About Art Tonic

Art Tonic is dedicated to empowering artists through professional development and business support, including workshops, events, peer-editing labs, mentorship, and office hours. Art Tonic manages public art projects that connect and engage community members.

Classes

The current class descriptions below are to give scholarship applicants an idea of what topics each instructor will be covering. These are NOT finalized descriptions, they are to give prospective scholarship applicants a sense of what will be available. Finalized descriptions, schedules, and links are forthcoming.

Please remember to check back frequently for more detailed updates on class dates, times, or registration links. If you have questions about a particular class, please contact the instructor directly.

Artist Foundations: Bio, CV, Statement & Grant Applications

Artist Foundations is a two-session workshop that equips artists with the core written materials of a professional practice, then puts those materials to work in a real grant or residency application.

Session 1: Bio, CV & Statement Artists learn how to write a CV, Biography, and Artist Statement to authentically and clearly represent their artistic practice and capture the attention of arts administrators, curators, collectors, and funders. Artists learn what belongs in a Biography versus an Artist Statement, and how a CV differs from a resume. Guided solo and partner writing and editing exercises help artists communicate topics that are frequently asked about in applications, such as themes, processes, advances in their discipline, and community impact.

Session 2: Researching & Applying for Grants and Residencies Artists learn how to find grants and residencies, evaluate whether an opportunity is the right fit, prepare written materials and work samples, and answer common application questions. Students organize key application information and materials and translate their notes and ideas into complete, compelling answers using a step-by-step drafting and editing process.

Overall Goal and Takeaway: Students leave with a finished Bio, CV, and Artist Statement; at least a first draft of a grant or residency application; knowledge of what makes a strong application; and the confidence to submit impactful applications that present their art in the best possible light.

Art Tonic Resources Provided: Artist Statement Prompts Worksheet, Artist Statement Editing Checklist, Artist Bio Prompts Worksheet, Artist CV Worksheet, and the Art Tonic Grant Studio Document

Length: Two 2-hour workshop sessions two 1-hour office hour sessions (6 hours total)
Format: Both in-person and online runs offered
Spots: Up to 25 students per run
Frequency: Offered two times within the 12-month contract
Dates: October 2026, March 2027

REGISTRATION OPENING SOON.

Please contact the instructor if you have any questions.

Growing Your Art Business: Revenue Streams and Marketing

Growing Your Art Business is a two-session workshop that helps artists move from occasional sales to repeatable, consistent income and get the word out about their work.

Session 1: Revenue Streams & Business Models Artists learn about the variety of revenue streams they can tap into, including online art sales, art fairs and markets, workshops, and grants. They learn the key activities, costs, revenue potential, platforms, and customers for each. Artists brainstorm business ideas grounded in their own practice and interests, then complete a Business Model Canvas (a 1-page document that maps key aspects of a business) for at least one revenue stream. We also cover certifications, permits, and insurance needed to work with the City of Sacramento and other official clients.

Session 2: Marketing for Artists Artists develop a marketing strategy to engage the attention of art professionals, art supporters, collectors, and potential clients. We review marketing methods including press releases, newsletters, social media, postcards, and flyers. We teach how to prepare clear, engaging marketing materials, approach galleries and curators professionally, and pitch stories to the press. Students draft a social media post and a press release for their own work.

Overall Goal and Takeaway: Artists leave with a business model aligned with their practice, drafted marketing materials, and a repeatable process for promoting and earning revenue from their art.

Art Tonic Resources Provided: Artist's Business Model Canvas, Regional Resource Database (local art markets, regional granting organizations, venues that hire and exhibit artists), Press Release Template, Social Media Template, Technology Resources List, Email Newsletter Sign-up Template.

Length: Two 2-hour workshop sessions two 1-hour office hour sessions (6 hours total)
Format: Both in-person and online runs offered
Spots: Up to 25 students per run
Frequency: Offered two times within the 12-month contract
Dates: November 2026, April 2027

REGISTRATION OPENING SOON.

Please contact the instructor if you have any questions.