The Business of Art
Participants can expect a highly interactive day that may include getting a professional headshot; registering as an LLC if desired; learning how to copyright their work — and even beginning that process during a copyright workshop; exploring the many free resources available through the Peoria Public Library; creating and submitting a Sky Art Peoria image on site; registering for Ignite Peoria; receiving one-on-one business support; and more, all designed to help artists make meaningful progress by the end of the day.
keynote speaker
joshua davis-ruperto
Executive Director of the Illinois Arts Council
Joshua Davis-Ruperto has served as Executive Director of the Illinois Arts Council (IAC) since 2017, following previous roles as the agency’s Deputy Director and Program Manager. Under his leadership, the IAC underwent a comprehensive redesign, including staff reorganization, restructured granting opportunities, and a revamp of its website and marketing strategies. His efforts led to a 500% increase in the agency’s budget and, in partnership with Arts Alliance Illinois, the creation of the Illinois Creative Caucus.
Prior to his work with the IAC, Joshua taught undergraduate courses at Brandeis University, worked in development at Steppenwolf Theatre, and contributed to urban planning projects for the architecture firm SOM. At the National Endowment for the Arts, he helped run the Education Leaders Institute, a national initiative aimed at strengthening arts education through collaboration with legislators and policy leaders.
Joshua is also a Jeff Award winning accomplished theater artist, having performed with companies such as the Berkshire Theatre Festival, Goodman Theatre, and Chicago’s Second City.
His board and committee service includes Arts Midwest, Ruckus Theater, Tympanic Theatre, the Chicago Inclusion Project, Windy City Performing Arts, and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies.
He holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and a master’s degree from Brandeis University.
business of art: done day program and schedule
9:00am- 10:30am
all conference session
Welcome to Business of Art: DONE DAY!
We are excited you are joining us! We will be kicking off our day with intent by listing out goals for the day so we can stay motivated and inspired to continue creating no matter where our business may take us.
All Conference Business Foundations: Experts Answer Questions about Taxes, Protecting Your Art, Getting Started, and Managing Your Business
Every business owner needs to address certain basic functions to have a successful business. Getting established correctly, handling taxes, managing your business and legally protecting your art are mandatory for every business. This session will address those aspects on a high level. This session will either reassure you that you have done the correct things or open your eyes to areas that you need to focus on to make your business thrive.
What You Will Learn: We have local experts including Tim Higus, partner at Miller, Hall & Triggs; Eric Sampson, Director of the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Bradley University; and Ross Miller, entrepreneur and consultant. These experts will each address a specific core aspect of business and then be available to answer questions for the benefit of the entire audience.
Headshot Station
professional headshots: jeffery noble
Pop-in from 10:30AM-12-30PM
A headshot can say a lot about you as an artist and an entrepreneur! We are offering free headshots from professional photographer Jeffery Noble included with the price of your ticket.
Jeffery’s artistic journey began with formal training in photography and print, leading to a decade mastering visual communication in graphic arts and advertising. His transformative studies at Washington’s Cascade Photo Academy reignited a passion for the camera’s power to create meaningful human connections.
For over twenty years, Jeffery has turned his lens toward the vibrant worlds of culinary arts, craft spirits, and music—collaborating with acclaimed chefs, winemakers, distillers, and musicians. His distinctive visual storytelling has attracted partnerships with iconic brands including Caterpillar, RAM Trucks, and Mike Rowe’s Dirty Jobs franchise.
At heart, Jeffery remains driven by fundamental truth: every person, product, and place has a story worth telling beautifully and memorably. Whether shooting for global brands or local artisans, he brings the same commitment—to transform ordinary moments into extraordinary visual narratives that resonate.
Copyright Registration Workshop with Lawyers for the Creative Arts
with Elsa Hiltner and Weston Dombroski of Lawyers for the Creative Arts
*Note that this session is an extended morning break-out.
As a creative, copyright registration can help you protect your work. Lawyers for the Creative Arts is hosting a Copyright Registration Workshop to help you register your work!
- a digital copy of the work,
- name of author(s) of the work, their nationality/domicile, and years of birth/death,
- name and address of the copyright claimant,
- any copyright transfer information if the author is not the copyright owner,
- year of creation of the work,
- date of first publication (if published),
- whether the work has preexisting material,
- whether the work was previously registered, and
- credit card/debit card or bank account information for payment of the U.S. Copyright Office’s filing fee.
11:15am-12:15pm
morning breakout sessions
Funding & Grants Support with John Gawlik from Illinois Arts Council
Participants will leave with a curated list of 10–30 relevant grant opportunities, clarity on which opportunities align with their work, and a framework for developing a project budget and draft narrative. The session will also cover strategies for applying for funding year over year, completing required grant reporting, and building strong systems to successfully obtain and retain grant support.
Getting It Done: Applying for Exhibitions with Angela Risinger and John Heintzman from Peoria Art Guild
Applying to an exhibition or gallery can seem intimidating. Being accepted and having work displayed in an exhibition is an important milestone for most artists. In this session, we will be covering important topics to help assist artists in preparing to submit their work to exhibitions. These topics include building a good portfolio, finding the right gallery, and providing guidance in exhibit expectations. Artists from all experience levels are welcome to attend.
Explore Library Resources for Small Businesses with Elise Hearn from Peoria Public Library
Peoria Public Library has many free resources for those building a small business. Explore these with a librarian guide to see how they can meet your needs.
1:45pm-2:45pm
afternoon breakout sessions
Submitting to SkyArt Peoria with Sarah Eckstine, Affiliate Instructor of Photography at Bradley University
Learn the basics of submitting work to SkyArt Peoria and work one on one with Sarah to resize, crop, and submit your work on the spot.
Budgeting for Artists & Creatives with Vicki Garza from Illinois Humanities
Learn tips and tricks for creating a budget to be used for submitting a grant proposal.
How Public Funding Works in Illinois with Megan Lewis, Director of Public Funding Navigation, Arts Alliance Illinois
When looking for public funding at the state level, it can be confusing and challenging. At this session Megan will go through the various types of resources that are available from the state – more than just grants! – and share examples of other creatives who have accessed these programs. Attendees will come away with a list of action items to do today to be in position to take advantage of funding opportunities when they come up, and with a link to a deeper dive resource document with detailed step-by-step guidelines.
Advocacy in the Arts Ecosystem with Sasha Ongtengco, Program Director- Creative Workers from Arts Alliance Illinois
Resources and policy priorities for arts nonprofits leaders, small business, and the creative workforce.
Marketing Yourself as an Artist from Award Winning Speaker, Author & Aspiring 80s Rock Star, Brittany Richmond
This session will break down practical, real-world strategies artists can use to market themselves authentically through social media, storytelling, speaking opportunities, and personal branding. Attendees will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to promote their work without “selling out,” and how to create meaningful connections that lead to opportunities! This is all about engaging conversation designed to help artists & entrepreneurs step into visibility with confidence!
3:00pm-4:00pm
networking, reflection, and conference wrap-up
Closing session remarks. Then enjoy an opportunity to visit the resource tables, register your business with the Illinois Secretary of State, network with other attendees, or take a moment to tour the Peoria Public Library. Join us for a closing reflection and revisit your intention cards as well as a final wrap-up for the day. We can’t wait to have you join us for Business of Art: DONE DAY!
Special Thanks To:
foster jacob
illinois central college
illinois humanities
troxell insurance
Blick Art Materials
busey bank
Illinois Intellectual Property Alliance
kidder music
zion coffee co.
with additional support from:
