The 2024 Fresh Arts Summit is a one-day conference packed full of workshops, lectures, panels, activities, and networking opportunities designed to help artists and creatives of all disciplines launch, grow, and sustain their careers.
Don’t miss the 2024 Fresh Arts Summit, happening in-person at the University of Houston Downtown on Saturday, November 23 with a kick-off party at Mid-Main Gallery on Friday, November 22.
This year’s theme is Building Your Legacy. Get inspired to think beyond the present moment and focus on creating a lasting impact through your work. Whether you’re just starting out or are an established creator, we encourage you to explore how your art can transcend time, influence others, and leave a meaningful mark on the world. Join us as we delve into what it means to build a legacy and equip you with the tools to shape your artistic journey for years to come.
First launched in 2019, the Fresh Arts Summit has attracted 700+ attendees and featured over 100 local and regional artists as presenters, panelists, and keynote speakers cementing Houston’s status as a leading hub of creativity and talent.
Past speakers have included three poet laureates, renowned musician Kam Franklin (The Suffers), and influential leaders from local and regional organizations like Project Row Houses, Galveston Arts Center, Austin Music Foundation, and dozens more.
The Fresh Arts Summit is powered by Fresh Arts, a Houston-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering local artists through programs that build knowledge, amplify local resources, and connect communities.
What To Expect
Friday Night Kick-off Party 🎉
Friday, Nov. 22 | 5-7 PM | Mid-Main Gallery
- Pick up your swag bag + registration materials
- Live DJ Set by Whitney Screwston
- Complimentary pizza and drinks
- Live Heat Press Station: Personalize your swag bag with a custom design
- Get THREE professional headshots taken for only $20
- Entry to the Kick-off Party is included with a Summit ticket purchase
Saturday Artist Summit Sessions
Saturday, Nov. 23 | 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM | University of Houston-Downtown
- Complimentary breakfast light bites & coffee
- Rise & Shine Activity: Setting Goals & Intentions for the Day
- Portfolio reviews
- Summit Sessions: info-packed panels, workshops, and activities all day long
Other special activities
- Friday Night Dine-Arounds ($10): Select from the following prolific Houston arts leaders Faith Cisneros (of Shop Local), Armando Silva (of MECA), Jennie Ash (of Art League Houston), and Debra Barrera (of The Menil) to join for a casual dinner in a small group setting. This experience is designed to foster meaningful conversations with mentors and fellow creatives alike and is sure to have you walking away with new connections and reawakened inspiration. Reserve your seat at the table for $10. Seats are limited, so act fast! Taking place on Friday, November 22 from 7:00 to 9:00 PM following the Friday night Kick-off Party.
- Saturday Speed Networking Lunch ($25): Choose to spend your lunch hour on Saturday refining & practicing your elevator pitch with your peers! You will be guided through a micro-workshop followed by a fun and supportive speed networking session. Lunch sponsored by SweetGreen included.
- Saturday Portfolio Reviews (FREE): Book a 10-minute session with a visual or performing arts expert who can offer feedback on the presentation of your work through your portfolio, website, and/or social media. **Note: The link to sign up for Portfolio Reviews will be sent exclusively to ticket-purchasers via email. These spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis**
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS & PARTNERS!
Summit Guest Presenters
Aaron Ambroso // Jennifer Ash // Debra Barrera // Outspoken Bean // Sebastien “Mr.D1987” Boileau // Jessi Bowman // Melanie Ernestina // Gracie Chavez // Faith Cisneros // Shaketha Davis // Sha Davis // Jenny Gustafson // Harrison Guy // Robert Hodge // Anastasia Kirages // Deniz Lopez // Carla Lyles // David Maldonado // Kyle Moore // Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton // Marc Furi // Sam Oser // Kathy Ploch // Natacha Poggio // Chasity Porter // Ángel Quesada // Armando Silva // YungChris // Giorgio Villani // Flash Gordon Parks
Session Topics
Building and Preserving Your Artistic Legacy Join well-respected Houston visual artist Sebastien “Mr. D” Bolieau and performing artists Harrison Guy, Gracie Chavez, and Robert Hodge as they reflect upon the meaning of “legacy” through their creative works and broader contributions to the cultural landscape. Panelists will share personal insights on the importance of creating meaningful, lasting impact, and the steps they’ve taken to ensure their work endures over time. Moderated by DJ Flash Gordon Parks.
