STUDIO MATES

Virtual Artist Critique Groups

Have you ever felt like this? 

You’re missing feedback and validation on the art you’re making

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You’re lacking accountability and dragging your heels to your studio 

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You’re overwhelmed by possibilities and not sure the next direction to take your art practice 

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You’re looking for a supportive community of peers who are excited about making work

Us too. But we know we’re not alone, and you don't have to be either.

Studio Mates are virtual communities with a focus of kind feedback and support. 

How It Works

Our twelve-week Studio Mates programs create an environment for thoughtful, accessible feedback on your creative practice that will help launch you into your next phase as an artist. Each group is kept small with limited spots available, allowing each artist to have significant time, support, and dedicated feedback on a rotating weekly schedule. 

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Written Feedback

The feedback process is completed independently on a "virtual crit wall" inside a dedicated Slack community.

 

Each artist will share, ask questions to the group, and receive honest, thoughtful and caring feedback from their fellow members and facilitator (Emily or Natalie). There will also be opportunity to message and chat with your group members to grow your network and creative practices in a  collaborative environment. 

Online Group Exhibition

To conclude each Studio Mates session, members will be included in an online group exhibition hosted at www.thegatheredgallery.com.

 

This will provide an opportunity to share your art and celebrate your hard work.

Group Check Ins

Studio Mates will host four group video calls, through Zoom. There will be an introductory call, two monthly calls to build relationships and ask questions to the group, and a call concluding the session.

 

These group meetings will be a friendly opportunity to ask questions to other group members and your facilitator about your creative practice and to workshop ideas and opportunities.

 

Above all, they will be a chance to build connections with other creatives and create feedback that is personal and meaningful.

Bonus Resources

Studio Mates members will also be given access to past and present Trade Secret workshop recordings as a bonus resource, which include topics such as grant writing, community building, arts writing, and artist residencies.

A Note on Critique

Emily & Natalie have been providing kind, insightful, and positive feedback to artists since 2016 through arts writing, interviews, and studio visits. All feedback will be constructive and considerate, rooted in empowerment, encouragement, and honesty, and conversations will be moderated and visible to members and facilitators. No harsh or closed-minded words will be tolerated in this program, to allow each member to feel safe and free to share their work without hesitation. 

Together We Can 

Create accountability 

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Develop a strong artistic voice 

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Provide support and insightful feedback 

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Find next steps and opportunities 

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Build community and connection 

Is this program right for you?

Art Critique Group

In this program you'll receive feedback on your artwork, including applicable insights on colour, scale, concept, materials, etc., to offer new perspectives and breakthroughs in the studio. We will also meet as a group to align your career goals with your practice. 

Studio Mates
might not be for you if: 

-    You are looking for a quick fix to           become an overnight success 

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-    You are not ready to 

     consider thoughtful feedback and

     implement real changes to your

     practice

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-   You don't have a clear practice or   

    body of work to build upon

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This program is right for you if:

-    You have at least two works (in progress or               complete) and are ready for feedback

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-    You have questions about your art and/or                process

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-    You are ready to flex your critique muscles              and give insight and thoughtful feedback to            your peers

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-    You are working towards a goal that would             benefit from a new perspective 

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-    You have limited time and require something          you can complete independently and on the go

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-    You are looking to connect with other artists           experiencing the same thing as you 

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-    You need accountability and support to                   boost your commitment to your art career

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-    You are serious about your practice and ready         to invest in yourself 

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-    You believe in community over competition           and are excited to help other artists rise

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 💖 Kind words from our beta group: 💖

"I underestimated how engaged I would become in my own work and also in the work of others."

"I felt I could be open and honest and it felt like a

very safe and supported group to be in. That's pretty rare, to be able to voice concerns, ask for advice, and say that you are struggling a little bit or are not sure what you are doing. Usually I am trying to sound like I have it altogether and remain "professional" so that was really great."

"I think the most impactful part of this program was

seeing what artists are doing all around the world. Seeing and getting to know each other in a more intimate setting was really vulnerable and valuable. I think the community aspect of the program is what makes it the most impactful."

"Studio Mates made me think about and evaluate my own work and process as an artist. The advice, suggestions, thoughtful comments and guidance from the group have given me a new outlook and positive perspective on my work. Through the discussions and feedback I was really able to find my voice and understand the direct messages I am trying to convey through my paintings. I highly recommend this program, the benefits are invaluable."

"The feedback and advice has stuck with me and helped shape and change the language I use when talking about my work."

"I thought the feedback was thoughtful, kind, and constructive."

"This program was a valuable experience as it brought together such a variety of artists.The program was a unifying effort to learn and grow

from each other and better your own independent practice."

We have implemented a subsidized payment option for those who self-identify as members of the BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ communities as well as those with disabilities and chronic pain to support artists facing barriers and statistically fewer opportunities in galleries, magazines, and institutions.

 

This payment option is available using the coupon code "VIRTUALCRITS". For more accessible pricing options please reach out at thegatheredgallery@gmail.com.