. He has curated group exhibitions at the
Ackland Art Museum at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and at the Carrack Modern Art
Gallery in Durham, NC. An accomplished poet, he also writes spontaneous custom street-poems on a
vintage typewriter as the Poetry Fox.
Session: Making a Spectacle (moderator), Poetry Fox
Erin White
communityfoodlab.org
Erin White is a designer, entrepreneur, and teacher working for healthy food systems. A native of
North Carolina, Erin formed Community Food Lab out of his belief that healthy communities need
healthy food systems, and that socially-oriented design has an important role to play in both. With
degrees from North Carolina State University and Bowdoin College and trained as an architect, he also
has experience as a chef and line cook, as an on-site farm manager, a statistician with the NC Central
Cancer Registry, and a framing carpenter. He is interim Chair of the Capital Area Food Network, and a
board member of Wake County’s Advocates for Health in Action.
Session: Creating Change
Leah Wilks
culturemill.org
Leah Wilks is a dancer, teacher, choreographer, and organizer based out of Durham, NC. She is a
founding member of Durham Independent Dance Artists (didaseason.com) and the arts non-profit
Culture Mill (culturemill.org). In addition to dancing for a number of local companies and teaching all
over the place, Leah runs her own multimedia-dance company VECTOR (inthevector.com) with brilliant
visual artist Jon Haas.
Session: How to Book a Gig
Jessie Williams
edgeofurge.com
Jessie Williams is a fashion designer and owner of Edge of Urge, a retail store and creative collective
founded in 2002 in Wilmington, North Carolina. Her custom apparel and accessories have been worn
by celebrities and featured in magazines such as Seventeen and InStyle. Jessie opened a second
Edge of Urge location in Raleigh in 2014 and currently is developing the Mama Bear Project, an
entrepreneurship center and makers’ space that will serve as a launch pad for emerging designers and
artisans. Jessie holds a BFA from the School of Art Institute in Chicago and today resides in Raleigh
with her rescue dog/ partner in crime Linwood. (www.edgeofurge.com)
Session: How to Find a Store
Mike Williams
artsnownc.com
Mike Williams is about fostering community. He is the managing editor of triangle.com, a local
entertainment and event platform; creator of fanstailgate.com, which showcases college football
tailgating communities across the country; and curator of ArtsNow (artsnownc.com), a digital home
for the Triangle arts community. He enjoys working with visual and performing artists to help them on
their respective journeys.
Session: Making a Spectacle Panel, Making a Spectacle Workshop
Beth Yerxa
triangleartworks.org
Beth Yerxa is the Executive Director of Triangle Artworks. Beth has been involved in the arts community
in the Triangle since 2001, when she served on the Raleigh City Council’s Task Force created to write
the initial Raleigh Public Art Policy. Once this document was created, she was appointed by Council
to the Raleigh Arts Commission, where she served from 2003 to 2009, including three years as Chair
of that Commission. Beth practiced environmental regulatory law and litigation for 13 years, most
recently as a partner at Smith Helms Mullis and Moore in Raleigh. She also currently serves on the
Board of the North Carolina State Arts Society.
Session: Pop-Up Tool Kit
Jeffrey York
townofchapelhill.org
Jeffrey York is Public and Cultural Arts Administrator for the Town of Chapel Hill, NC. where he
oversees the Town’s Percent for Art Program and administers the Artist-in-Residency, Community Arts,
Downtown Arts, temporary gallery exhibition, and yearly outdoor sculpture exhibition programs,
as well as, community festivals. In his 33 year career in the museum and public arts fields, he has
been a curator or juror or coordinator for dozens of public art projects, exhibitions, and arts festivals
throughout the United States.
Session: Public Art Application Tips
Jon Zellweger
clearscapes.com
Jon is a Project Architect with over 16 years of experience with Clearscapes. His experience ranges
from commercial and educational buildings, to theaters, hotels, museums and historic rehabilitation
projects in including CAM-Raleigh and the future Raleigh Union Station. Jon has long held a passion
for the intersection of architecture with the fine arts. He has co-chaired the American Institute of
Architects Triangle Chapter’s popular Tour of Residential Architecture and has served as a Bobblehead
for SPARKcon. Presently, he serves as the Visual Art Exchange Board Chair.
Session: Clearscapes Live/Work Space Brainstorm
ATTENDEE DIRECTORY
(To help you keep in touch with your new BFFS!)
