Category Archives: Events

2012 Launch Party

And Launch, We Did!

Thank you to everyone who made it down to the Jack London for our launch party. It was wonderful to see the room fill with makers chatting up their latest creations,  and  to catch up with those of you that we haven’t seen for a few months.

Jack LondonWith free beer, mimosas, and pizza, getting to reveal the 2012 lineup was just icing on the cupcakes. Speaking of cupcakes, a special thanks to our council members Cathy Pitters and Cheryl Larson for pitching in some home-baked sweets for the event.

Of course, what’s an I Heart Art: Portland party, without party gifts? We were excited to see five lucky winners walk away with  screen printed totes from Etsy. So fashionable, so durable and so eco-friendly! And Maria of Portland’s own art’s and crafts store, collage,  delivered some serious maker mojo with a donation of three $25 gift certificates! Oh you lucky winners! Maria recently relocated her southeast store to the Sellwood neighborhood, and it’s a beauty. You should check it out. Continue reading

Start the Countdown

Mixer Match for Visual Artists and Galleries takes over the floor at Design Within Reach next Wednesday, April 25.

I Heart Art: Portland volunteer council members; Jen Neitzel, Jolie Griffin and Deenie Wallace have led the charge in organizing our second annual Mixer Match for Visual Artists and Galleries. It has shaped up to be one of our best yet!

This unique, fast-paced event is open to all artists with readiness to install a show, as well as all galleries, curators and retail locations interested in supporting and promoting local artists.

WHAT:    Visual Artist Mixer Match
A speed-networking event connecting curators and local artists
WHEN:    Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 6:00 -10:00 pm
WHERE: Design Within Reach 1200 N.W. Everett Portland, OR 97209

This round is for visual artists and galleries. The event, comprised of two-minute, lightning-fast networking sessions between artists and local galleries or curators, is an energetic environment of connections, feedback, and possibilities. This unique event would not be possible without the amazing support of our local galleries, curators and art professionals who willingly give their time and sage advice to our selected group of artists. Check out the list below, or better yet, pay them a visit.

Participating Gallerists, Curators and Arts Professionals

Mixer Match Application Deadline Extended

Okay artists and curators, we’ve been busy spreading the word about our Visual Artists Mixer Match for a couple of weeks. We are thrilled with the response we’ve gotten, it’s shaping up to be a fantastic evening!

But, there are some, you know who you are, that have asked for a little more time to get the application done. We totally get it. It can be a daunting proposition to put yourself out there like that. So, you’ve got four extra days.

We have extended the application deadline until Tuesday, April 3 at midnight.

So get to it! Start that internal pep-talk and apply.

There is no fee to apply. A participation fee of $25 is due once you are invited to participate. We are dedicated to bringing valuable learning experiences to the community at an affordable rate, so everyone can be involved. If you are not selected to participate in this round, you are encouraged to join us on April 25 to mingle with our Superstars and experience what the event is all about.

Visual Artists Application – Apply here!

Galleries, curators, art professionals – Apply here!

Etsy Success Symposium: Get Found

Everyday there are new sources and resources for us to gain knowledge on how to better our business. Increasingly, these resources are found online. With busy schedules, demanding personal lives, and those annoying “day jobs,” finding a way to learn and network online is a great option for many of us.

Our community sponsor and partner, Etsy, is hosting an amazing online learning opportunity on Friday, March 30. We want to make sure you all to know about it, and  sign up!

About the Symposium

How can you use your story as a marketing tool? What’s the best way to utilize Pinterest to bolster your brand and build community? How do you get your products in front of the media? The business of getting found is a craft, but with a little bit of know-how and some hands-on effort, it’s a craft that anyone can perfect. Sharpen your pencils and join Etsy on Friday, March 30, for this year’s Etsy Success Symposium. All workshops at the Symposium stream live in Etsy’s Online Labs for free, so anyone can participate, anywhere!

Online Event Details

Head on over to the Online Labs to check out the workshop line-up and RSVP to attend specific sessions. Continue reading

Are You Ready to Mix and Match?

Applications are now open for the next round of Mixer Match for Visual Artists and Galleries scheduled for Wednesday, April 25, at 6:00 pm! Yay! This is one of our most popular events. Now in our third year, the Mixer Match phenomenon continues to grow and be a valuable learning experience for blossoming to mid-career artists. The April Mixer Match pairs visual artists and art professionals in an evening of fast paced speed networking.

What is speed networking? In the Mixer Match, participants have only two quick minutes to pitch their portfolios to each of the 20 local art dealers, gallery owners or curators. The pace is lightening fast, so you better have your elevator pitch down. Get tips from this article on how to make the most of the Mixer Match experience.

Besides having this valuable face time with art dealers, there is also time to mingle with fellow artists and what we call “Superstars.” Our Superstars are some of the most successful artists and professional advisers in our community. As you wait for your round to pitch, they are on hand to answer questions, give advice, and offer tips on how to approach galleries successfully.

LEFT: Superstars Pat Castaldo (Land, Buy Olympia) Kate Bingaman-Burt (Obsessive Consumption).

Continue reading