The NWTC Artisan and Business Center welcomed six local artists into the fifth cohort of its Artisan Residency Program last August.
Over their year as residents, these artists will meet with Operations Coordinator Carrie Dorski and various mentors to learn all about what it takes to run an art-based business, including marketing, website design, branding and more, individualized to meet the needs of each resident while fostering a sense of community among them.
In addition to learning from mentors about how to take the next steps in growing their businesses, residents in the program will also benefit from the Artisan and Business Center’s resources throughout the year with free classes and unlimited studio access.
This cohort’s residents were introduced in the fall issue of City Pages.
Read on to learn more about how they are enjoying the program and what they’ve been learning, and check back in each quarterly issue of City Pages to keep up with them as they continue through the Artisan Residency Program.
How has being a part of the residency program changed how you view yourself as an artist and as an entrepreneur?
Before the residency, I viewed myself as an artist — someone who could create meaningful work and express ideas through my art. But when it came to thinking of myself as an entrepreneur, I struggled. I often felt like I couldn’t juggle all the different aspects of being an entrepreneurial artist — creating art, marketing, networking, managing a website, and handling finances — all at once. Now, I see myself as someone who is learning to manage both the creative and practical sides of being an artist. The residency has given me the confidence to trust the process, embrace experimentation, and remind myself that growth comes in stages. It’s not about doing everything perfectly or all at once; it’s about making progress, one piece at a time.
What advice or encouragement would you give to artists who are considering submitting an application for the next residency cohort?
If you’re thinking about applying for the next residency cohort, my advice is to embrace uncertainty. It’s normal to experience imposter syndrome from time to time, but don’t let that hold you back — trust in your own creative potential.
How has being a part of the residency program changed how you view yourself as an artist and as an entrepreneur?
When I started the program, I didn’t really see myself as an entrepreneur, and I didn’t always think of myself as an artist. I was simply someone who made things and occasionally (randomly) sold something. Being a resident has helped me become more intentional about managing and selling my art, and that intentionality really shows in my 2024 sales numbers. It has also given me more confidence in my artwork. It’s been just a few months and the changes feel pretty significant.
What advice or encouragement would you give to artists who are considering submitting an application for the next residency cohort?
It’s a terrific program, and I wholeheartedly recommend it! To get the most out of it, prepare to commit not just the time, but also a chunk of mental space. There’s a lot to process.
Being a resident offers a remarkable number of opportunities. Take full advantage whenever possible!
How has being a part of the residency program changed how you view yourself as an artist and as an entrepreneur?
Being part of the residency cohort has definitely granted me the space and much needed encouragement to take my own art practice seriously. I by no means have it all figured out and there is still so much for me to do and learn, but I feel that the fire has been lit and I am ready to take off.
What advice or encouragement would you give to artists who are considering submitting an application for the next residency cohort?
I would say “Go for it you beautiful art creature!” You can’t start until you start and waiting for the perfect moment will never arrive. Put together an application and if you’re nervous, ask your creative peers or other people tapped into the art community (heck, even past residents), if they could help review your application.
How has being a part of the residency program changed how you view yourself as an artist and as an entrepreneur?
Getting feedback from our mentors and the other residents has been so empowering and confidence-building! I wasn’t giving myself nearly enough credit for how far I’ve come these last few years as an artist and business owner. I see myself and my art as more legitimate now—like I do belong in the art world!
What advice or encouragement would you give to artists who are considering submitting an application for the next residency cohort?
You should absolutely go for it! If your experience is anything like mine, you’ll learn so much about the business of being an artist, grow more confident, make excellent connections in our community, and gain support you didn’t even know you needed.
How has being a part of the residency program changed how you view yourself as an artist and as an entrepreneur?
The residency program has made me actually consider myself an artist and take my art more seriously by putting myself out there. It’s given me the confidence to sell more of my art and engage with people to find what types of pieces they like the most. Knowing that people like my work enough to buy it is very reassuring and encourages me to keep making.
What advice or encouragement would you give to artists who are considering submitting an application for the next residency cohort?
I would say to anybody looking to apply to just go for it. If you make great art and are looking to sell your work, or are trying to sell more, I’d say follow the application and submit everything it asks for (even the optional stuff) and see what happens. The worst case scenario is you get denied and you receive great feedback on how to improve your application for the next year.
How has being a part of the residency program changed how you view yourself as an artist and as an entrepreneur?
Since starting this residency I’ve been able to really focus in on the types of work I want to be making. The title of artist has always felt off limits to me, but over the past few months I’ve strengthened my identity as an artist and have grown my confidence around thinking of myself as an artist.
What advice or encouragement would you give to artists who are considering submitting an application for the next residency cohort?
Even if you don’t necessarily have a clear goal in mind for participating in a program like this, just give it a shot. The experiences and opportunities that will come along with this program can be really helpful in formulating those goals as you go. It really is an experience that is tailored to each individual, and participating can be helpful in gaining clarity about both artistic and entrepreneurial goals.
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