STUDIO MATES
Virtual Artist Critique Groups
Have you ever felt like this?
You’re missing feedback and validation on the art you’re making
You’re lacking accountability and dragging your heels to your studio
You’re overwhelmed by possibilities and not sure the next direction to take your art practice
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.
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
Develop a strong artistic voice
Provide support and insightful feedback
Find next steps and opportunities
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
- You are not ready to
consider thoughtful feedback and
implement real changes to your
practice
- You don't have a clear practice or
body of work to build upon
This program is right for you if:
- You have at least two works (in progress or complete) and are ready for feedback
- You have questions about your art and/or process
- You are ready to flex your critique muscles and give insight and thoughtful feedback to your peers
- You are working towards a goal that would benefit from a new perspective
- You have limited time and require something you can complete independently and on the go
- You are looking to connect with other artists experiencing the same thing as you
- You need accountability and support to boost your commitment to your art career
- You are serious about your practice and ready to invest in yourself
- You believe in community over competition and are excited to help other artists rise