The Artist as an Entrepreneur Institute (AEI) is proving to be more than worth the cost. One of the speakers asks some really tough questions and puts people on the spot by making them think and answer quickly. If they stumble, he uses that as examples of what not to do and how not to be. His brashness I find motivating and instructive. I like the tough questions. Like he said, you don’t grow without some pain. Next on our agenda, developing a business plan. That’s going to take some serious effort but, if it’s not done, I know what he’ll say. But, in the end it’s on us as individuals to do, if we’re really serious.

The AEI is an artist-focused course of study designed to assist all artists (visual, performing, literary) by cultivating and advancing their business skills. Presented on four consecutive Saturdays, AEI will be offered as 18 classes convening over three full-day sessions (9:00 am – 6:00 pm). Designed to help visual, performing and literary artists operate in the marketplace more effectively, the AEI course curriculum covers all aspects of developing an artistic business. It helps artists identify and develop their personal brand, develop strategies for communicating with their target market, raise capital and identify a variety of tools for protecting their work legally.

While sitting in yesterday’s workshop I got a phone call from Ft. Pierce. I had no idea of what it was so I ran out of the workshop to answer it. My friend Chuck! That was a surprise. He wanted me to drive up for a visit. Well, that was a long drive for a few hours but, more than worth it. We’ve had this intense attraction for twenty years now. I only wish he’d stop smoking. *sigh*