For Any Artists
*This programming is being presented with the support of Arts Catawba and participants who reside in Catawba County may be eligible for free or reduced registration fees. If you think you qualify, please contact Arts Catawba here to determine eligibility and registration procedures. *
Are you an artist who wants to take better photos of your work? Do you want some tips and best practices for photographing your artwork?
Join Brady Connelly in this workshop where they focus on the components of successful professional images and product photos. Brady will discuss practical tips and best practices for shooting, lighting and editing. Whether participants have a DSLR camera or are using a smartphone, they will walk away with a strategy to optimize their photography set up in their own studios. Participants will be provided a workshop overview and a takeaway handout with notes and best practices.
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EARLY BIRD PRICING THROUGH SEPT 3, $38
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GENERAL PRICING THROUGH SEPT 8, $48
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DAY OF WORKSHOP PRICING: $53
This virtual class meets on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm. The class meets on Zoom and you will receive login information before the class.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain knowledge on how to improve your product photography!
About the Instructor:
Brady Connelly is an artist and photographer working in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. With a BFA in Studio Arts with a concentration in Photography, they have over a decade of experience in photo and video and most recently worked for Toe River Arts and Penland School of Craft. Find out more about Brady’s work and Loam here: Website: Loamnc.com and Instagram: @loam.marketing
"Marketing on Meta" is a hands-on workshop for nonprofit cultural organizations to learn effective strategies for promoting their work on Facebook and Instagram. Discover how to optimize content, target audiences, and use Meta’s tools to boost engagement and reach.
This workshop will be held in:
Keiser Community room in the West Wing of the SALT Block
231 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601
Jacob Deaton is the founder of GPG Touring, a premier music agency that books world-class artists into performing arts centers nationwide, and Shindig My Event, a leading private event production and music staffing agency. Under his leadership, both companies have grown into multi-million-dollar enterprises, producing unforgettable live experiences and generating millions in ticket sales and event revenue. Jacob’s expertise in social advertising has made him a sought-after authority in concert promotion, consistently delivering high-impact results for public and private events alike.
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You're invited to the launch party for Arts Culture Catawba’s new Community Events Calendar—a dynamic tool designed to spotlight arts, culture, and entertainment happenings across the region. Join fellow event planners, marketing professionals, creatives, and arts industry leaders for a fun, festive evening of connection, collaboration, and a first look at this exciting new resource.
This programming is being presented with the support of Arts Catawba and participants who reside in Catawba County may be eligible for free or reduced registration fees. If you think you qualify, please contact Arts Catawba here to determine eligibility and registration procedures.
Are you interested in learning more about how to price your artwork?
Are you selling your work but unsure why you are not earning what you expect?
Join Tiffany Coley and Cynthia Deis for this virtual workshop where you’ll learn how to abandon the idea of the starving artist and make a profit with your artwork. This class will cover the details of a profit-driven pricing strategy for artists. You’ll discuss pricing for your artwork or art services, wholesale vs. retail pricing, how to identify productive hours and how to approach pricing to achieve a desired income level from your work. The class will work through pricing using a business case study and the details of pricing You will leave with a method to price your work, including a downloadable file that can be used when pricing your own work.
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EARLY BIRD PRICING THROUGH SEPTEMBER 24, $33
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GENERAL PRICING THROUGH OCTOBER 6 $43
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DAY OF WORKSHOP PRICING $48
About the Instructors:
Tiffany Coley
Tiffany Coley is a jeweler and silversmith with a background in tech and business. She most recently joined Triangle Artworks as a Program Assistant and serves as a Liberty Arts board member. She works out of her studio in Durham, NC and sells her work both retail and wholesale. Learn more about Tiffany Coley's work here.
Cynthia Deis
Cynthia Deis, Triangle ArtWorks ArtSwell Education Director, is an artist and art educator with over 25 years of experience in designing and selling crafts and in running a retail crafts store and craft-focused pop-up markets around the Triangle. Learn more about Cynthia's work here.
This virtual class meets on Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 6-8pm. The class meets on Zoom and you will receive login information after registration. You will receive class handouts via email in the week before class, please print the handouts out and be prepared to work on them during the class.
To register, email Chris Coffey at grants@artscatawba.org.
*This programming is being presented with the support of Arts Catawba and participants who reside in Catawba County may be eligible for free or reduced registration fees. If you think you qualify, please contact Arts Catawba here to determine eligibility and registration procedures.*
Are you an artist who struggles with where to start with creating your website? Are you struggling with finding other ways to show your brand online but are unsure where to start?
Join Cami Leisk in this seminar where she’ll walk you through these questions and more.
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Define the main pillars of a successful website,
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Demystify SEO (search engine optimization), and
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Explore best practices for setting up and maintaining a web shop
At the close of this segment, participants will have a clearer understanding of their next steps towards a vibrant online presence, and the confidence to move forward with tips and tricks in their back pockets. Participants will be provided site skeleton worksheets, a workshop overview and handout with notes and best practices.
