CAP Workshops

2025 Free Professional Development Workshops!   
(Scroll down to see past recorded workshops.)

Workshops will be recorded for future viewing, but come to the events if you can! There will be snacks and time for networking for the live workshops. 
 

Selling Your Work - Tips and Advice
 

Wednesday, August 6 
6:00 to 7:30pm
(7:30 to 8:00pm - social time and networking) 
Location: CAP ArtSpace, 110 N. Tioga Street, 
Tompkins Center for History and Culture (on the Ithaca Commons)
Free, REGISTRATION REQUIRED HERE

This panel discussion includes local artist Christi Sobel, a long time seller at the Farmers Market!, and owner of Star Tree Studio, a new store/artist collective in Triphammer Mall; Via Carpenter, painter, public speaker, activist, owner of Via's Cookies an d CAP's new Community Engagement Coordinator; and Robin Schwartz, CAP Program & Grant Director.
We’ll cover best practices for selling your work both in-person and online—including how to build strong customer relationships, master one-on-one interactions that lead to sales, use Instagram effectively, find and grow your audience, and more! 

The Business of Art
 

Thursday, August 21 
6:00 to 7:30pm 
(7:30 to 8:00pm - social time and networking) 
Location: CAP ArtSpace, 110 N. Tioga Street,
Tompkins Center for History and Culture (on the Ithaca Commons)
Free, REGISTRATION REQUIRED HERE

Led by Gladys Brangman, this workshop will focus on the often-overlooked aspects of making a living as an artist — the practical, strategic, and business-related elements that many creatives don’t think about when trying to sell their work. Gladys is on CAP's board and is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Business Leaders of Colors, an organization that has helped reshape Ithaca’s business landscape through equity and leadership.  

Getting the Gig 
 

Monday, November 10
6:00 - 7:30pm 
(7:30 to 8:00pm - social time and networking) 
Location: CAP ArtSpace, 110 N. Tioga Street,
Tompkins Center for History and Culture (on the Ithaca Commons)
Free, REGISTRATION REQUIRED HERE

Join local musicians and event promoters Nick Scollard and Aaron Robbins for a practical workshop designed for musicians ready to take the next step in their careers. Learn how to break into our local music scene, build strong connections with regional promoters, and understand exactly what you need to have prepared to make a compelling pitch. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your reach, this session will offer real-world advice from those who know the ropes. 

Beyond the Stage: Building a Sustainable Music Career in the Digital Age
 

Monday, November 17
6:00 - 7:30pm
(7:30 to 8:00pm - social time and networking) 
Location: CAP ArtSpace, 110 N. Tioga Street,
Tompkins Center for History and Culture (on the Ithaca Commons)
Free, REGISTRATION REQUIRED HERE

with Destiny J.B Hernandez (Destiny LaVibe) and SingTrece
Are you a musician passionate about your craft but seeking practical ways to earn a living from your music? This workshop will guide you through the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of music monetization, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies to build a sustainable and thriving career. We'll cover: 
Diversifying Income Streams: Explore avenues beyond traditional live performances and physical sales. Strategies for earning from:

• Streaming Platforms: Maximizing revenue through platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
• Digital Downloads & Physical Sales: Connecting with fans through platforms like Bandcamp, iTunes, and vinyl and CD sales.
• Merchandise Sales: Creating and selling merchandise that reflects your brand and connects with your audience.
• Licensing & Sync Deals: Earning royalties by licensing music for films, TV, commercials, and other media.
• Crowdfunding & Fan Support: Leveraging platforms like Patreon and Kickstarter to receive direct support from fans and build a dedicated community.
• Teaching & Workshops: Sharing musical knowledge and expertise through lessons and courses.
• Content Creation: Utilizing social media and video platforms to monetize music and connect with a wider audience.

Building a Strong Online Presence: Learn how to use social media, YouTube, and other digital tools to promote music, engage the audience, and build a fanbase.
Understanding Music Royalties: Gain a clear understanding of royalties (mechanical, performance, sync, etc.) and how to ensure fair payment.
Exploring Emerging Opportunities: Discover innovative ways to monetize music, such as NFTs and virtual concerts.
Who should attend:

• Independent musicians looking to turn their passion into a profitable career.
• Aspiring artists seeking guidance on building a sustainable income stream.
• Musicians of all genres and skill levels who want to explore diverse revenue possibilities.

Organizing Your Space for Creativity to Flow
 

Thursday, January 22
6:30 to 7:30pm
on ZOOM 
Free, REGISTRATION REQUIRED HERE

with Robin Schwartz, CAP Program & Grant Director and long time Professional Organizer. Is your studio, workspace—or even your computer desktop—a source of inspiration, or a chaotic mess? Does it fuel your creativity or hold it back? Join Robin for a fun and practical workshop focused on editing your space to help your creativity flow freely. We’ll explore how to decide what to keep, what to let go of, and how to tackle organizing projects without stress or overwhelm. You’ll leave with tips, tools, and motivation to transform your space into one that truly supports your creative work.  You may know Robin as CAP’s Program & Grant Director, but from 1987 through 2020, she was also a professional organizer—teaching workshops and helping clients declutter and organize their lives and workspaces. Let her experience guide you to a more inspiring and functional space!

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Past Recorded Workshops

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