Overview
Schedule
Optional Sessions
Accommodations / Travel
Fees / Application Procedure
About Tucson

OVERVIEW

COURSE CONTENT

This workshop, led by Mary Virginia Swanson, will provide participants with an overview of the fine art photography market and how one can effectively target galleries, collections and publishers most likely to respond to their work. An understanding of presenting work to industry professionals via competitions and portfolio review events, as well as the value of attending Gallery Expos will be discussed. Examples of successful promotional tools with be shared. Ms. Swanson will bring an extensive library of reference materials and examples of successful self-promotion examples to the Workshop to share with participants.

SPECIAL GUESTS AND ACTIVITIES:

Friday afternoon we have scheduled a special "Print Viewing" at the Center for Creative Photography on the University of Arizona campus.

Saturday afternoon special guests Lisa M. Robinson and Ken Rosenthal will be presenting on their individual careers as artists, followed by a visit to the Etherton Gallery.

Note: An optional studio visit with Ken Rosenthal and Lisa M. Robinson will be available to workshop participants, See OPTIONAL SESSIONS, below for more information on these events.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This workshop is an ideal overview for photographers wishing to promote their work to the fine art market with a goal of print sales and publication. If you haven't yet completed a body of work, gaining insights on the industry at this stage is encouraged.

COURSE REGISTRATION

Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. No portfolio submission is required for admission. Please click on the link above and fill out the application form to register.

PORTFOLIO SHARING

All participants may bring a selection of work to informally share with Ms. Swanson and fellow workshop participants during the opening session on Thursday evening, November 6th.
Note: presentation of your work is not required.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE WORKSHOP

Once you have registered for the course you will receive a comprehensive letter from Ms. Swanson indicating ways you can begin to raise your awareness of topics to be presented.


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SCHEDULE

DATES / LOCATION: 

The workshop will begin on at 6:00 p.m. on THURSDAY, November 6th, and end at 12 noon on SUNDAY, November 9th.  The workshop will be held at the Meckler Photography Studio in downtown Tucson, 121 South 4th Avenue, one-half block below Broadway. The closing session on Sunday morning, November 9th will be held at the Swanson/Strich residence on the west side of the city in the Tucson Mountains (approximately 20 minute drive from downtown and approximately 35 minute drive from the Tucson Airport).

OVERVIEW OF SCHEDULE:

We will be meeting in the Meckler Studio on Friday and Saturday for lectures by Ms. Swanson, with special guests and site visits in the afternoons. Please note that we will facilitate ordering and delivering to the workshop a no-host lunch each day.  On Sunday morning our closing session will be held at the Swanson/Strich residence on the west side of Tucson; breakfast will be served.   Car pools will be organized to off-site events; there is no need to rent a car, especially if you choose to stay at a nearby hotel.

Both Friday and Saturday evenings are open; an optional no-host dinner will be planned for Saturday night within walking distance of the Workshop, and Hotel Arizona and Hotel Congress. 

DAILY SCHEDULE:

Thursday, November 6th:  6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Marketing Workshop begins at 6:00 pm with a welcome reception and introductions; tables will be set up for participants to informally show their work.

Friday, November 7th:  9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lectures by Mary Virginia Swanson begin at 9:00; lunch on site.
On Friday afternoon we will go as a group for a special "Print Viewing" to the Center for Creative Photography (www.creativephotography.org).   Evening on your own.

Saturday, November 8th: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Lectures by Mary Virginia Swanson begin at 9:00; lunch on site.
On Saturday afternoon, artists Lisa M. Robinson and Ken Rosenthal will present their work and discuss their careers.  Afterwards we will walk two blocks to the Etherton Gallery (www.ethertongallery.com) for a behind-the-scenes visit to this noted photography gallery; the exhibition on view will be The Figure Illuminated, photographs by Flor Garduño, Alvin Booth and Ralph Gibson.
Saturday evening we will organize an optional no-host dinner at a restaurant within the downtown area.

Sunday, November 9th:  9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
The closing session will be held at the home of Mary Virginia Swanson and Hal Strich; brunch will be served. 

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OPTIONAL SESSIONS

OPTIONAL STUDIO VISIT with LISA M. ROBINSON and KEN ROSENTHAL
November 9th, 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Join artists Lisa M. Robinson and Ken Rosenthal for a special session at their work/live space discussing the balance of creativity and marketing within one's life as an artist.  

