The “ART” of Business
by Eleana Jones
Editor--
As a child, I always loved art, but I also loved math and logic – not a common combination! So amidst my math and accounting classes, I took a design class in college. My design professor asked why I was in accounting and I gave the typical answer: I knew I could make a living as a CPA. I told him I could always do art for fun, on the side. His response: “That is what you all say… but you will never do it.” He was right… almost. Except for a few craft projects along the way, I was always too busy to find time for art. It took 45 years, but finally, this week, I took an art class at ABISPI. I was still too busy – in fact, this was a particularly busy week moving our office after 14 years - but finally, I did it. I made time for art.
I saw the flyer for a painting class themed around Mardi Gras, taught by Audrey Brown, the newest artist resident at ABISPI. I signed up and I showed up. Audrey explained to us at the beginning of class that this was not a typical paint and sip. (Wine and hors d’oeuvres were available for those who wanted it, but as much as I love sipping, on this day, I was much more interested in painting!) Instead, Audrey explained that this would be a more “academic” class. Audrey is a degreed, classically trained artist.
ABISPI (Art Business Incubator of South Padre Island) has a mission, as I understand it, to provide art business residencies to talented artists who want to and believe they can make a living as an artist. ABISPI provides the tools to help them turn their talent into a viable business. The end goal is to market SPI not just as a beach destination, but also as an art destination. Part of the program includes conducting workshops or classes open to the public. The artists also work in and run the ABISPI gallery, as Audrey was doing throughout our class. What a gift to our city! And what a gift to me. As for the office move - it’ll still get done, and the best part: we are blessed to have moved into the same shopping center as ABISPI! I see more art classes in my future!
Eleana Jones is an SPI resident and business owner.
