The challenging economic times have left many unemployed people seeking solace in creativity. In some cases, those artists dream of making a living with those creative endeavors. But starting a business is daunting: Most don’t know where to start and others start selling their work on a small scale, but then have no idea how to take it to the next step. In either case, a weekend workshop is coming to Edmonds soon, tailored to fit the specific needs of this unique market.

Taught by Olympia artist Pam Corwin, artist and owner of Paper Scissors Rock, and Manya Vee, jewelry designer and owner of Manya Vee Selects in Edmonds, the workshop gives a leg up to any artist ready to take their business to the next level. It will be held March 17 and 18at the Edmonds Senior Center. Sign up before Jan. 25 to take advantage of an Early Bird price break!

The weekend seminar includes classes on selling craftworks in retail settings as well as through wholesale outlets. Pricing and marketing tips will be addressed, as well as some great ideas on how to effectively display one’s work at a crafts show. Artists will have an opportunity to hear the stories of nationally known professional artists and learn from their experience, and a panel of art gallery owners will share their tips, insights and knowledge.

According to an announcement about the event, one of the most valuable parts of the weekend will be the opportunity for each artist to get individual consultations from Corwin, and Manya Vee as well as the guest artists and retailers. This will include tips on pricing, marketing, packaging, developing a cohesive line and where the best target markets lie.

Corwin and Manya Vee met many years ago at a show — Corwin selling her clocks and Manya Vee selling her jewelry. Both of the artists’ businesses grew over the years and the two stayed in touch sporadically. Vee opened her gallery of contemporary fine art and craft in 2000, which is highly successful. Corwin’s business grew to a national scale and is now available in over 300 stores.  By coincidence, both started teaching about the business of crafts independently. Now they are joining forces to create a workshop to help other artists travel the road they traveled, but without as many bumps. As they both say, “it’s everything we wish we’d known when just starting out so many years ago.”

To register for this weekend seminar, and to take advantage of an early bird price break that ends Jan. 25, go to www.businessofcrafts.com, or call Pam Corwin at 360-357-3480, or email Manya Vee at Manya@manyaveeselects.com. Registration deadline is Feb 17.