Featured Member Project

Featured Member

An artist discusses her work with industry professionals during Mix & Mingle. Photo credit: Art House.

To fill the need for professional development opportunities for artists, Art House in Cleveland created the Supporting Educators and Artists Network (AH SEAN). The membership program fosters artistic growth and networking between artists and the businesses that support or represent them. From panel reviews of members’ artwork to professional development training, AH SEAN provides support and skill-building to artists in the community.

Earlier this month, AH SEAN co-hosted the 5^th Annual Mix & Mingle: Connecting Art & Business. The program and reception is a chance for local artists to show their work and build relationships with potential partners. Businesses represented included galleries, representatives, interior designers, and developers. Co-hosted by the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) Arts Network, the event has provided a nexus between arts and business.

Art House, the parent organization of AH SEAN, is a visual arts center on Cleveland West Side. Executive Director Sheryl Hoffman believes that “artists create communities that offer a richer environment to live and work in, as well as contribute to the economic integrity of the region.” The goal of the community art center is to encourage the careers of local artists and to promote learning through the arts for all.