Read a wonderful review of our most recent conference by Jessica Shaykett on the American Craft Council's website

At right: Cappy Counard checking out the earring pop-up exhibition at the 2014 SNAG Conference in Minneapolis! photo: Jim Bové

This month, Road 2 Success's SPOT ON will be focusing on Collecting and our format is a Q&A with one expert each week. This week we've been talking with David Huang, full-time studio metalsmith. In response to the question, "What do you do to build relationships with collectors?" David wrote:

"A major reason it is my best market is because it is local to me, making it easy for me to attend events in person to build those
relationships. For example, later this week LaFontsee Galleries will be having a reception for a show opening. I may not be featured in the show but I plan to attend. These events are where I get to casually talk with the owners, but just as importantly, I also get to spend time with the staff who interact with potential clients of my work everyday. Not only this, but by regularly attending these sorts of events I have gotten to meet and build at least casual acquaintances with many of the art collectors in this region who have since purchased one or more of my pieces."

This next week, we'll be talking with Susan Cummins about her experiences as a collector. 

If you'd like to join in the conversation for May's Q&A on Collecting with Karen Lorene, Susan Cummins, David Huang, and Cindi Strauss, go to the Signup Form and we'll get you into the forum as soon as possible.  You can be a part of where the conversation goes next.

"For me SNAG provides a platform to gain insight and inspiration from its variety of members. The conferences in particular give me an opportunity to meet the people I admire, meet new people from all backgrounds and experience, and put a face and personality to the work I enjoy. SNAG gives the opportunity to connect with people in the field so I can gain knowledge, start new friendships, learn new techniques, and gain new perspectives and outlooks on creating artwork. All these advantages of being a member of a large but tight knit group continues to fuel the fire to make with invigorated passion." - Aric Verrastro

Thanks, Aric!

The Red Carpet Exhibition (this year's twist on the Exhibition in Motion) was a huge success!  Artists made pieces for participants to try on, walk down the red carpet and be photographed in the photo booth.  You can see the whole album by visiting our flickr album!

You can also see more photos from our recent From Grains to Gold conference as well as pictures from some past conferences as well.  The Red Carpet photos come first with other conference photos following (they are roughly chronological.) Visit SNAG's photostream here!

Review in The Durango Herald by Chase Olivarius-McAllister

TOP Jewels - National Jewelry Design Exhibition is on display at the Durango Arts Center, 802 East Second Ave. Durango, CO, through June 28.
In addition, a lecture and exhibit featuring Yazzie Johnson and Gail Bird presenting a historical overview of Southwest Indian jewelry will be held at 7 p.m. May 31. Other workshops led by Deb Karash on June 14-15 and by Tim McCreight on June 21-22 will be offered.

Read more

Wednesday, May 21, 7- 8:30pm
 The Actors Fund, 729 7th Avenue (btw 48th & 49th), 11th floor, NYC
 FREE!

Did you know that...

1. You can still enroll in Obamacare if you meet one of the special enrollment categories!
2. You can get monthly subsidies for insurance that fits your needs
3. Anyone whose projected income is less than $16,000/year can enroll at any time and is eligible for free, comprehensive insurance!

You may be eligible for cheap or free coverage and not know it!

Come to this free workshop sponsored by CERF+, NYFA, ARTISIN, and The Actors Fund. We'll answer your questions about who is eligible for a special enrollment period, how much insurance costs, and where to get health care for free or at discounted rates if you're uninsured. This is an excellent opportunity for unbiased counseling. It includes a Q&A session and individual consultations. Pizza and drinks will be provided. Presenter: Renata Marinaro, LMSW, Director of Eastern Region Health Services, The Actors Fund.

 RSVP

"Art Jewelry Forum Best of Interviews" features 20 interviews with internationally-recognized jewelers, designers, curators, dealers, and collectors, including Madeleine Albright and Gijs Bakker. In this book, interviewees candidly discuss the pursuit of their passions, and the influence art jewelry has on design in other realms.

Our ONLY location:

"Face Now" Workshop with Ruudt Peters July 28 - August 3, Ravenstein, The Netherlands

Metals Residency at Lillstreet Art Center Chicago, IL Deadline: May 31

$450 Scholarship Opportunity at Metalwerx Deadline: May 30

Jewelry Fabrication in Steel by Sharon Massey, May 24-25

Shared Furnished Jewelry Studio $350/month, Brooklyn, NY

Fall 2014 Internship at The Smith Shop Deadline: June 30

New Necklaces: 500+ Designs from Around the World Deadline: July 20

These are only a few of the opportunities you'll find on Springboard. Discover calls for entry, teaching positions, workshops, scholarships, grants, studio space and more. You are welcome and encouraged to post opportunities you want to share. Bookmark Springboard today!

 
Take advantage of this member benefit and get more exposure for your work!  Make sure you have at least five high quality images so we can feature your work in Riveting News and on social media.