Professional Practices with Marie B. Gauthiez & Melvin Nesbitt Jr.
Class | Registration opens 11/19/2025 12:00 AM EST
Professional Practice for Advanced Artists is designed for working and emerging professional artists who are ready to strengthen the business, organizational, and public-facing side of their practice. Through a combination of lectures, writing workshops, possible field trips, and peer discussion, students will develop the essential materials, habits, and strategies needed to sustain and share their work in today’s art world.
This course guides artists step-by-step through building a professional portfolio and presence—covering artist statements, biographies, CVs, websites, and social media strategies. Students will learn best practices for photographing and cataloguing artwork, pricing, framing, shipping, and applying to exhibitions, grants, and residencies. We’ll also explore contracts, copyright, and artist protections, as well as opportunities for public art and commissions across the DC/MD/VA region.
Alongside professional tools, students will deepen their studio practice through goal setting, self-critique, and community building. Writing exercises will help refine artistic vision and clarity of purpose. Field trips to local galleries, artist talks, and exhibitions will broaden awareness of the region’s creative landscape. Guest artists will share their varied approaches to running a successful practice.
- Your instructor has provided a list of materials required to participate fully in this class.
If you have any questions about specifics or what is needed week-to-week, please reach out to your instructor via the email in your confirmation letter.
- Computer or iPad to bring to class
- Camera or iPhone
- USB drive
- Notebook and pencil
- Art/Work by Heather Darcy Bhandari and Jonathan Melber at Free Press (https://a.co/d/4rfB8a6)