The session will begin in their studio space and darkroom, and continue through to their office, emphasizing how space determination can bring positive energy and results to both the creative and business sides of one's career.  

Each will discuss their working methodology, show exhibition prints and and share their effective marketing materials with participants.  

Location:  Lisa M. Robinson + Ken Rosenthal Studio. Carpools will be arranged or transportation provided.

Fee: $100.

The special session is limited to 10 workshop participants; registration accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.


OPTIONAL CONSULTATION SESSIONS with MARY VIRGINIA SWANSON
November 9th, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. and November 10th, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Following the workshop, Ms. Swanson will offer a limited number of one-hour private consultation sessions to workshop participants at a reduced rate of $200. Sessions are available on Sunday afternoon, November 9th and all day on Monday, November 10th and will be held at Ms. Swanson’s residence. Reservations accepted on a first-come, first-served basis once registration in the workshop is confirmed. This rate is applicable only in conjunction with the workshop.

About Lisa M. Robinson:
Lisa M. Robinson is a fine art photographer whose first book, Snowbound, was recently published by Kehrer Verlag.   The book was an Official Selection for the German Photo Book Award, was selected as one of the year’s best books in PDN’s  Photography Annual and was recently distinguished by an Honorable Mention at Photo España.  Awards include a Fulbright Grant, an Evelyn Stefansson Nef Fellowship at the MacDowell Colony and numerous distinction awards.  She has been an Artist-in-Residence at VCCA, Anderson Ranch and Light Work. Snowbound has been exhibited internationally in such venues as the Centro Cultural Recoleta in Buenos Aires, Argentina; the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo in Santiago, Chile; the Museo Tambo Quirquincho in La Paz, Bolivia; and Fotografie Forum International in Frankfurt, Germany. Her work is in such collections as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; the Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego; Portland Museum of Art; the Ogden Museum of Southern Art; the Telfair Museum of Art, Savannah, Georgia; and Fidelity Investments.  A former printing assistant for George Tice, Lisa is represented by KLOMPCHING Gallery in New York and Etherton Gallery in Tucson.

About Ken Rosenthal:
Ken Rosenthal’s artwork is represented by a number of galleries in the US, including Etherton Gallery (Tucson); Clamp Art (NY); Michael Dawson Gallery (LA); Gerald Peters Gallery (Santa Fe); Dolby Chadwick Gallery (San Francisco). Rosenthal’s photographs are in many public and private collections internationally including The George Eastman House, Rochester, NY; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Art Institute of Chicago; National Portrait Gallery, London; Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, Washington DC; and the Wittliff Gallery of Southwest and Mexican Photography, which recently established a major collection of his work.

Since 2002 his work has been featured in more than 100 solo and group exhibitions internationally. Recent solo exhibitions of have been held at the Griffin Museum of Photography in Winchester, MA; Centro Cultural Recoleta, Buenos Aires; El Cabildo de la Ciudad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina; Espacio Foto, Montevideo, Uruguay; and Etherton Gallery in Tucson, AZ. Rosenthal’s first monograph, Seen and Not Seen, will be published in 2009 as part of the Wittliff Gallery Series by the University of Texas Press.

About Mary Virginia Swanson:
Mary Virginia Swanson makes it her goal to help photographers find the strengths in their work and identify appreciative audiences in today’s marketplace. Swanson has a diverse professional background, having coordinated educational, publication and exhibition programs for a wide range of institutions and businesses in our field, and is considered an expert in the area of marketing and licensing fine art.    It was during her tenure heading special projects at Magnum Photos that she recognized the opportunities for artists to develop second markets for their work, and in 1991 she founded SWANSTOCK, an innovative agency managing licensing rights for fine art photographers

Swanson currently works individually with photographers as a marketing consultant and is a sought-after Portfolio Reviewer at events such as Review Santa Fe, FotoFest and PhotoLucida.  Her workshops and lectures on the subjects of marketing opportunities and awareness have proven to aid countless photographers in moving their careers to the next level.  She also consults with businesses and agencies in our industry to aid in their awareness of contemporary photography, and has served as an Expert Witness on cases relating to the value of image archives.  

Swanson contributes articles to many print and on-line publications, including PND and PDNEDU, Digital Journalist, Nueva Luz, and teachingphoto.com, among others in the US and abroad.  She serves on the Board of Directors of the ASMP Foundation, and aids numerous other organizations in an Advisory capacity, most recently Blue Earth Alliance.  Swanson maintains a popular blog about opportunities for photographers at www.marketingphotos.wordpress.com, and she is the author of her self-published title THE BUSINESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY: PRINCIPLES and PRACTICES is available through her website:  www.mvswanson.com. 

