Tequesta, FL (May 6, 2008) An intensive one-day marketing workshop for professional artists was held at the Lighthouse Center for the Arts on May 3 rd. Selected as one of the two sites statewide, artists traveled from Tallahassee to Key West to take part in the professional development workshop facilitated by Creative Capital. Creative Capital is a national nonprofit organization based in New York, which provides developmental, financial and promotional assistance to artists in all fields. The Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs sponsored the event and invited visual artists, musicians, poets, sculptors, and painters, giving them the opportunity to learn the basic tools of marketing and promoting their work.

"Waking up everyday and making your art may be personally satisfying but it is your responsibility to get your creative product in front of an audience," said Jackie Battenfield, Marketing and Public Relations Consultant for Creative Capital. "When you effectively market or promote your work, people will get out of their chairs and do something on your behalf," she told over 50 enthusiastic participants.

The artists were given interactive exercises and opportunities to meet with Creative Capital workshop staff, Ela Troyano and Sue Schaffner, in small work groups focusing on individual disciplines. Each artist received workbooks and handouts showing them how to motivate people to attend their exhibitions, performances, readings or screenings.

"Art is a business and an artist needs a business plan, just like any other small business owner," Battenfield emphasized. "Artists can use business principles to achieve exposure of their creative efforts they never thought possible."

Finding a platform for talented artists reach an audience is a challenge the Lighthouse Center for the Arts helps bridge. Supporting Florida artists is entrenched in the mission and exhibition philosophy of the Center. In the 44 year history, the Center has showcased countless artists by dedicating a significant portion of gallery space to community based student/member and emerging artists' exhibitions. The recent Spring 2008 exhibition, talking graphics, by Jupiter Island artist Jane Davis Doggett led to a tour of her works with the next stops including Yale University and Palm Beach's Society of the Four Arts.

"The talent level and variety of artists working in Florida is astounding," said Sonya Davis, Executive Director of the hosting venue, the Lighthouse Center of the Arts. "We are blessed with the quality and diversity of artistic expression in our area that generates interest throughout the art world."

By the end of the workshop day the participating artists had plans for integrating marketing into their artistic lives. Contacting galleries, improving portfolios, expanding contacts, volunteering in the community, plus setting goals and sticking to a timeline were part of the tips given to the artists.

"I drove here from Gainesville and gave up seeing my daughter off to her prom in order to be here," said Kimberly Wilcox. "It was worth every minute! I learned so much that I can put to use right away."

This workshop was made sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, and hosted by the Lighthouse Center for the Arts. The Lighthouse Center for the Arts, located at 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL, is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 4:30 pm. and will close Saturdays for the summer starting May 24 th. The public is invited and admission is free. For more information call 561-746-3101 or visit online at www.lighthousearts.org.

This workshop was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, coordinated by the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs and hosted by the Lighthouse Center for the Arts. The Lighthouse Center for the Arts, located at 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL, is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 4:30 pm. and will close Saturdays for the summer starting May 24 th. The public is invited and admission is free. For more information call 561-746-3101 or visit online at www.lighthousearts.org.