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EARLY BIRD PRICING THROUGH OCT 3, $38
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GENERAL PRICING THROUGH OCT 8, $48
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DAY OF WORKSHOP PRICING: $53
This virtual class meets on Thursday, October 9th, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm. The class meets on Zoom and you will receive login information before the class.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain knowledge on how to improve the online presence of your art business!
About the Instructor:
Cami Leisk has over 15 years experience working in galleries, museums, and artists studios in various roles. She holds a BFA from Alfred University with a concentration in ceramics and glass. Before starting Loam marketing with Brady Connelly, Cami worked for the Penland Gallery and the Jun Kaneko Studio. Cami specializes in getting artists set up with websites (specifically Squarespace & Shopify) and strategizing about their online presence, SEO, and other online marketing tools. Find out more about Cami's work and Loam on their Website: Loamnc.com and Instagram: @loam.marketing .
To register, email Chris Coffey at grants@artscatawba.org.
Arts Culture Catawba releases the new events calendar on October 1. Get the most out of your community Calendar! Sign up for this workshop to learn how to utilize all the new features in this diverse community resource.
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About the Instructor:
Kendra Williford is the Marketing Manager at Arts Culture Catawba. In this role Kendra oversees the creation and design of marketing materials, manages the website, newsletter, mailings, social media, and publications.
Location:
Keiser Community room in the West Wing of the SALT Block
231 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601
Tax expert Hannah Cole specializes in working with creative businesses and artists, offering guidance on issues like deductions, home studios, business vs. hobby rules, and quarterly taxes. She will cover the basic tax equation, self-employment tax, audits, and other key topics for creatives, makers, and freelancers—followed by a robust Q&A.
About the Instructor:
Hannah Cole is an artist, tax expert and founder of Sunlight Tax. She specializes in educating artists and creative professionals in taxes and financial empowerment. A long-time working artist with a high-level exhibition history, and a money columnist for the art blog Hyperallergic, the financial challenges of creators are both relevant and personal to Hannah. Hannah Cole is the founder of Sunlight Tax, which specializes in friendly, informative tax education and preparation for artists, and engaging, art-world savvy tax education workshops for creative groups. Expertise in all creative fields: dance, writing, music, entertainment, theater, design, visual arts and more.
Location:
Western Piedmont Council of Governments
1880 2nd Ave NW, Hickory NC 28601
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This workshop will explore how data can drive smarter marketing and donor engagement strategies. Learn to collect, analyze, and apply data to make impactful, informed decisions that support your mission.
About the Instructors:
David Leonetti is the Business and Community Development Manager for the City of Hickory, where he has worked in a variety of Planning and Community Development capacities since 2007. He currently oversees the city’s Business Development, Community Development, and Redevelopment programs. In his current role, he aims to ensure all of Hickory’s businesses have the tools and support they need to succeed. He works to leverage data and information to tell our region’s story and assist our business community in using data to inform their decision-making.
Taylor Dellinger has been employed with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments (WPCOG) since 1998 and serves as professional staff within the Center for Advanced Research & Data Analytics. He provides economic and demographic data analysis for local governments, businesses, and organizations across the four-county Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Area. He authors and edits key publications, including the Economic Indicators Newsletter, City of Hickory Economic Indicators Report, Western Piedmont Industry Growth Analysis, and the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Notable projects include assessments for Catawba County Schools Early Head Start, an economic impact model for the Hickory Trail system, and analysis of the Catawba County Chamber’s young professional survey. He is a Certified GIS Professional (GISP) and an active member of the Geospatial Professional Network and NC GIS Arc User Group.
Location:
Western Piedmont Council of Governments
1880 2nd Ave NW, Hickory NC 28601
Money doesn’t have to be scary—this workshop breaks down the financial basics so creatives can thrive (not just survive) doing what they love. Register for this workshop to learn essential financial tools and strategies for sustainable career growth including budgeting, tracking income and financial planning.
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About the Instructor:
Amy Hayes has been a financial advisor for 38 years. She has a heart for helping people realize their dreams for the future and uses her experience to help people achieve their goals. Amy is on the Board of Directors for Arts Culture Catawba and serves as a member of the Finance and Stewardship Committees.
Location:
Keiser Community room in the West Wing of the SALT Block
231 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601
About the Instructors:
Amy Hayes has been a financial advisor for 38 years. She has a heart for helping people realize their dreams for the future and uses her experience to help people achieve their goals. Amy is on the Board of Directors for Arts Culture Catawba and serves as a member of the Finance and Stewardship Committees.
Doug Hartjes is the founder and President of COR Consulting – a firm that specializes in fundraising counsel, strategic planning, board training, and major gift/capital campaigns. Doug is an accomplished speaker and facilitator who works with boards, leadership, and staff on how to achieve fundraising and nonprofit excellence.