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TRAVEL / ACCOMMODATIONS

TRAVEL TO TUCSON:

Tucson is located in south central Arizona along the interstate I-10, approximately 100 miles south of Phoenix. 

DRIVING TO TUCSON:

As a point of reference, if coming from Los Angeles, San Diego or Albuquerque the driving time if traveling on major Interstate Highways is 7 to 8 hours.

AIR TRAVEL TO TUCSON:

TUCSON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (TUS) is the closest airport and is serviced by nearly all major airlines, including Southwest.   The Tucson Airport Authority operates a website with flight information and fares at www.airtucson.com.

Downtown Tucson is about 15 minutes drive from the airport (10 miles).
If possible you are encouraged to fly directly into Tucson; a cab ride to the workshop location and nearby hotels is approximately $20 to $25.  Arizona Stagecoach, (520) 998-1000,  operates a shared-van shuttle service from the Tucson airport to hotels and residences; you may make a reservation in advance or walk up to their counter in the baggage claim area of the Tucson airport.  www.arizonastagecoach.com

AIR TRAVEL TO PHOENIX:

PHOENIX SKY HARBOR AIRPORT (PHX) airport sometimes offers more economic airfares but keep in mind it is 1-1/2 to 2 hours north of Tucson, depending on traffic.  The Arizona Shuttle (1-800-888-2749) runs a shared van service from the baggage claim area of terminals at the Phoenix airport to several locations in metro Tucson, but none of the stops are right at hotels.   A cab would need to be called from the drop off location to be driven to your hotel.  If booked at least one day in advance the fare is $60 round trip; fuel surcharges may apply.  www.arizonashuttle.com



ACCOMMODATIONS:

Downtown Tucson and the nearby neighborhoods offer a wide range of housing options, from traditional hotels to classic southwestern-style bed and breakfasts.   As this workshop is held during what is considered to be the start of the winter-visitor season, you are encouraged to secure lodging as soon as possible.

HOTELS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE WORKSHOP:

1) HOTEL ARIZONA  (Discount rate valid November 3rd – 13th)
Phone: 800.845.4596
181 West Broadway, Tucson, AZ 85701

The Hotel Arizona is a short 7 blocks walk from the Workshop location (0.4miles).  It is a traditional hotel with all the amenities one would expect: restaurant on site, heated pool, internet access, television, parking, spacious desk area.

For your convenience we have blocked a number of of rooms at The Hotel Arizona beginning at $89.00 / a night + tax.  This rate includes a $20 voucher for the hotel’s restaurant.  When booking a room at this hotel, please reference Mary Virginia Swanson Fall Workshop to obtain the discounted rate.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please make your reservations prior to October 16th, 2008 as our block of reduce rates rooms reservation will expire after this cutoff date; rate may increase after this date.

2) HOTEL CONGRESS  (Discount rate valid valid for any dates before or after the workshop)
Phone (520) 622-8848
311 East Congress Street, Tucson, Arizona  85701

The “Pueblo-Deco” landmark Hotel Congress is two blocks from the workshop location, has its own unique personality.  It was added to the National Historic Registry in 2003.  Below is a glimpse at the hotel’s website information:

“We sincerely thank you for choosing The Hotel Congress as the place to hang your chaps. Built in 1919, this historic hotel has been the hub of Tucson history and nightlife for nearly a century. We’ve also put a notch or two on our hickory - the Hotel Congress is the longest continually operating hotel in Arizona.

We pride ourselves on the many unique features we offer that you’d be hard pressed to find elsewhere. The Hotel Congress is a one-stop-shop-type hitchin’ post, encompassing the Hotel itself of course; the legendary Tap Room, open since the ’30s; Club Congress, inarguably the premier nightclub in Tucson for over two decades; the award-winning Cup Cafe; and the latest addition to the Congress: The Copper Hall, a stately and elegant banquet facility.

Some cynical city slicker types might notice the absence of a television in any of our 40 rooms and feel slighted. But it’s intentional - we strive to maintain the Hotel’s original ambiance - from the iron bed to the vintage radio, from the comforting rumble of the nearby iron horse to the retro-style phone that actually connects to a switchboard at the front desk.” 

Note: there is a lively evening “scene” at the Hotel Congress, including live music and a restaurant that stays open late; the rooms on the west side of the hotel are the furthest from the Club hence the quietest. 

