This past weekend, AJ and I decided to check out the Harlem Fine Arts Show. An extension of the Black Fine Arts Show, HFAS is an annual event where black artists from all over the country display and sell their works in a variety of mediums. I didn’t get a chance to make it out last year so I was pretty eager to see what the show had to offer.
I was mostly interested in going to the event not just for the chance to soak up some artistic inspiration, but also to take the time to talk to artists about their craft and learn more about the business of art. I first ran into Najee Dorsey, a well-known mixed media artist and founder of the Black Arts In America website. It was nice to finally meet him and person and see his work up close. After telling me about his process when it came to creating many of his works, I got a chance to ask him about what I could do to expand my art career. He was happy to explain that one of the most important things to do as an artist was to produce, produce, produce. Doing so shows people that you are serious about your craft.
Dorsey also mentioned how it was a good idea to get involved in art fairs and festivals because it’s a unique opportunity for artists to connect wtih their audiences and see for themselves how people react to their work. I’ve never done an art festival before but it is something I definitely want to do in the near future. Continue reading »
