misilversmith logoWith a focus on practical business skills and strategies for creatives, a Creative’s Guide to the Entrepreneurial Mindset will step out of the box of a traditional small business model and open a world to creative entrepreneurial skills. This hands-on boot camp will take an in-depth look at prospective and current business practices, envisioning a healthier balance between business and artistic output.

The class provides access to business-building tools, identifies opportunities, strengthens networks, and refines marketing strategy while finding ways to increase income. Cohort members will troubleshoot issues specific to creative business development. At the end of the weekend, participants will be able to fill out a 2-page business plan, have a working elevator pitch, know their current and target markets, and much more!

Topics Covered:

  • Evaluating Your Business
  • Creating and Crafting your Elevator Pitch
  • What Sets You Apart From Other Creatives
  • The Power of Good Networking
  • Marketing Strategy
  • How to Create Long-Term Relationships and Partnerships
  • How to Price Your Work/Services
  • How to Diversify Your Revenue Streams

Strategies/Lessons Learned

  • Public Speaking
  • Product/Service Assessment
  • How to Sell/Market Your Work/Service
  • Embracing Innovation & Change
  • Opportunity Alertness
  • Cash Flow Management
  • Leveraging Resources

Schedule:
Friday, March 10th: 6 - 8 pm - Meet & Greet + Introduction of class, content, and each other's businesses
Saturday, March 11th, and Sunday, March 12th: 10 am - 5 pm - Core content + 60 min break with lunch provided

Location:
The College for Creative Studies
201 E Kirby St, Detroit, MI 48202

Cost:
$250 per student
$430 per member
$500 per non-member
Lunch is provided Saturday and Sunday.
Brain food and light refreshments will be available throughout the weekend.
After you register, you will be emailed a link to pay for the class.
Only 15 spots available!

Questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Instructor Bio:

Alaina ClarACLARKE01ke has her BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry and her MPA in Public Administration: Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Grand Valley State University. With a focus on entrepreneurship in the arts, Alaina is spending her time as an Organizational and Sustainability Strategist focused on Business Development for arts-based businesses and nonprofits. Along with GEM Creative, which empowers creatives to be entrepreneurs, she also runs her own jewelry business, A. Clarke Metalsmith. An advocate for both doing and teaching, Alaina is passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all creatives through education and dialogue.

**It is highly recommended that you have been working and selling your art for at least 6 months to retain the full benefits of this workshop. We will look in depth at your current creative practices to support your business in its next steps.

**This is an in-person workshop at the College for Creative Studies. You should be able to attend the whole weekend and be in person. There will not be a virtual option.

Click HERE to register for this bootcamp.

annual meetingCalling All Members!
 
Join us for the all member/workshop weekend October 29 and 30 at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit.  
 
Join fellow metalsmiths and makers for a MSG sponsored weekend of educational fun with FREE workshops on Saturday and our annual meeting and lecture on Sunday. Join the tool swap and scoop up some deals on second hand studio items! Visit sponsor tables for more cool items and maker resources. Learn about recent and upcoming MSG shows, workshops and other events. Update your membership and pick up some MSG swag. Lunch on both days will be provided! It's time to get out and get involved. See you there!
 
Where: 
College for Creative Studies
201 E. Kirby
Detroit, MI 48202
 
It’s right across John R from the Detroit Institute of Arts.
 
Visitor parking is located off of Brush Street at the east end of campus in the structure.  Just tell them you are there for the meeting in the metals studio.
 
Click Here for directions
 
Saturday Schedule:
Please note that the order of presentations may change 
9:00 a.m. - Fellowship, coffee and goodies, plus setup time for tool swap
 
10:00 a.m.-  Precious metal clay workshop with Julie Sanford. The first 10 to show up will be gain hands on experience with everyone else observers. 2 hours.
 
12:00 p.m. – Lunch from Bucharest Grill
 
1:00 p.m. – Hydraulic die forming with Ralph Parus
 
2:00 p.m. – Roll printing with laser cut stencils with Katie MacDonald
 
3:00 p.m. – Coiled Again! Weaving with flat wire/double coil with Carol Tomasso
 
4:00 p.m.  - Saltwater etching with Mary Kernahan
 
Sunday Schedule:
 
Our sponsor Larry Sklar of Opal Exclusively will be bringing his handcut Ethiopian Welo opals. Come and shop!
 
The tools swap continues 
 
12:00 p.m. – Lunch from Slows to Go and fellowship
 
1:00 p.m. – Annual all member meeting
 
3:00 p.m. Lecture by Tom Madden
 
4:30 p.m. Wrap up and end of tool swap

lac logo 2018

Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago has some exciting news. After a pandemic hiatus, we’re now offering our full-scale Artist-in-Residence Program once again! We are currently seeking artists for year-long residencies in Metalsmithing & Jewelry beginning September 1, 2022. 

Our residencies include free classes in all departments, free studio space with 24-hour access, paid teaching/assistant positions, exhibition opportunities, and a $400 monthly stipend. ⁠
 
Applications are due May 9, 2022.⁠

Great news! The Andy Cooperman “Imaginative Captures Workshop” that was originally scheduled for the end of January but was postponed because of Covid has been rescheduled for April 21-24.  The workshop is a collaboration of the College for Creative Studies and MSG.
 
Registration is limited to six MSG participants, and enrollment is expected to fill quickly, so don’t procrastinate.  Registration information was sent to members via email, but if for some reason you missed it, please contact Mary Kernahan via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or text at 734-890-4536. 
 
And even if you can’t attend the workshop, don’t forget to attend Andy’s artist lecture at CCS on Friday April 22 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. and the artist reception immediately following!
 
Click HERE for the flyer!!! 

Please join your fellow MSG members at the Detroit Institute of Arts for a tour of European Metalwork with Chaz Kirchhoff, Assistant Curator of European Sculpture & Decorative Arts: 

Saturday, November 13th
12noon 
Detroit Institute of Arts 5200 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48202

RSVP to Katie MacDonald by Wednesday, November 17th: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with subject line MSG DIA Tour
  • Space is limited to the first 20 participants. 
  • We will meet at the John R entrance at 11:45am. Parking is available across from the John R entrance for $7 per vehicle. 
  • Please note that masks are required for all visitors regardless of vaccination status. Groups must practice social distancing. 
NOTE: You must be a member in good standing with your dues paid to participate.

Hope to see you there!
MI Silversmiths Guild
 
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