Time(s) - 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
SOLD OUT: Waiting List Available
Artist Statement Bootcamp
Why Writing an Artist Statement Matters
So you hate writing an artist statement? We get it – no one likes to. However, an artist statement is a necessary part of participating in juried exhibitions, applying for grants, submitting exhibition proposals, and seeking residency opportunities. In short, it’s an essential requirement for nearly every endeavor in fine art photography.
There is good news: when approached thoughtfully, the process of writing an effective artist statement can be rewarding for both you and your work. A well-crafted statement not only clarifies your artistic intentions but also enhances the way others perceive your photography. Another benefit of working on your statement in a workshop setting is that deadlines and constructive feedback make the task much more manageable.
Workshop Overview
This workshop is designed to provide you with both structure and support. Over two three-hour classes, artist and curator Beth Lilly will guide you step-by-step through a reliable process that you can use for future statements. By the end of the workshop, you will have a completed artist statement that describes your work clearly and concisely, helping you engage viewers and generate interest in your photography.
In addition to your written statement, you’ll develop a succinct elevator speech to confidently answer the common question, “So, what kind of photography do you do?”
Class Breakdown
The first class will cover everything you need to know about structuring an effective artist statement. It includes a comprehensive presentation detailing what should—and should not—be included, as well as a proven method for writing multiple drafts. A brainstorming session will help you generate and refine your ideas.
After spending a week writing on your own, you will return to class with your statement and elevator pitch. During this session, you’ll receive feedback and suggestions from both your instructor and peers, ensuring your final statement is polished and compelling.
This class is appropriate for any artist with a series either in progress or completed. Artists should bring a copy of their most recent artist statement (if you have one – not required!) and 3-5 images from their project for context.
Instructor: Beth Lilly
Beth Lilly is an Atlanta-based curator, teacher and the former executive director for Atlanta Photography Group. An exhibiting artist for over 30 years, her work resides in many permanent collections including the High Museum, the New Mexico Museum of Art, The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, MOCA GA, and the Zuckerman Museum. Work from her critically acclaimed project “The Oracle @ WiFi” was published by Kehrer Verlag and other projects have been featured in monographs ‘Noplaceness: Art in a Post-Urban Landscape’ and ‘Earth Now: American Landscape Photographers and the Environment’. Select exhibitions include The High Museum of Art, New Mexico Museum of Art, The Do Good Fund Gallery, The Circle Gallery|University of Georgia, The Center for Fine Art Photography, Southeastern Center for Photography, Zuckerman Museum of Art, and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia. Her work has been reproduced and reviewed in such publications as Lenscratch, Blind Magazine, Lensculture, Art Papers, F-Stop Magazine, Shots Magazine, Burnaway, and The Bitter Southerner. In addition to her artistic work, she spent eight years as Photo Editor and then Director at Turner Broadcasting Systems’ photography department. She taught photography at Kennesaw State University and Art Institute of Atlanta, as well as workshops at APG and the High Museum. Lilly earned an MFA in Photography from Georgia State University and an ABJ from the University of Georgia.
Web Site: https://bethlilly.com
Workshop Title – Artist Statement Bootcamp
Instructor’s Name – Beth Lilly
Date(s) – Sundays, February 22 and March 1
Time(s) – 2:00-5:00pm
Location – Both In-Person or Via Zoom
Workshop Fee – $90 member
Minimum of 6 students/maximum of 12 students
