artist professional development
Learn new skills, refresh your professional persona, and join other East Bay Artists to network, collaborate, and build community!
East Bay Open Studios participating artists get free access to artist professional development workshops throughout the year–no matter where artists are at in their career. These in-person sessions provide tools and insights to help you navigate the art world while also making community connections within the East Bay’s vibrant artist scene.
Join us to learn, collaborate, and grow together!
fall 2026 Artist Professional Development Workshops
Practical pathway to public art
w/ sorell tsui
Monday, September 21, 6-8pm, 700 Franklin Street, Oakland (2nd floor with elevator)
This workshop is designed for muralists and 2D artists interested in expanding their practice into the field of public art. Led by artist, public art producer, cultural strategist and founder of ABG Art Group Sorell Raino-Tsui. The workshop offers a practical introduction to the process of taking an artist’s vision beyond the studio and into large-scale public projects.
The workshop will focus on how artists work with fabricators, producers, consultants, and other project partners, and how to successfully translate a 2D artistic practice into durable, site-specific public artwork.
https://www.instagram.com/tsui.xiaorui/
Event tickets: Here
For Artists, By Artists: Bridging The Bay Area Black Art Ecosystem
First Friday, October 2 | 4:00-5:30pm
Kinfolx, 1951 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
Join Oakland Art Murmur for a special installment of our Artist Professional Development series, presented in collaboration with Nexus: SF/Bay Area Black Art Week, part of MoAD's week-long celebration of Black art across the Bay.
This artist-focused panel brings together three artists living and working in Oakland: Taylor Smalls, Tiffany Conway, and Sheilby Macena, for a conversation on bridging the SF and East Bay art scenes. Panelists will share what they've learned navigating professional practice, building community and shared resources across the Bay, and raising visibility for their work, individually and collectively. The conversation will center the experiences, opportunities, and realities of being Black creatives in the East Bay.
Moderated by Rashida Chase. Follow the artists: @TiffanyConwayArt · @Taylor.Smalls · @sheilbs
Free and open to all.
Event tickets: Here
Stay tuned for the other workshops this Fall, which include…
Oct 2, 4-5pm - Black Artist Panel, Kinfolx 1951 Telegraph Avenue
Oct 19, 6-8pm - Success at EBOS, The Beam 1189 65th St, Oakland
Oct 26, 6-8pm - Grant Writing for Artists, The Beam 1189 65th St, Oakland
Nov 16, 6-8pm - Selling Conversations, The Beam 1189 65th St, Oakland
Spring 2026 Artist Professional Development Workshops
success at east bay open studios
w/ jules kobelin
Monday, April 6, 5:30 - 7:30 PM, Downtown Oakland
Join us for an in-depth workshop on how to achieve success during East Bay Open Studios. Hosted by EBOS artist Jules Kobelin, this workshop is designed to help EBOS participants explore their own pathways to achieving their personal version of success. Together we will discuss goals and various approaches to making their open studio experience cost-effective, efficient, and rewarding. We will develop a customized checklist and by the end of this workshop, participants will have a clear roadmap for preparing, executing, and following up on their East Bay Open Studio experience.
https://www.juleskobelinart.com/
https://www.instagram.com/juleskobelin/
Event tickets: https://successEBOS.eventbrite.com
Artist Statement
w/ Kimberley Arteche
Tuesday, April 14, 5:30 - 7:30 PM, 5610 Bay St, Emeryville
Voicing our Visions: Artist Statement Writing Workshop
This workshop is designed to help artists craft powerful, authentic artist statements that reflect their unique journeys, identities, and creative visions. Through guided exercises, group discussions, and feedback sessions, participants will explore ways to articulate their artistic practices, cultural influences, and personal narratives in a way that resonates with audiences, funders, and institutions. Whether applying for grants, residencies, exhibitions, or simply seeking to define their practice, participants will leave with a refined, compelling artist statement that reflects the depth and richness of their work.
Kimberley Acebo Arteche is an interdisciplinary artist, cultural worker, and healer working across photography, textiles, and ritual. Arteche is the co-founder of Balay Kreative, a cultural hub and artist incubator program serving Filipinx artists in SOMA Pilipinas, and has served on Southern Exposure’s Curatorial Council, SOMA Pilipinas’ Arts & Culture Committee, and the Zellerbach Family Foundation Community Arts Panel. She is currently the Executive Director at Brava! For Women in the Arts and serves on the Board of Directors for Yerba Buena Center for the Arts.
https://www.kimacebo.art/about
https://www.instagram.com/kimbr/
Event tickets: https://artiststatment.eventbrite.com
Mastering Social Media Video
w/ Jasper Wilde
Monday, May 4, 5:30 - 7:30 PM, Downtown Oakland
In this hands-on 2-hour workshop, Jasper teaches artists how to create compelling video content that grows their audience and supports their business. From filming techniques and lighting to editing directly in Instagram and TikTok, you’ll learn how to craft strong hooks, tell authentic stories, and plan video content that feels natural. Whether you’ve never posted a Reel or you’re ready to level up your presence, this workshop will give you the tools, structure, and confidence to show up consistently and creatively on video.
Jasper Wilde is the Communications and Programs Manager at ArtSpan, the Marketing and Communications Manager at Oakland Art Murmur, and a practicing abstract artist who understands firsthand what it means to build a creative career online.
https://www.instagram.com/paintwilde/
Event tickets: https://masteringsocialmediavideo.eventbrite.com
Price your art
w/ Martha zlatar
Thursday, May 14, 5:30 - 7:30 PM, Downtown Oakland
Putting monetary value on your art can be a very triggering process for visual artists. How do you put a price tag on your personal creative expression? Well, it’s not easy. That’s why many artists tend to price their art emotionally (most favorite to least favorite) which can be quite detrimental to their sales not to mention VERY confusing to potential buyers. There are no strict rules on how to price your art "just right" but there are general guidelines that can make this process more systematic, consistent and less daunting.
In this 2 hour workshop you will learn:
The 6 most common fears and misconceptions artists have about pricing;
The 10 KEY guidelines for pricing your work that will demystify and facilitate the process dissolving many of your current blocks;
The most popular formulas used in the art world so you can start pricing your work in a more methodical and organized manner;
How to increase the value of your art by using simple marketing tactics that will enhance the way buyers perceive your work so you can command higher prices
Martha Zlatar is a seasoned Artist Success Coach with over 20 years of experience supporting visual artists. She helps painters and photographers grow sustainable art businesses through practical guidance on marketing, sales, pricing, and time management. Martha also works deeply with artists on mindset shifts—helping them identify and overcome limiting beliefs that block their creative and financial potential. Her mission is to empower artists to thrive doing what they love.
https://www.instagram.com/mzlatar/
Event tickets: https://priceyourart.eventbrite.com