Wrapping Up Blended Learning in New Jersey
On July 10th we celebrated the final convening of our New Jersey Blended Learning Program. Blended Learning is a multi-format course in financial and business management that helps artists establish a secure base upon which to create and grow their work. The four-month program combines a one-day Strategic Planning & Fundraising in-person workshop, three live webinars, a series of online courses, artist working groups and small group phone consultations.
This spring and summer, we presented Blended Learning to artists in two communities in New Jersey—Trenton and Newark. Artists from both communities gathered at Gallery Aferro in Newark for one last in-person workshop with our fantastic group of leaders: Colleen Keegan, Dread Scott, and Aaron Landsman.
Some artists choose to write about their experience through the Blended Learning Program. Here’s quotes from their testimonials:
“Without this program I definitely would not have pushed myself so hard. I am in training right now and I feel the growing pains. The most encouraging aspect of this training program is that I believe I am getting back what I am putting in.” —Colleen Gutwein
“Since I have begun the Creative Capital Blended Learning Program, I have taken my attitude towards my practice outside of the realm of ‘hobby’ and into ‘professional practice.’ Simply changing the way in which I perceive my practice has raised my productivity level, as well as compelled me to seek out opportunities.” —Christy O’Connor
“Everyone who has taught us in the Blended Learning Program has focused on learning to value ourselves as artists. I am realizing that it is important for me to take risks in putting my work out there and that I don’t need to feel sheepish or apologetic for doing so.”—Laura Beard
We thank all of the artists who participated, our leaders for their encouragement and wisdom, the staff of Gallery Aferro and Artworks Trenton for hosting our workshops and the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation for their generous support in making Blended Learning in New Jersey possible.