We are holding a block of rooms for workshop participants at $79.00 plus tax; complimentary wi-fi is included; ask for the M. V. Swanson Workshop room block discount.

HOTELS WITHIN SHORT DRIVING DISTANCE OF WORKSHOP:

All of these hotels are between 8 and 15 minute's drive from the workshop location:

3) INN SUITES
Located near the I-10 freeway and St. Mary's is the Inn Suites, with reasonable rates and one of the largest outdoor pools in downtown Tucson., Address: 475 N Granada Avenue Tucson, Arizona 85701  , Phone: (520) 622-3000 or (877) 446-6589

4) MARRIOTT UNIVERSITY PARK
Located near the University of Arizona campus are the Marriott University Park, Address: 880 East Second Street, Tucson AZ , 85719 Phone : (520) 792-4100,

5) SHERATON FOUR POINTS
Located on the furthest away point bordering the University of Arizona, this hotel is a bit further away.  Address: 1900 East Speedway, Tucson AZ, 85719.   Phone: (866) 716-8133  (520) 327-7341.

6) THE ARIZONA INN
For those of you wanting an unique but costly hotel, a stay at the Arizona Inn is always memorable. Address: 2200 East Elm Street, Tucson AZ, 85719. Phone : (800) 933-1093

If renting a car, street parking is available at the Meckler Studio on 4th Avenue.

BED & BREAKFAST LODGING WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF WORKSHOP:

There are a number of historic Bed & Breakfast lodging options within walking distance of the workshop; most are in classic adobe or Victorian architecture.  These smaller businesses do not accept block reservations however so you must book independently.

1) ARMORY PARK BED & BREAKFAST is a short distance from the workshop; they offer two rooms, one at $90 and a suite at $110 nightly.  219 South Fifth Avenue; phone (520) 206-9252.

2) THE ROYAL ELIZABETH BED & BREAKFAST is considered deluxe accommodations, walking distance (0.5 miles) from the workshop.  Address: 204 Scott Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701  Phone: (877) 670-9022.

BED & BREAKFAST LODGING WITHIN SHORT DRIVING DISTANCE OF THE WORKSHOP:

3) EL PRESIDIO is a well known lodging facility with four (4) rooms, a longer walk (0.9 miles) away from the workshop.; Address: 297 North Main Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85701. Phone: (520) 623-6151.

4) CATALINA PARK INN BED & BREAKFAST is located near the campus of the University of Arizona. Six guest rooms offered at rates of $139 - $169. Address: 309 East 1st Street; Phone (520) 792-4541 or (800) 792-4885.

If renting a car, street parking is available at the Meckler Studio on 4th Avenue.

If you have any questions about lodging, please do not hesitate to ask, (email Beth Ledner beth@mvswanson.com).  Tucson is quite spread out and we encourage you to stay in or near downtown, rather than at an airport hotel, or hotels on the east or northwest side of town to avoid traffic and be with us at the start of each day's session.

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FEES/ APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Download the application form here:
FALL 2008 MARKETING WORKSHOP APPLICATION

FEE FOR MARKETING WORKSHOP : $700.00
This amount includes the workshop fee and the course workbook THE BUSINESS OF PHOTOGRAPHY: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES by Mary Virginia Swanson. Complimentary coffee and beverages throughout the Marketing Workshop will be provided.

FEES FOR OPTIONAL SESSIONS:
Robinson/Rosenthal Studio Visit: $100.00
Private consultation with Mary Virginia Swanson: $200.00

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A deposit of $100.00 is required with workshop application, with final payment due by November 1st.

If you wish to book optional consultation session with Ms. Swanson (Sunday afternoon or Monday morning or afternoon) and/or the special studio visit with Lisa M. Robinson and Ken Rosenthal (Sunday afternoon), please indicate your choice(s) on the Application Form.

Please note that carpools will be arranged for transportation to these optional sessions following the close of the Marketing Workshop.

PAYMENT
Payment can be made by a personal check, money order or Credit Card.

You can process payment via Credit Card one of two ways:

1) Complete this form, save as PDF and email to beth@mvswanson.com, or print it and fax to (520) 742-4066, or mail it to: M. V. Swanson Workshop Registration attn: Beth Ledner, PO Box 91888, Tucson, AZ 85752.

Alternatively, you may call Ms. Swanson's office at (520) 742-6311 to process your registration over the telephone.