Carrie Alter
Chapel Hill, NC
Painter, Writer
carriealter.com/
Kristin Austin
Raleigh, NC
handcraft
birdandbeau.com
Sue Avera
Smithfield, NC
Visual
Sueavera.com
Lisa Bailey
Clayton, NC
visual art
Heather Basinger
Raleigh, NC
hand crafted soaps and
soy candles
goodscentsbyheather.etsy.
com/
George Bason
Raleigh, NC
visual
georgebasonart.com
Dave Berger
Cary, NC
visual art
theebergers.blogspot.com
Marnie Blum
Raleigh, NC
Mixed media painter
Lindsey Currin
Selma, NC
Visual
Marina Bosetti
Raleigh, NC
Ceramics
www.BosettiArtTile.com
Melissa Dollman
Raleigh, NC
visual/film
mellydoll.wordpress.com
Sharon Burroughs Stevens
Chapel Hill, NC
visual
John Donahue
Moncure, NC
sculpture
Amanda Carbo
Raleigh, NC
Drawing
askewtaylor.com
Klara Doyle
Wake Forest, NC
Film
Elena Caron
Raleigh, NC
hand craft
elenacaron.com
Kelly Carrier
Raleigh, NC
Painting
facebook.com/
radiantloveart
Morgan Cox
Statesville, NC
Fashion, textile design
morgancoxdesign.com
Megan Cross
Cary, NC
Kendal Draper
Raleigh, NC
Fiber
www.kendalelise.com
John Elliott
Morrisville, NC
Visual
www.zendustria.com
Ric Ervin
Raleigh, NC
photography, visual, music
Charlie Evergreen
Durham, NC
Visual Arts
Maready Evergreen
Durham, NC
Visual artist
Shann Ferreira
Greensboro, NC
Visual
justshann.com
Dana Flynt
Raleight, NC
Visual / Photography
Erin Gillikin
Raleigh, NC
Visual
Traeisha Green
Raleigh, NC
Visual Arts
Leigh Griffin
Raleigh, NC
Handcrafted jewelry
www.araleighstudios.com
Denise Gunter
raleigh, NC
Visual, Illustrator, Painter
www.denisegunter.com/
Warren Hicks
Chapel Hill, NC
Visual
www.warrenhicks.com
Susy Holloway
Durham, NC
VIsual
hwww.susyholloway.com
Anne-Marie Hyatt
Morrisville, NC
Visual
www.zendustria.com
Brian Imfeld
Wendell, NC
Visual
www.brianimfeld.com
Shaun Knight
Butner, NC
Sketch artist, candle maker,
soap maker
Kaili In
Raleigh, NC
Visual, Graphics,
Photography
Victor Knight III
Butner, NC
Visual, Muralist
Domino Ireland
Raleigh, NC
Adventure
www.dominoireland.com
Katherine Jones
Carrboro, NC
Visual, photography
katherinemilesjones.com
Liz Kelly
Raleigh, NC
Hand-craft
lizkelly.net
Jessica Kemp
Durham, NC
hand-craft
peatandrepeat.com
Kimberly Kirchstein
Raleigh, NC
hand - dyed fabrics
leopolddesigns.com
Linette Knight
Butner, NC
Hand-craft, crochet artist,
candle maker, soap maker,
seamstress
www.etsy.com/shop/
FullMetalRacket
Kelly Kye
Raleigh, NC
Quilt
commonfold.wordpress.com
Katrina Lamberto
Raleigh, NC
Professional Organizer,
Program Coordinator,
Facilitator, Colloborator
Advocate & Activator
katlamdo.com
Cayce Lee
Raleigh, NC
VIsual
caycelee.com
Suijin Li
Raleigh, NC
Jewelry Design
Janet Link
Raleigh, NC
drawing / painting
janetlink.com
Courtney Lockemer
Durham, NC
Fashion
sundayshiftdesigns.com
Cyn Macgregor
Raleigh, NC
visual/film
www.cynergiestudio.com
Tracy Maniaci
Raleigh, NC
Graphic Design
Linda Marcuson
Creedmoor, NC
Clay Artist
carolinadesignercraftsmen.
