ArtSmart is Back! Register NOW!

For me, ArtSmart has always been the highlight of my BOMH membership.   Bringing my introverted self to a gathering of this wonderful array of artists never fails to be an uplifting experience.  It strengthens my confidence in my art and energizes me. Meeting with other artists can bring new insights into your own artistic efforts.  And the many requests we’ve had while ArtSmart was on hiatus proves I’m not the only one that feels this way.

That’s why we are so thrilled to be able to bring ArtSmart back.  As Chair of this year’s ArtSmart, I am proud to say that your Board of Directors has taken an entirely hands-on approach to planning and executing this conference.  Everyone contributed from his/her strengths to bring you an ArtSmart that is relevant and tries to address the varied topics the membership has requested.

For example, our guest speaker, Terry Hinkle (some of you may have met him in and around St. Louis), will help take us “Beyond Being Creative”.  And we will be offering 2 breakout periods, with 3 diverse sessions in each period.  One of those breakout sessions will be a round-table discussion that will attempt to address some of the issues facing us artists who have reached a point in our, uh, maturity, that art shows seem too onerous a task.  Where do we go from here?  Hopefully some who have forged a life after art shows will be able to help some of us that are looking for answers.  Other breakouts will address the use of the social media tools available to us, the value of continuing our education, a plan to help maintain our enthusiasm in our art, and more.

Since our host town, Columbia, is such an art-centric community, you might want to get together with some friends and do an art walk through the arts district before and/or after you attend the Welcome Reception being hosted by Bluestem Missouri Crafts in their store (we’ll shuttle you there).

Friday Night Frolics is back too!  What a great ice breaker and a chance for us all to re-connect while we create new arty neurons.  If you’ve never experienced the frolics, this is the perfect chance to let your hair down and try something new.  Participate in as many of the 6 frolic stations as you want – experience new forms of art and craft, new materials and new methods.

And the BEAST is back, too.  The Best of Missouri Beast is the totally excellent opportunity to bring those art supplies and tools that you no longer use or that are keeping you from making room for new supplies, and have them find a new home.  Useable fabric, art-related magazines, mixed media materials, frames, artist paints…..Oh my, the list is endless.  Bring them to the Beast.  Items will be for sale on an honor basis.  Proceeds go to support the BOMH ArtSmart Scholarship program.

The Art Raffle is always a favorite.  Look for information coming later about bringing a piece of your art for the art raffle.  Tickets will be on sale throughout ArtSmart for a chance to win art made by your fellow members. Again, proceeds help support scholarships to ArtSmart.

You can peruse (almost) everything we know about ArtSmart 2.0 at https://bestofmissourihands.org/portfolio/register-for-artsmart/  where you’ll find flyers and schedules on everything ArtSmart 2.0.  You can register for ArtSmart from that page. Hotel reservations can  be made  by calling  Stoney Creek Hotel at 1-800-659-2220 and telling them you are with the Best of Missouri Hands conference.  If you need information you aren’t finding or have questions, please write me at admin@bestofmissourihands.org

Hope to see you at ArtSmart 2.o

Peggy King

ArtSmart 2.0 Chair