2) For on-line payment via PayPal/ASecureCart, go to www.mvswanson.com/consulting/consulting.php and scroll down to the 3rd payment block, OTHER and fill in the appropriate amount owed to complete your application to the workshop. 

Payment in full is required by November 1.

CANCELLATION POLICY
If you cancel your participation in this workshop

TERMS: We reserve the right to cancel the workshop if unforeseen circumstances occur that would prevent Ms. Swanson from teaching. If the workshop is cancelled for any reason we will return of your workshop fee including deposit; any travel or accommodation deposits paid will not be our responsibility. Therefore, for your own protection we recommend that you purchase refundable tickets with trip cancellation insurance.  We reserve the right to alter the Workshop schedule and/or substitute special guests if necessary, and will inform you of changes to the best of our ability.   Should any physical harm, or loss/damage to personal property occur during the Workshop, participants shall assume all liability and agree to hold M. V. Swanson, Steven Meckler Studio and all special guests harmless. Portions of this workshop may be documented. By attending, you acknowledge this and give your consent for you likeness to be used in conjunction with Mary Virginia Swanson' professional activities and commercial offerings.

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ABOUT TUCSON

Fall weather in Tucson is very pleasant.  In November, the average high temperature is 74 degrees, average low temperature is 46 degrees.

There are many unique attractions to visit in Tucson as well as throughout Southern Arizona, so try to come early/stay late and enjoy this beautiful area!

Downtown you will find the Barrio Historico, located near 100 South Stone Avenue, (Between Interstate 10 and Stone Avenue, Cushing and 17th Street). This district was once considered the Mexican-American side of Tucson. It has been called Barrio Viejo or Barrio Libre since its Mexican inhabitants were more or less free to follow their own laws in the old days. That has changed, but the area has preserved its distinctly Mexican flavor with flat-roofed adobe (mud-brick) houses and roofs made from saguaro ribs and packed dirt (providing great insulation in the extreme Tucson climate). Some of Tucson's oldest structures can be found here and many of them nicely restored. Since most have been converted into private homes or offices, your visit will have to be confined to the exteriors.

Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block encompasses an entire city block in historic downtown, and features original and traveling exhibitions focusing on Art of the Americas, Art of the American West, and Modern and Contemporary Art as well as tours, education programs, Art School, and Museum Shop to delight and educate visitors. The Tucson Museum of Art serves the city and surrounding regions and is committed to broadening public access to the arts, enriching daily life. Located a few blocks north of the Hotel Arizona, the address is: 140 North Main Avenue, (520) 624-2333. 

The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is set in 100-acres of the Sonoran Desert. This museum also doubles as a wildlife zoo and botanical garden. Walk more than two miles of paths and get acquainted with the more than 300 desert denizens including javelinas, scorpions, bighorn sheep, rattlesnakes and mountain lions. The natural surroundings also support more than 1,300 species of plants native to the Sonoran Desert, which extends from Arizona down to the Gulf of California in Mexico. Winter hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; no entry after 4:15 (head straight west on Speedway to Museum).   Fees are $13 for adults, $4.25 for children.  Address: 2021 North Kinney Road; (520) 883-2702.  

Saguaro National Park has two locations, east and west of Tucson.  This national park protects a large concentration of saguaro cactus. The giant saguaro cactus is only found in the Sonoran Desert, which extends from southern Arizona down into northwestern Mexico. Mature saguaros can live more than 200 years, but don't get their first arm until they are at least 50-years-old. Scenic drives, hiking and interpretive programs lead the list of things to do at this popular park.   Both districts of the park are open from 7:00 a.m. to sunset daily.  Both districts operate a visitor center from 9:00 – 5:00 pm daily.   The entry fee is $10/car for 7 days.  An afternoon drive through the West location is straight west on Speedway; well worth the drive!

Tucson Mountain District; 2700 North Kinney Road; (520) 733-5158 Headquarters.
Rincon Mountain District; 3693 South Old Spanish Trail; (520) 733-5153.

Sunday, November 9th from 12-5 is the last day of the Tucson Open Studio Tours, a free, self-guided tour of the studios of local artists working in all mediums; a great way to end your visit to Tucson! You may also wish to venture towards other great communities in southern Arizona: the historic mining town of Bisbee, the artists communities of Patagonia or Tubac, two of our beautiful Missions or book a tour of the recently discovered Kartchner Caverns. See the links below for details.

Visitor's websites for Tucson:

Arizona Tourism:  http://www.arizonabeautiful.com

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