com
Netiti Moori
Durham, NC
hand-craft
jewelswithtudeblogspot.com
Jody Pounds
Yadkinville, NC
Visual
yadkinarts.org
Kelly Murray
Raleigh, NC
visual
kellysheppardmurray.com
Gretchen Quinn
Raleigh, NC
Hand built & wheel
thrown pottery
www.gretchenquinn.com
Liz McLaughlin
Charlotte, NC
Film
Jessi Nemeth
Raleigh, NC
Visual, improv, theatre
Susan Miller
Clayton, NC
Visual Artist, Certified
Creativity Coach
lightedpathcoaching.org
Libby O’Daniel
Raleigh, NC
Visual
Cynthia Mollenkopf
Cary, NC
Visual
www.artifelts.com
Ray Pfeiffer
Raleigh, NC
Photographer
Erica Porter
Raleigh, NC
fashion
Wayne Rives
Youngsville, NC
Painting, fine crafts
Jeanne Rives
Youngsville, NC
Jessica Sandford
Durham, NC
Ceramics
ceramicsjess.weebly.com
Katie Scheuerle
Raleigh, NC
Event Production
www.katiescheuerle.com
Meredith Schomburg
Raleigh, NC
Graphic Design
www.meredith-paigeschomburg.com
Anne Schuett
Wake Forest, NC
Jonathon Shannon
Saint Pauls, NC
Visual
jonathonleeshannon.com
Jennifer Sherrod
Knightdale, NC
Hand-craft - Leather
curtisblakeleather.com
Curtis Sherrod
Knightdale, NC
Leather Craft
curtisblakeleather.com
Debra Singer-Harter.
Raleigh, NC
Painting and Pottery
tinyurl.com/DebraArt
Jim Smith
Raleigh, NC
Metalsmith, Potter & Sculpture
Robert Talley
Durham, NC
Visual
Dangerartworks.con
Kulsum Tasnif
Raleigh, NC
Painting
www.kulsumtasnif.com
Cynthia Tate
Apex, NC
Visual
Ian Tate
Raleigh, NC
Pen and ink, printmaking,
mural painter
Garry Taylor II
Raleigh, NC
Film
Jorge Tecunolmos
Apex, NC
Visuals.
www.joinimliving.com
Cris Treharne
Wake Forest, NC
Jewelry Design & Fabrication
cristreharne.wix.com/magpieforage
Sally Van Gorder
Raleigh, NC
visual
Oliver Vest
Fayetteville, NC
Graphic Design, Photography,
Sculpture, Mixed Media
www.ojvest.com
www.aboutfacegraphics.com
Nghi Vollmer
cary, NC
Recycled Visual Artist
nvecoart.com/
Tim Walter
Durham, NC
photography
Jayne Walther
Raleigh, NC
Photography, Mixed Media
www.jaynewalther.com
Lamar Whidbee
Durham, NC
Visual (Painter)
www.lwhidbeevisualarts.com
Lori White
Raleigh, NC
visual
www.LDWhiteArt.com
Stephanie Williams
Garner, NC
unk
Michele Yellin
Cary, NC
Visual
www.micheleyellin.com
Doyun Yoon
Raleigh, NC
Visual
17-20, 2015
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Upcoming shows @ VAE
werd
July 3-30, 2015
First Friday Reception: July 3, 2015, 6-10pm
VAE is calling all artists utilizing text in their work to participate in July’s Main
Gallery exhibition, “werd”. This is a non-juried exhibition is open to all artists
working in any media. All artwork submitted should consider text or words in some
way. No media restrictions. Two entries per artist. Non-juried.
Deadline: Deliver artwork to VAE on June 26, 11am-6pm or June 27, 11am-4pm.
Navigating the Natural
August 7-27, 2015
First Friday Reception: August 7, 6-10pm
Given the long history of artists who have created work about nature and their
environment, Navigating the Natural seeks to highlight how artists are finding new
ways to respond to nature today. Navigating the Natural seeks artworks of all media
that critically reflect humans’ changing relationship to an ecologically complex and
increasingly fragile world. No media restrictions. Juried with JPEGs. Two entries per
artist. Entries must be received by 11:59pm on Monday, July 13, 2015.
Juror: Nicole Pietrantoni, artist and Assistant Professor of Art at Whitman College
N.E.W. Show
September 4-24, 2015
First Friday Reception: September 4, 6-10pm
Our annual N.E.W. Show features some of the newest, most innovative works around.
This exhibition is open to any artist working in any media. The only stipulations
are that the work be original, completed within the past year and not previously
exhibited anywhere else. No media restrictions. Juried with JPEGs. Two entries per
artist. Entries must be received by 11:59pm on Monday, July 27, 2015.
Learn more at visualartexchange.org!
Putting Proper Service into
Property Management!
Serving investors and property owners with management
services and property acquisitions throughout the Triangle.
Mention this ad when hiring our services
and we will donate $50.00 to VAE!
View our available inventory at:
www.TourTheRentals.com
(919) 720-4363 // INFO@RESOLUTENC.COM
8358 SIX FORKS RD, STE 101 RALEIGH, NC 27615
See you at
Taste of Summer!
VAE’s annual wine-tasting fundraiser
June 26, 7-9pm
Tickets available now:
visualartexchange.org/projects/taste-of-summer-2