ASK & ANSWER. Makers Together, a nonprofit creative hub based in Appleton – with ties regionally to the Chippewa Valley – intends to uplift makers and artisans of all mediums and promote accessible education on starting a creative business. Members of the nonprofit (pictured above) host workshops, offer resources and guide one another through recurring virtual meetings. (Submitted photo)

This February, I visited the Gray Hat Creations booth at the last Banbury Art Crawl in downtown Eau Claire (930 Galloway St.) to admire their intricate metal jewelry. There, I met with Candi Teachman, the maker behind these goods and co-founder of Makers Together, Ltd.

In conversation, I learned about this collective of artists located in Appleton and Green Bay – with a few members southeast of Madison – who have actively met online and in person around the region for the past six years.

Makers Together is a nonprofit, member-based community for makers and artisans, its website reads. Organizers uplift one another's pursuits to sell and promote their creative pieces by offering education, workshops and resources to members on business practices and more.

Each member brings something different to the table – from backgrounds in branding and graphics; administration and bookkeeping; sales and social media expertise. In their online gatherings, each member is welcome to share challenges when learning what it takes to operate and promote their own art businesses in cities like Eau Claire and the Chippewa Valley.

While many artists work in isolation in their own spaces or a studio, most artists also enjoy connecting with like-minded people, Teachman said. When the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, many art venues closed; a few creatives began meeting online to ask questions they didn't have answers to.

Should my art business be listed as an LLC? What do I need to have in place before applying to sell art at an art show? How do I register for a new art business with both state and federal organizations? How do I provide packing and shipping?

"We host educational sessions or a follow-up from the previous session and offer virtual co-working where participants can have a real conversations while creating art."

Candi Teachman

CO-FOUNDER of MAKERS TOGETHER, LTD.

Artists can inquire more about specialized themes, from technology to accounting. Members of Makers Together also have been known to recommend books and podcasts they have found value from, on these topics and beyond.

Organizers offer recorded educational presentations and printable downloads on their member’s only webpage.

"Everything is available virtually on our social media platforms; we connect Tuesdays on Zoom," Teachman said. "We host educational sessions or a follow-up from the previous session and offer virtual co-working where participants can have a real conversations while creating art."

A recent session focused on product photography, with a follow-up session on artists' head shots and art studio showings, Teachman added.

On a monthly basis, Makers Together offers an in-person meet and greet open to its current members and the general public, Teachman said. There, attendees have learned how to sign up for art shows, set up a tent and display, connect and talk about their art with the public, deal with unpredictable weather conditions and much more.

Because there can be much competition between other artists, artificial intelligence and manufactured items in online markets, the goal of Makers Together is to spotlight individuals' stories.

Teachman encourages active members to share their art shows and other "Call to Artists" opportunities, to ensure any and all have the opportunity to take part in regional events. Artists in the Chippewa Valley can connect with Teachman and Makers Together, online at makerstogether.org or through Facebook (@MakersTogetherOrg).