The Visual Artists Association offers a range of tailored artist support sessions designed to help you elevate your practice to the next level. Whether you’re looking to refine your creative portfolio, optimise your website, enhance your business strategy, or benefit from expert guidance through our mentorship program, we provide valuable resources and personalised feedback to support your growth and success as an artist.

Our expert mentors—Karen van Hoey Smith, Amy Jobes, and Richard Kalman—will share their expertise, experiences, and how they guide artists to success. Joining them will be Orielle Caldwell, mentee of Karen and an accomplished artist based in Los Angeles, who will provide her perspective on how mentorship has shaped her career.

About the Mentors

Karen van Hoey Smith
Karen is an experienced Artist Manager, Fine Art Auctioneer, and Consultant Expert. With a background as a Gallery Manager and Art Broker, she has represented artists, sold works by major names like Banksy, and now serves as the VAA’s lead Artist Mentor. Karen helps artists reach their goals by developing their careers and building their sales.

Amy Jobes
Amy is a contemporary landscape painter based in North Devon, represented by two galleries and featured in Artists & Illustrators Magazine and Devon Life Magazine. A mentor at the VAA, Amy specializes in helping artists with goal setting, branding, marketing, and selling their artwork. She brings years of experience and passion to supporting artists’ growth.

Richard Kalman
As the owner and founder of the Crane Kalman Brighton gallery, Richard has built a reputation for showcasing emerging talent, particularly in contemporary photography. With over a decade of experience, he works with both emerging and professional photographers, offering portfolio reviews, career advice, and mentorship. Richard also lectures on Professional Practice and supports the next generation of photographers through his annual Cream Graduate Showcase.

Guest Speaker

Orielle Caldwell
Orielle is a Los Angeles-based artist and a mentee of Karen van Hoey Smith. Through her work, Orielle explores storytelling and emotional connection, using her art to inspire and captivate audiences. She will share her personal journey in the mentorship program and how it has influenced her artistic and professional growth.

What to Expect

• Learn how the VAA mentorship program can help you overcome career challenges, reach new audiences, and grow as an artist.
• Gain practical advice and industry insights from expert mentors with decades of experience in the art world.
• Hear Orielle Anaïs Caldwell’s journey and the impact mentorship has had on her practice.
• Participate in a live Q&A session to get your questions answered.

This is a unique opportunity to connect with seasoned art professionals, gain invaluable insights, and discover how mentorship can transform your career. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today!