It all began when my health began to fail me in 2003.
I was loosing my ability to walk and was using a walker at age 52. The doctors did not have a clue what to do. Therefore,
since I was laid off from the Louisville Visual Art Association, I decided this was the perfect time to write my art
marketing book.
I remembered all to well plundering and stumbling around in the beginning
of my career. I wanted to sell my art work at craft fairs and boutiques. It was very frustrating and I had no idea where
to begin. I learned from the school of hards knocks and I found a mentor, Melvin Rowe who gave me a leg up. I was passionate
about helping other artists since I knew the difficulty in starting up a business.
Later, I discovered
that not only myself was struggling but there was a huge need in the marketplace to help artists market their work !
Even Students who double major with small business administration and art, know nothing about the nuts and bolts of making
a living with their artwork. So, my idea for writing a book began to brew.
My book and classes help artisans to get started
and to maintain their art marketing strategies! Topics include: a business license, copyright laws, IRS requirements,
where to buy supplies, how to get into the best art fairs, princing and selling theories, the importance of social media,
exhibition expectations, and the list goes on and on.
It's a very easy read with practical information that will put you
light years ahead your peers! Included in the book are photos of my art marketing students and artist friends.
BOOK REVIEW
Another artists writes, "Paula Cundiff's book, The
Art of Marketing Fine Art and Fine Craft, offers a detailed, simple and upbeat guide
for those coming into the marketplace or for anyone intereted in selling their work. Paula has graciously shared her
experience and knowledge, gathered additional research, consulted local professional artists, and presents it in an organized
format, The book has the reader contacts, information
and connections not possible in other broader publications. This book definitely fulfills a need in new millennium,
containing information about art fairs to the internet and is a must have for anyone wanted to get started in their career
as an professional", says Melvin Rowe, gallery owner of Pottery Rowe, Louisville, KY.
TODAY 2010
I finally found a doctor who discovered what was causing me not to walk. He did the
surgery and I am walking once again!! I am so blessed not to be paralyzed!
Currently, I am the
Art Director for the Chapel Gallery and I have an office/classroom at the Mellwood Art and Entertainment Center www.mellwoodartcenter.com,
where I continue to consult and teach. I also teach at Jefferson County Adult Education, www.lifelonglearning4u.com
and the Louisville Visual Art Association, www.louisvillevisualart.org.
