Fine Craft as a Business: The Art of Show Applications – Photography, Artist Statement, & Mock Jury
Location: PA Guild of Craftsmen (PGC), 335 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA, 2nd Floor  (In person and via Zoom).
Description:
This workshop is designed to teach craft people the “art” of applying to an art/craft show: how to photograph your work with a cell phone and simple equipment; how to write a strong artist statement, how to edit your photos, and how to make your photography stand out for jury selection.
Presenters:
Emil Mellow – Master Artisan, Board Member, PA Designer Craftsmen; Artist/Illustrator
Paula Lewis – Master Artisan, Enameling; Was VP of Standards for PGC; Served PGC in various roles for
over 20 years
Mea Rhee – Master Artisan, Pottery; Member of the Fine Craft as a Business Committee, PGC
Aviva Brandt Foster – Master Artisan, Glass, Mixed Media; Board President, PA Designer Craftsmen
Schedule:
Morning Session:
9:00 – 9:15 am – Info and Attendee Introductions
9:15 – 10:00 am – Photograph your work like a professional with minimal equipment and a cell phone!
Emil Mellow will demonstrate taking cell phone photos using a white box. Students are encouraged to bring 1-2 pieces of their own work (max. size of work should not exceed 14” H x 12D x 12W). If bringing jewelry, please bring your own displays. If time permits, students will photograph their work during this session.
10:00 – 10:05 – Break
10:05 – 11:00 am – Writing an Artist Statement
Paula Lewis will teach how to write a strong Artist Statement.
11:00 – 11:30 am – Editing your Photos like a Pro
Mea Rhee will demonstrate how to use Photopea.com (a free online tool) to edit your photos
(resize, remove logos, sharpen images, and create watermarks).
11:30 – 12:00 Noon – Effective and ineffective photography for show applications
Aviva Brandt Foster will present a slide show of actual photos of work and booths that have
been submitted for craft shows. See which ones stood out and made the cut!
Lunch – 12:00 – 12:45 pm
Afternoon Session:
12:45 – 2:30 pm – Mock Jury – Surviving the Jury Process!
Participants are encouraged to email 2-3 photos (one of a booth, if available) to Emil Mellow at: emellowcreativeservices@gmail.com no later than January 3, 2026. Mock jury will review photo submissions and provide constructive feedback! Jurors will be NICE! Our goal is give you practical and personalized suggestions to make your application as strong as possible.
Jurors:
Aviva Brandt Foster, Donna Lashof, Paula Lewis, Mea Rhee
2:30 – 2:45 pm – Questions, Wrap up, Evaluation
PGC’s Fine Craft As A Business program assists PGC members and others in navigating the business world so they can be successful in running an art/craft business and/or participating in a craft show. We do this by offering workshops and a Mentor Program to help people set up, maintain, or expand their art/craft business and to enrich their business skills in general. Workshops are open to both PGC Members and the public. The Mentor program is open only to PGC Members.
Cancellation/Refund Policy:Â
We understand that plans can change, and we strive to accommodate our participants as best as possible. Please review our refund policy before registering for a workshop:
In order to request a withdrawal from a workshop, students must contact the Guild by phone at 717-431-8706 or contact us here.
Cancellations More Than 7 Days Before the Workshop
If a cancellation is made more than 7 days before the workshop, a 10% administrative fee will be deducted from any refund to the original form of payment to cover credit card processing and administrative costs. A workshop credit of 100% of the tuition may also be offered. Workshop credits expire 6 months after the date of the workshop.
Cancellations Within 4-7 Days of the Workshop
Cancellations made within 4 to 7 days of the workshop are not eligible for a refund to the original form of payment but may be transferred to another class or issued as a workshop credit for future use. Workshop credits expire 6 months after the date of the workshop.
Cancellations 3 Days or Less of the Workshop
Cancellations made within 3 days of the workshop are not eligible for a refund or a workshop credit.
No-Show Policy
If you do not notify us ahead of the class and fail to attend, you are not eligible for a refund or a workshop credit.
Classes canceled by the instructor or the Guild.
Students are eligible to receive a 100% refund to the original form of payment or workshop credit if the workshop is canceled by the instructor or the Guild. Workshop credits expire within 6 months of the date of the workshop.
To purchase a ticket at the member discounted rate, please login here.
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Fine Craft as a Business: The Art of Show Applications - Photography, Artist Statement, & Mock Jury
2026-01-10
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Venue: PA Guild of Craftsmen
Venue Phone: 717-431-8706
Venue Website: www.pacrafts.org
Address: