Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Shared Resources

Like myself, I know many other artists have struggled with finding the resources and help that we so need to take our art or crafting business to the next level. So, here are a few resources to check out if you didn't already know.

PVLA -
The Philadelphia Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts is an amazing source that provides artists with FREE legal help and advice. They hold workshops all year long on different legal obstacles that artists face, including licensing, copyrights, and contracts.

CFEVA -
The Center for Emerging Visual Artist acts as a gateway to artist resources. They offer several grants and fellowships a year as well as workshops and one-on-ones for artist to better direct their career goals.

Temple SBDC -
The Temple University Small Business Development Center offers business coaching, legal advice, marketing, and workshops to assist any small business succeed. They even have online classes/workshops for those artists who need help, but have virtually no time.

If you know of other artists resources in your area please comment with a link to their website!

See what I'm talking about @ www.belletower.etsy.com

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Belle Tower on Facebook


hey hey hey
Now you can totally show all your friends what you love sooo much about Belle Tower art and designs. Become a fan of Belle Tower on Facebook. (You can do so by clicking this blog entry title.) If you don't have a Facebook page, simply use the embedded link to create your page. It's free and easy AND then you can become a fan!

See pictures from events and art shows as well as find out about upcoming events where you can get exclusive Belle Tower products.

See what I'm talking about @ www.belletower.etsy.com

Monday, October 13, 2008

POST @ CSAH 2008



My fellow housemates and I presented a group show once again this year for the Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (POST). We all had a great time meeting our neighbors and sharing our collective voice via visual art. Presenters included Christine Baran, Christine Blair of Fleisher Art Memorial, Jeancy Martinez, Art by Nathan, and of course, yours truly.


C. Baran wowed us with her mixed media interpretation of her two hip replacements from 1991 as well as 2000, while C. Blair pulled her etching and printing expertise to the forefront with a new technique using beeswax. Jeancy made the show all gangsta with his hot low riding chopper bicycle. Nathan displayed his cheeky sense of humor with anime style drawings as I dazzled the world (or maybe just Kensington) with my newest obsession, sewn portraits.

Stay tuned for upcoming holiday shows from Belle Tower and more of this sewn portrait thing, I may be on to something. :)





See what I'm talking about @ www.belletower.etsy.com

Sunday, May 4, 2008

trying a different approach

So, there has been a crazy flurry of activities recently.

I made a couple of sales at VIX Emporium, which I'm really happy and excited about. I ventured into making apparel and even had a fashion show. I'm preparing for the Trenton Avenue Arts Fest coming up on May 17th. And I'm just about to put the finishing touches on the tricked out aprons I'm sending to my Mama for Mothers' Day.

Of course during this time of high activity, I also decided to try to list more on Etsy and to re-list often just to see what would happen. Well, lots happened! My views increased tremendously and I got tons more hearts - love is always a welcomed gift. The only thing is....I have yet to sell anything. I mean, don't get me wrong I really appreciate people's comments and marking me as a fave shop, but there has to be reason why my products aren't moving. So, here's my decision: I'M STRIPPING MY SHOP! Note I said 'stripping' and not 'closing'. I'm taking everything down and only listing four or five new products that I absolutely love. I figure if something's gonna be sitting there not selling, it might as well be good eye-candy when I login to Etsy!

See what I'm talking about @ www.belletower.etsy.com



Monday, March 10, 2008

getting out of a slump

So, the new year started a bit rough, but I'm recovering from setbacks and sickness. Now I'm ready to get back in the saddle!

I've been to my 1st First Friday on Frankford Ave in Philly recently. (On the first Friday of every month art galleries are open late with receptions and new exhibits. Typically, this occurs in Old City Philadelphia, but has become a new fixture in the up and coming Kensington/Fishtown area.) I have to say that I was impressed and had a wonderful time. I saw a hilarious play excerpt by Walking Fish Theater, a beautiful memorial visit at High Wire Gallery, and an interesting assortment of jollies at Bambi Gallery. All in all, a super-fun, inspiring time!

See what I'm talking about @ www.belletower.etsy.com



Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Finally listed some product, YAY!

Check me out! More to come...




See what I'm talking about @ www.belletower.etsy.com