$ell Out: Artists and Retailers

Just like countless singles mourning Valentine’s Day this year, art is longing for love. To help artists find that perfect fit for their beloved creations, Oklahoma Artist Network(OAN) is hosting the second annual $ell Out at [Artspace] at Untitled on February 10, 2014. Modeled after speed dating events, artists will have the opportunity to visit with dozens of retailers, gallery owners, arts organizations, and other businesses eager to work with local talent.

“This event really gets at the foundation of why our organization was formed,” OAN chairperson Charles Martin said. “OAN is dedicated to closing the gap between artists and the various industries already in place that can help them develop a sustainable career. This state has an abundance of creative talent, but making mutually beneficial connections is often difficult. This event is designed to facilitate new partnerships within a fun and engaging atmosphere.”

There is no cost to the participants. Artists are encouraged to arrive, equipped with pitches about their work, business cards, portfolios, and any other marketing materials that will make them stand out. Timed sessions will begin at 7:30 pm and will go for nine fast paced rounds.

“Businesses across the metro are recognizing the tremendous benefits of featuring locally produced items to draw in boutique customers with constantly rotating merchandise of one-of-a-kind handcrafted or artisan products,” Martin said. “Opportunity can spring from almost anywhere, but artists will never find those opportunities until they start asking. We are making it easier on artists by bringing vendors that are very enthusiastic about promoting and supporting local art under one roof.”

Among this year’s wide array of vendors will be Perpetual Motion Modern Dance, Individual Artists of Oklahoma, Brass Bell Studios, Deluxe Winter Market, Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition, Istvan Gallery, Literati Press Comics & Novels, Speeding Bullet Comics, DNA Galleries, Stash, Firehouse Art Center, The Boom, Dig It and more!

The Oklahoma Artist Network facilitates creative growth through inter-disciplinary communication and collaboration. OAN hosts events focusing on various aspects of the state’s rich artistic culture in an effort to highlight ways to bolster the creative industry. OAN also maintains an online forum where artists can connect to one another as well as find opportunities to develop their careers. For more information, visit okartistnetwork.com or email charles@literatipressok.com. “Like” us on Facebook to stay informed of new developments with OAN and other arts organizations across the state.

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