"Arts Marketplace Tucson is all about collaboration," says Therese Perrault, who founded the project for artists with her husband, Bob Demers.
The membership-based initiative provides business planning, professional development, networking opportunities and future retail/gallery space, all in one location. But what drives Perrault is having a supportive and inspirational place for artists - whether the arts are their career or avocation.
A photographer with a master's degree in business management, Perrault started the Community Storytelling Arts studio in April 2008, located at El Centro Cultural de Las Americas in the historic C.O. Brown House, 40 W. Broadway Blvd., where Arts Marketplace also resides.
This is a place for artists to "unleash their creative potential," explains Perrault. "I'm the conduit." In September, she teamed up with Julie Ray, a local graphic designer, who refers to herself as the endeavor's "champion."
For the next four months, Arts Marketplace will be in launch mode, says Perrault. Arts Marketplace held its first informational meeting on April 16, which Steven Derks of Gallery 801 attended. "What can I do to help you?" asked Derks, who is involved with the Tucson Revivalist Artists Collective, another burgeoning local arts initiative.
"We want feedback from artists," Perrault explicated. "Artists are creative entrepreneurs. This isn't about helping poor starving artists. That's not what this is.
"We're hoping that businesses will partner with artists and host exhibit openings in their shops," she said. For Perrault and other Arts Marketplace participating artists, new ideas for collaboration, mentoring, sharing research -- and defining what success means for each individual - will help foster a more vibrant arts community in Tucson.
The next Arts Marketplace informational meetings are on Tuesday, May 26 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., 40 W. Broadway Blvd. (between Church Avenue and Stone Avenue).
The organization kicks off its "Twilight Summer Series" on Thursday, May 28 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The art reception-cum-fundraiser features work by local artists, entertainment and refreshments, and happens at 40 W. Broadway Blvd.
For more information, contact Therese Perrault at 882-3988, via email at artsmarketplace@gmail.com or visit www.ArtsMarketPlace.org
The membership-based initiative provides business planning, professional development, networking opportunities and future retail/gallery space, all in one location. But what drives Perrault is having a supportive and inspirational place for artists - whether the arts are their career or avocation.
A photographer with a master's degree in business management, Perrault started the Community Storytelling Arts studio in April 2008, located at El Centro Cultural de Las Americas in the historic C.O. Brown House, 40 W. Broadway Blvd., where Arts Marketplace also resides.
This is a place for artists to "unleash their creative potential," explains Perrault. "I'm the conduit." In September, she teamed up with Julie Ray, a local graphic designer, who refers to herself as the endeavor's "champion."
For the next four months, Arts Marketplace will be in launch mode, says Perrault. Arts Marketplace held its first informational meeting on April 16, which Steven Derks of Gallery 801 attended. "What can I do to help you?" asked Derks, who is involved with the Tucson Revivalist Artists Collective, another burgeoning local arts initiative.
"We want feedback from artists," Perrault explicated. "Artists are creative entrepreneurs. This isn't about helping poor starving artists. That's not what this is.
"We're hoping that businesses will partner with artists and host exhibit openings in their shops," she said. For Perrault and other Arts Marketplace participating artists, new ideas for collaboration, mentoring, sharing research -- and defining what success means for each individual - will help foster a more vibrant arts community in Tucson.
The next Arts Marketplace informational meetings are on Tuesday, May 26 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., 40 W. Broadway Blvd. (between Church Avenue and Stone Avenue).
The organization kicks off its "Twilight Summer Series" on Thursday, May 28 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The art reception-cum-fundraiser features work by local artists, entertainment and refreshments, and happens at 40 W. Broadway Blvd.
For more information, contact Therese Perrault at 882-3988, via email at artsmarketplace@gmail.com or visit www.ArtsMarketPlace.org
