Native Arts Workshop in Havre Attracts Crowd

Thirty-two artisans and students participated in a
workshop
Feb. 25 at the Montana State University-Northern campus to learn how
noted
Montana Indian artists Jesse Henderson and Al Chandler have marketed
themselves and their creations.

The all day workshop was sponsored by the Montana Cooperative
Development
Center (MCDC) with assistance from the Small Business Center at Fort
Belknap and MSU-Northern.

Jesse Henderson and his wife Michelle stressed the importance of pricing
products correctly, as well as steps artisans can take to promote
themselves
and their artwork most effectively. The artist’s paintings and other
works
are marketed by Michelle, who also offers business development services
and
training through Crazyboy Consulting Services.

In the afternoon presentation, Al Chandler shared his personal
experiences
at trade shows. He shared several "do’s" and "don’ts" regarding
participating in art shows, tradeshows and festivals.

Artisans need to research their subjects thoroughly and be historically
accurate, the presenters said. Works should reflect a pride in
themselves,
their work and their culture.

Ty Duncan, director of the Montana Cooperative Development Center,
invited
artisans to take advantage of efficiencies that could be gained by
working
cooperatively and using a cooperative business model. Duncan suggested
that
a marketing cooperative could accomplish the goal of allowing artisans
to do
what they do best – create. He met with several artists afterward to
discuss
possible alliances and assistance available from MCDC.

In comments, workshop participants said they valued the sharing of
personal
experiences in marketing native arts, the concepts presented and the
presenters’ inspirational approach to their subject matter.

To contact the presenters, or obtain additional information about the
services of the Montana Cooperative Development Center, contact the
Montana
Department of Agriculture at 406-444-3144 or by e-mail at
[email protected].

Contact: Ty Duncan
(406) 444-2402
TTY: (406) 444-4687