Since the start of the Art Business Incubator (ABI), businesses for artists on the island are spreading fast, and residents and tourists are dabbling in art classes.
Program Director of the ABI, Deanna Powell, is steering the artist's ship to fulfill the island's goal to become the art capital of Texas. For Powell, one of the goals for the ABI is to associate the island with art.
Picking up momentum through the pandemic was not easy, but Powell believes it's the artists who lead the charge. In the past year, excitement for art has motivated many and the ABI artists wish to leave an impact.
ABI Alumni
Currently, the ABI is in its third class of residents artists. Many alumni collaborate with present class. The ABI stands as a platform to support and continue to elevate ABI Alumni by teaching classes and collaborating in pop-up shops. "It's been fun now that we are on our third residents, and we are starting to see the connection between ABI and the current residents," says Powell.
Financials
Through the years, classes at the ABI have grown. During the year, various events have provided artist socials, pop-up markets, multiple weekly classes, and private lessons.
A portion of all sales goes back into the ABI and the programs to help provide financial assistance. A financial goal for Powell includes more donations than just art sales and making the ABI an irresistible residency by increasing the supply stipend and being able to afford state-of-the-art equipment like a 3D printer.
To Powell, the most expensive part is the artist's pay. "And that's a great expense to have. The next to increase venue would be focusing on more events," says Powell.
Moving Forward
The space to learn and read guides Powell's way to discoveries. During her twenties, she read self-help books. "I just read a lot about human psychology and team environments," Powell explained this helped her with taking care of artists.
On her list, the position of ABI Program Director is Powell's most fun job. Still, every difficulty lying in her way has been a learning process. For example, Powell shared the importance of applying play in a creative setting. "Even if we are focused on business, there is equal if not more important focus on play and rest."
In the past year, two ABI Alums (Malia Quinn's Quinn Gallery and Shelley Hamsa's The Art Lounge) opened island galleries contributing to residents and tourists.
Powell looks forward to seeing how the art community evolves and grows with two new art galleries on the island.
