Mentoring What's the big deal?

I believe James smith not only is the highest achieves in go through the ArtISability program, but has also made the largest strides in developing his artistic knowledge and involvement in the Ipswich community.  This is due to his commitment to his art and his working with mentors to horned his skills.

I think before James commence with us he thought art was just about drawn and painting.  James has discovered many are forms with and workshops through ALARA Queensland including screen printing, community art projects, tie-dying, and his love of ceramics.

James has won a number of prizes for his work in the Ipswich Show.  As James mentor we have explored opportunities to become involved in the Ipswich Arts Community, visited art galleries, commenced shopping for art supplies, painted bottle alley, entered and visited the Ipswich Show and been involved in collaborative art exhibitions together.

As his mentor I do not teach James art.  We talk about art, we visit galleries, we explore art supplies shops and drink lots of coffee together.  I recommend other artist and teachers to him who I think will help him travel a little further on his artistic journey.

I like to describe mentoring as an advisor, coach, teacher and cheer leader all rolled into one.  I am looking for mentors who can bring out the best in the participants of our 2017 mentoring program.

Currently I am being mentored by Nancy Brown, here's her thoughts on the mentoring process.

Artist mentoring sessions are aimed to develop an artist's professional practice by giving feedback and practical help with a developing artist's practice. A mentor will gain an overview of the artist's practice and focus, drawing attention to areas where there are professional opportunities, target audience and placement opportunities for the artist's work or services within the broader arts and gallery communities.

Artist mentoring can help move an artist's practice to the next level, presenting work to a wider audience, and adding practical skills to develop and promote work. Consideration is given to the artist's online presence, social media options, and funding opportunities, advice about the presentation of projects, artworks, and advice about sales and pricing of artworks and services.  A mentor can offer their skills as a practicing artist to the development new work or projects, and can offer encouragement both practical and conceptual to bring work from idea to presentation or exhibition.

Applications are now open for our 2017 Mentoring Program. Applications forms and assistance with the application process are available by emailing us.  Or you can visit us at the Fresh Futures tomorrow, between 9 am and 1 pm.

Fresh Futures Market 2016

Wednesday 7th September

Between 9am and 1pm

Ipswich Show Grounds

Alternatively if your interested in apply to mentor someone on our behalf, then we have a information session

On Thursday 15th September

@ 5:30 pm

Ipswich Arttime Supplies

203 Brisbane St, Ipswich

Mentors can apply by sending us their CV's and a one page statement on their mentoring style and what they have to offer to an artists living in Ipswich.