Arts and business go hand in hand. The Crisp Small Business Resource Center, Pitt Community College’s Small Business Center, and ECU’s Small Business and Technology Development Center are proud to partner with Emerge Gallery & Art Center, Home of the Pitt County Arts Council, to bring local artists a series of free workshops about business in the world of art.
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact ECU’s ADA coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event at 252-737-1018 or ada-coordinator@ecu.edu.
Talking About Your Work with Confidence: The Artist Elevator Pitch
Many artists find it challenging to describe their work in a clear, engaging, and professional way. Especially in situations like meeting gallery owners, applying for grants, speaking with potential buyers, or networking at events. This interactive workshop helps creatives develop a strong, authentic "artist elevator pitch" that communicates who they are, what they make, and why their work matters.
Date: May 20, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:30pm
Location: Emerge Gallery & Art Center; 404 Evans St. Greenville
Speaker: Jessica Doyle-Mekkes, Head of ECU Musical Theatre
Winning the NC Arts Council Artist Support Grant: A Step-by-Step Workshop
This workshop walks eastern North Carolina artists through the complete process of applying for the NC Arts Council Artist Support Grant administered by the Pitt County Arts Council, from understanding eligibility requirements to crafting competitive project proposals for the $500-$1,000 awards. Participants will analyze successful past applications, learn budget planning strategies, and get hands-on experience navigating the online application system before the October 3, 2026 deadline. Perfect for visual artists, musicians, dancers, filmmakers, writers, and theater artists in Edgecombe, Greene, Nash, Pitt, Wayne, and Wilson counties looking to fund new work, invest in equipment or promotional items or pursue professional development.
Date: September 16, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:30pm
Location: Emerge Gallery & Art Center; 404 Evans St. Greenville
Speaker: Holly Garriott, Executive Director of Pitt County Arts Council
Pricing Your Artwork with Confidence
Are you unsure how to set fair, profitable, and sustainable prices for your art? In this workshop, we offer a hands on workshop designed to help artists of all mediums build a pricing structure that reflects the true cost and value of their work. Whether you create originals, prints, commission based work, or digital pieces, you'll leave with the confidence to charge what you’re worth.
Date: October 21, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:30pm
Location: Emerge Gallery & Art Center; 404 Evans St. Greenville
Speaker: Julia Townsend, Artist, and Co-Founder, Vice President of The Peanut Factory in Edenton, NC
Art Market Fundamentals
Whether you’re preparing for your first art fair or looking to level up your market game, this workshop will give you practical, real world tools to maximize your success. Learn how to design an eye catching booth, manage your inventory, price strategically for shows, and connect with customers.
Date: November 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 - 8:30pm
Location: Emerge Gallery & Art Center; 404 Evans St. Greenville
Speaker: Ashley Nolan, Artist and Owner of Cooper Ashes
Email info@emergegallery.com with what you would like to see offered or to be added to the contact list.