Money Trees: How to Branch Out and Profit More Artist panelists Deborah DEEP Mouton and Jessi Bowman will share strategies for diversifying income streams to better sustain your artistic practice over the long term with a multi-pronged system of support. Moderated by Carla Lyles
Authenticity Online: Tools and Trends in Digital Marketing Learn how to put your best foot forward in the ever-shifting landscape of digital marketing. Jenny Gustafon will help you navigate the use of new tools and old favorites to engage online and social media audiences without losing yourself in the process.
Innovation in Art: Exploring New Advancements in Technology Giorgio Villani presents how to use AI tools to create live art from spoken input. This demonstration will show you how AI can transform real-time input into unique, algorithmically-driven art, opening new creative possibilities and interactive experiences for your work.
Practice with a Purpose: Aligning to a Mission and Driving Social Change Local artists David Maldanado, Sam Oser, exhibition maker Aaron Ambroso, and design educator Natacha Poggio discuss approaches to crafting purpose-driven work and art for social change, including community-building and collaborations outside of the arts. This workshop includes a reflection activity to help participants better connect to their mission/values and how to bring them into an arts practice. Moderated by Deniz Lopez
Creative Career Paths: Diverse Journeys to Success & Fulfillment Join a diverse panel of artists settled in their careers as they share their unique and distinct journeys to finding succes and building fulfilling careers. This session will offer valuable insights and practical takeaways to inspire your own creative path!
Conscious Creating for an Eco-Friendly Practice Learn from artists Melanie Ernestia and Stacey Kirages about how to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into your artmaking, no matter what the subject matter may be. From CO2 absorbing paint to upcycled fashion and more, these artists will discuss materials and processes to help us all prioritize people and planet. Moderated by Chasity Porter
Worth the Work: Pricing Techniques for All Disciplines Visual and performing artists: Sha Davis and YungChris will discuss different approaches to pricing your artwork and time for sales and commissions, addressing one of Fresh Arts’ most requested workshop topics.
Money Matters: Income, Expense, and Tax Management Kathy Ploch will walk artists through money and tax management for your own artistic work, paying collaborators, tracking and claiming expenses, and juggling multiple sources of income. Prepare to wrap 2024 and start a new tax year off right with these best practices.
Legal 101: Protecting Yourself as a Creative Led by Shakeatha Davis, this session covers essential legal topics including copyright basics, intellectual property rights, and common contract clauses every artist should understand. Learn how to confidently protect your creative assets, negotiate fair agreements, avoid common legal pitfalls, and seek reliable assistance when needed.
At Fresh Arts, we are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible experience for all participants. The University of Houston Downtown, our primary Summit venue, is fully wheelchair accessible, with clear signage, restrooms, and reserved ADA-compliant parking (with permit).
We will offer reasonable accommodations, including assistive listening devices and support services upon request. Summit registrants will receive an Accommodations Survey to inform us of accessibility and dietary needs.
If you will require specific accommodations, please take a moment to fill out this form so we can do our best to prepare accordingly.
Registration may also be completed via telephone or email (see contact info below)
Thanks to our generous 2024 Summit sponsors, we’ve reduced the registration price by 40% compared to previous years, passing the savings directly on to the artist community!
Fresh Arts’ Artist Plus Members can tap into extended Early-bird pricing through November 20 (35% savings). Click HERE to become a member today!
SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER
- Receive free entry to the Artist Summit + Kick-off Party
- Receive an invite to Fresh Arts’ exclusive winter holiday bash in December (21+ only)
- Receive a free Fresh Arts t-shirt
- Play an essential role in bringing this transformative event to life
Important notes:
- You must be 18+ to volunteer at the Artist Summit
- You must be 21+ to volunteer at or enter the Kick-off Party
- Details about orientation, parking, and more will be sent after you sign up
Fresh Arts is incredibly grateful for the dedication of our volunteers. As a small nonprofit, having extra support is essential to making sure our goals are achieved. Your participation significantly impacts our mission, and in turn, impacts the artists and communities we aim to serve.
Thank you for signing up to make a difference!
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The 2024 Fresh Arts Summit Planning Committee is made up of talented artists lending their time and expertise to help craft and execute this event: Carla Lyles, Chris Thomas, and Megan Randall
2024 SUMMIT SPONSORS
