Professional Identity for Working Artists Part 1: Statements, Bios, and CVs

Many artists struggle not with making the work—but with explaining it.

This workshop is designed for artists and creatives who want to clearly articulate who they are, what they do, and how to speak about their work in professional settings. Participants will spend the evening writing, editing, and refining the core documents every working artist needs: an artist statement, professional bio, and artist CV.

This is a hands-on writing workshop focused on language, clarity, and confidence. You will leave with strong drafts and clear direction on how to finalize these materials for galleries, applications, commissions, and opportunities.

We will cover:

• The difference between an artist statement and a bio
• Writing in first vs. third person
• Short and long versions for different uses
• What belongs on an artist CV (and what doesn’t)
• How to talk about your work in plain, professional language

You’ll have time to write, receive prompts, and participate in small group peer review.

This workshop treats artists as working professionals and provides the foundational language needed to be hired, commissioned, exhibited, or supported.

You will leave with:

✔ A strong draft artist statement

✔ A polished professional bio

✔ Clear guidance for completing your artist CV

Ideal for emerging, mid-career, returning, or self-taught artists who feel stuck explaining their work.

About the Artist:

Megan Halsey is an award-winning illustrator, designer, and licensed artist whose work appears in children’ s books, magazines, and on wall art, textiles,greeting cards, and gifts. 

A lifelong creative and educator,Megan is former faculty at Pratt Institute, Moore College of Art, and Pennsylvania College of Art & Design. She now works as a creative consultant, leads workshops, and teaches in Marywood University’s MFA program, Get Your Masters With The Masters, where she earned her advanced degree. 

A Lansdowne resident for 25 years,Megan helped create the Lansdowne Arts Festival (now Arts on the Ave). She was an original member and chaired the borough arts board, and co-founded Women Creating Community Lansdowne, dedicated to promoting and supporting creative work in the community.

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Parking:

• Street Parking is metered.
• There is ample street parking on Baltimore Ave. The Highland Avenue parking lot (18 N Highland Ave.) is brightly lit and half a block away.

First Floor Accessibility

• Inclusive Design: Our first floor is designed to be inclusive and ensure accessibility for all.
• Approachable Entrance: Our entrance is approachable to all who enter, providing ease of access for everyone.
• Accessible Restroom: We offer an accessible gender-neutral bathroom for the convenience of all visitors.
• Wide Hallways: Our hallway is wide enough to accommodate wheelchair users, ensuring smooth and easy navigation.