Doug is an enthusiastic participant in the local arts community, and the firm’s work includes partnerships with various arts and culture organizations, including Hickory Museum of Art, Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts, and The S.A.L.T. Block. Doug has spent more than 20 years of his career in nonprofit leadership, enabling organizations he has worked not only meet but exceed their growth expectations.
Tonya L. Coffey has over 20 years of experience as a CPA, including her role as a partner at Martin Starnes and Associates. Tonya Coffey has helped nonprofits and government entities navigate accounting, consulting, and assurance with confidence. She believes audit success starts with strong year-round financial practices and values being a trusted advisor to her clients. Tonya is passionate about mentoring her team and investing in tools that make auditing more effective and efficient. As a Burke County native and resident, she is deeply engaged in her community and enjoys supporting local organizations that bring people together and strengthen local culture.
Location:
Keiser Community room in the West Wing of the SALT Block
231 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601
Join us for a workshop designed to demystify nonprofits and explore what business leaders should know before joining a board of directors. This engaging two-part session will feature a live-recorded podcast panel comprised of nonprofit leaders and a hands-on workshop to help you explore opportunities for impactful board engagement.
The Panel:
Ingrid Keller
Executive Director of Arts Culture Catawba - Event Host, Executive Director & Board member/chair
Dana C. Killian
President & CEO of Carolina Caring - Executive Director & Board member/chair
Mark Bumgarner
Executive Director of Catawba County United Way - Executive Director
More Panelists to follow-
The Workshop Facilitator:
Liberated Leaders is a boutique business advisory and Fractional COO firm founded on the belief that strong communities require excellence across all sectors - business, government, education, and nonprofits. As Success Architects, we help visionary leaders scale performance, gain competitive advantage, and position for transitions. Our unique perspective comes from real experience navigating nonprofit governance as business leaders, learning hard-earned lessons about effective cross-sector collaboration. We bring this "eyes wide open" approach to helping leaders operate by the highest standards, because when every sector thrives, communities flourish. Our work spans strategic clarity, execution discipline, and building the frameworks that transform organizations and strengthen communities.
Calling all creatives! Connect, unwind, and spark new ideas—join fellow artists and creatives at our first Artist Happy Hour! Free to attend (cash bar), fun, and full of inspiration. Grab a drink, share ideas, and connect with fellow artists at our laid-back, inspiring Artist Happy Hour.
No registration needed! Just show up!
Location: 3 Little Birds 19 N College Ave, Newton, NC 28658
Join us as we workshop best practices with our Artist Directory --a vibrant and growing collection that connects local artists with art lovers, curators, collaborators, and creative opportunities. This directory highlights a diverse range of visual artists, crafters, performers, designers, and makers, offering a centralized space to discover their work, learn their stories, and engage with their creative practices. The Artist Directory is a place to showcase portfolios and bring consumers closer to those creating them.
During the workshop, guests will have the opportunity to:
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Meet and mingle with artists from the directory
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Explore artist portfolios and learn how to use the directory
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Connect with curators, collaborators, and other creatives
Whether you're an art enthusiast, gallery owner, or fellow artist, this workshop is your gateway to a thriving creative community.
About the Instructor:
Kendra Williford is the Marketing Manager at Arts Culture Catawba. In this role Kendra oversees the creation and design of marketing materials, manages the website, newsletter, mailings, social media, and publications.
Back by popular demand, this interactive media panel brings together communications professionals to share contact information, tips, and best practices to help arts and culture organizations in Catawba County strengthen their media outreach. Participants will gain practical insights on building relationships, crafting effective stories, and boosting visibility for their events and initiatives.
This will be lead by a panel of media professionals from the community. Names of panelists will be added soon.
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Calling all creatives! Connect, unwind, and spark new ideas—join fellow artists and creatives at our first Artist Happy Hour! Free to attend (cash bar), fun, and full of inspiration. Grab a drink, share ideas, and connect with fellow artists at our laid-back, inspiring Artist Happy Hour.
No registration needed! Just show up!
Location: City Walk Brewing & Distilling 205 Main Ave NE Suite C, Hickory, NC 28601
Learn the essentials of insurance and HR in this practical workshop designed for cultural nonprofits. Explore best practices, key policies, and compliance strategies to protect your organization, support your staff, and strengthen long-term sustainability.
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This cultural sensitivity and competency training is designed to provide attendees with the tools to foster a more inclusive and respectful environment. By focusing on self-awareness, cultural knowledge, and the application of inclusive practices, the training will empower staff and stakeholders to better engage with Catawba’s diverse community.
INSTRUCTOR:
Yengyee Lor is an Industrial-Organizational Consultant, certified coach (PCC), and founder of Faithful Consulting, where she provides leadership coaching, strategic planning, workplace culture assessments, and organizational development solutions. With more than two decades of experience spanning nonprofits, education, and global consulting firms, she is recognized for designing evidence-based leadership programs, guiding change management, and fostering inclusive, resilient workplaces. Passionate about social impact, Yengyee develops leadership initiatives for diverse communities while empowering individuals and organizations to thrive.
