Our workshops bring together some of Michigan’s most talented and respected creative professionals for an afternoon of inspiration, connection, and hands-on learning. Whether you’re an established artist or just getting started, these sessions offer fresh ideas, real-world tools, and a welcoming community of peers.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
1:00p – 1:50p
Presented by Kate Hardy (Founder and Executive Director of Six Feet Over, a Michigan-based suicide prevention and postvention nonprofit)
This talk takes a fresh, honest look at mental health and suicide by mixing myth-busting, practical tools, and a bit of humor along the way. It focuses on how each of us has the power to support ourselves and show up for others in meaningful ways.
Expect a conversation that is real, engaging, and surprisingly uplifting for a topic that is often anything but.
To Hell with Algorithms: Why Every Artist Needs a Website
2:00p – 2:50p
Moderated by Chuck Marshall (GIG, Life In Michigan)
Tired of shouting into the social media void? Escape the social media rat race and build a digital home you actually own. Join local experts:
- Chris Simpson (Catch and Play Songs)
- Annie Capps (Swamp Street Design)
- Jen Prouty (Jen Prouty Photography)
For a jam-packed session on why you need an artist website.
Learn how to stop chasing algorithms, start owning your audience data, and market your art on your own terms.
Graphic Artist Panel
3:00p – 3:50p
Moderated by Chuck Marshall (GIG, Life In Michigan)
Meet three of our graphic artists and engage with them about their work. We will have a conversation with each artist about one of their works of art to gain insight and perspective. We invite you to join us with your questions and comments. This panel features:
- Jacob Rosenburg – A brilliant multidisciplinary artist and illustrator known for his bold, expressive poster art.
- Caitlin Muncy – A fabulous visual artist who creates compelling, inventive, and unexpected imagery.
- Jonathan Doyle – Creator of our GIG poster this year and a gifted artist who reveals the hidden essence of a concert or event through his work.
Photography Panel
4:00p – 4:50p
Moderated by Chuck Marshall (GIG, Life In Michigan)
Join us in a discussion with three amazing visual storytellers:
- Brandon Nagy – An outstanding photographer and graphic artist whose photographs are both inspiring and captivating.
- Terry Jones – A phenomenal visual artist whose passion for the story in the scene brings every image depth and life.
- Derek Ketchum – A photographer and writer with a deep connection to Michigan’s vibrant music and arts community.
We’ll talk with the artists about their work and view some of their images. Become part of the conversation by asking your questions and sharing your thoughts. Whether you are a music enthusiast, beginning photographer, or seasoned pro, there will be something to take home from this discussion.