Do you ever feel like creating art is the easy part? Would you like to gain more confidence and insights into selling art face-to-face? Join us for an introductory taster session of the Art Sales Academy, hosted by Karen van Hoey Smith and the Visual Artists Association.

This session provides a sneak peek into the full program, designed to equip early-career artists and gallerists with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in art sales. Whether you’re aiming to sell your artwork effectively or seeking strategies to enhance sales for your gallery, this taster session is tailored to meet your needs.

During this session, you’ll get a condensed overview of the program’s key components, offering valuable learning outcomes in a compact format.

What You’ll Learn:

• Preview effective communication techniques to confidently engage potential buyers.
• Explore proven sales strategies specifically tailored to selling visual art.
• Discover how to craft a compelling narrative that captures the interest and imagination of art collectors.

Speakers:

Karen van Hoey Smith
Karen is an Artist Manager, Fine Art Auctioneer, and Consultant Expert with a degree in Fine Art Valuation. Her extensive career includes roles as a Gallery Manager for Blue Dot Art and Whitewall Galleries, as well as a partner at White Rose Publishing. Currently a Trustee of the Royal Crown Derby Museum Trust, Karen has sold works by renowned artists like Banksy and has helped countless artists achieve greater sales and reach their goals. As the VAA’s Artist Mentor, Karen is dedicated to supporting artists in building successful careers.

Louise Minnaar
Based in South Africa, Louise is an accomplished art industry professional with over 8 years of experience. After attending Art School and earning a degree in education, she built her career in art auctions across the globe and worked with one of the UK’s largest publishers, Whitewall Galleries. Louise has guided clients in collecting works by masters like Picasso and Miro, as well as emerging artists, helping them achieve success at all stages of their careers.