Establishing and building your artistic practice with Jenny Fahey, Sunday 22/06/25

Class Description:

When: Sunday

Duration: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Dates: 22/06/2025

Teacher: Jenny Fahey                                           

Are you a metalworking artist or a contemporary jeweller keen to exhibit & sell your work in galleries & retail spaces, or enter competitions, but unsure where to start? Join us for a one-day workshop designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and tools to build your gallery or retail-ready package.

Workshop Objectives:

Crafting Your Artist Statement: Understand the importance of an artist statement and receive practical advice on how to effectively articulate your artistic vision and concepts.

Mastering Your Artist Bio and CV: Learn what makes a great artist bio and relevant CV, what to include and what to leave out. Gain insights into structuring and writing compelling narratives that showcase your artistic journey and accomplishments.

Building your artist profile: which local and international exhibitions and galleries are available and suitable for your work. Which strategies are effective for presenting a strong artistic concept & build recognition for your work. Which professional organisations can you join?

Stamping your work: Requirements for stamping your metalwork and how to go about getting a maker’s mark.

Navigating the Administrative Side: overview of the process of obtaining an Australian Business Number (ABN) if you don't have one already, essential for conducting business transactions as an artist, what to consider with GST and general tax implications with turning your hobby into a business.

Product Photography: Discuss ways of presenting your work & understand the requirements of galleries and retail spaces. Gain insights into creating striking images, including suitable backgrounds and composition tips to make your work stand out.

Understanding Consignment: Learn about consignment agreements, including what they entail and how to effectively draft one to protect your interests when exhibiting in galleries or retail spaces.

Pricing: considerations when pricing your work when selling online and in galleries retail spaces

Insurance: Understand why and when you should have insurance and where to get it from.

Who Should Attend:

This workshop is tailored for contemporary jeweller, object  and metalworking artists who aspire to exhibit their work professionally in galleries, retail spaces, or competitions. While specifically designed for these artisans, the information provided is applicable to artists and craftspeople across various creative disciplines.

Workshop Outcome:

By the end of the workshop, participants will possess a comprehensive understanding of how to assemble a gallery or retail-ready package, primed and prepared for potential opportunities that may arise at short notice.

Included in the Program:

Participants will receive helpful handouts summarizing key points covered during the workshop, along with light refreshments to keep you fuelled and focused throughout the day.

Join us for a transformative workshop that will empower you to navigate the gallery and retail landscape with confidence and professionalism.

Please come to class dressed appropriately:

Clothing: Wear garments made of natural materials, such as cotton, wool, rayon, or linen. Synthetic fibers are not allowed. Your attire should include long pants, a shoulder-covering T-shirt, and well-fitting clothing. Avoid loose garments, shorts, skirts, and tank tops.

Footwear: Always wear fully enclosed shoes. Sandals, flip-flops, high heels, and platform shoes are not permitted.

Hair: Ensure that long hair is securely tied back.
Jewellery: Remove all jewellery from your hands, including rings and bracelets. Avoid wearing long necklaces and earrings.

Accessories: Do not wear hats, earphones, headphones, scarves, or similar items while working in the workshop.

Minimum Numbers

This class requires a minimum of four students to go ahead. In the unlikely event minimum numbers are not reached, we will contact you with alternative dates to reschedule your booking.

Cancellation & Rescheduling

Due to limited availability in our private and group classes, all bookings are non-refundable. Rescheduling is also not possible, as the logistical arrangements and personalized focus of each class cater to small groups. The Metal Space is required to pay tutor fees regardless of attendance. If you fail to attend or miss your scheduled booking, you will not be eligible for a refund.

In the event this class is cancelled by The Metal Space for unforeseen reasons, the class fee will be refunded to the students.

Refunds are processed promptly by The Metal Space however we are not able to determine how long the financial institution may take to transfer. Please allow up to 10 business days for the refund to be processed. 

Make up classes

If a class is missed for any reason, a make-up session cannot be offered. As a small school with a limited number of classes, we are unable to accommodate or cover the cost of a tutor for make-up sessions.

Please check your schedule and ensure your availability before enrolling.

Student Responsibility

At all times it is the student’s responsibility to check the class starting date, time and venue location.