So, your friend is an artist...

This is a busy and exciting time of year for handmakers. It can also be a punishing schedule and workload. We spied a great post from our member Alison of EyespotDesigns about how to support your artists friends and we wanted to share! 
 

Acrylic Painting Greeting Cards by EyespotDesigns

You probably have at least one friend who is an artist. Maybe you already own one or more of their pieces, and sometimes buy from them to give pieces as gifts. Alternately, you would like to, but can't afford it. Or, their work isn't to your taste. That's okay!

There are lots of ways you can support your friend.

•  Offer to help them set up or take down, or staff their booth, at shows. They might pay you, or at least feed you, for your effort.                                                                                                     
• Come to their shows & openings! They really appreciate the support. Of course, they also understand you can't possibly do everything, and won't be able to come to every show, besides which you'll see the work quite a few times if you do. Maybe you don't really even like or "get" art, or you hate shopping, or crowds, but if you can show up once a year or so, that's awesome. Bonus if you are able to come to a big or new show, or when they have new work.  
• Share! You know your friend is an artist, and your friend knows you care about them. Maybe you have other commitments or live too far away to get to their event? Help them by sharing their website, social media links, show invitations, business cards, and telling people about their work (and where to find it). This helps a lot in getting the word out, and the work seen, by those outside their immediate circle.

Artscape Discount for Etsy Sellers

Etsy Canada has teamed up with Artscape to offer Etsy sellers a discounted rate on Creative Entrepreneurship programs geared toward newer entrepreneurs and those with an established business who want brush up on some foundational business skills. Using curriculum designed specifically for artists, designers and makers, program participants will learn how to create value for loyal, enthusiastic, paying customers; study branding, marketing, business administration and financial management - all while working hands-on to launch or expand their own business.

To access your 20% discount, follow the instructions at this link!

Art news: Open House for the Artist's Health Alliance

The Al & Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre at Western Hospital, will be hosting a 10th Anniverary Open House on November 6th from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. The AHC can be found at:




The Al & Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre

Toronto Western Hospital
3rd Floor, West Wing
399 Bathurst Street (at Dundas)
Toronto, ON M5T 2S8
416.603.5263

The Artist's Health Centre is run by a not-for-profit charitable organization with the name Artists’ Health Alliance (AHA). From their website,

Founded in 1997, AHA continues to be the only organization in Ontario whose mission is to promote the health and wellbeing of all professional and emerging performing and creative artists. ...

The Artists’ Health Alliance is a one of a kind organization. We are about partnership between the artistic and medical community for healing, strengthening and empowering the creative community. We are accomplishing this through the work of the excellent clinicians at the Artists’ Health Centre, through the work of volunteer committees and the educational and outreach initiatives of the Alliance.

AHA has been the bridge connecting artists to the Artists’ Health Centre since its doors opened at Toronto Western Hospital in 2002. We continue to work in close partnership with the AHC to this day and will soon celebrate 10 years of integrative healthcare for artists.

T.E.S.T. own's Carolyn from Sprout's Press Desings serves on the Artists' Committee for the AHA and reports that their workshops for "creative types to prevent injury, healing, physio, etc. ... are fantastic". The Open House is a good chance to learn what they are all about.