How Important Has Mentorship Been to You?

Early on in my career I remember asking a fellow writer how he did artist profiles so quickly-we were writing for a weekly arts publication with a heavy workload and short turnaround. He replied, "Quick and dirty! It's not brain surgery!" Not helpful. Most of the mentors I've had in my 25 years of professional writing have been the people I've interviewed, whose lives and art have engaged me so that I've wanted to hone my skills to share their stories.
-Gussie Fauntleroy, writer, Crestone, CO

I am fortunate to be a mentor and to have been mentored by others. During my academic studies, several art historians, curators and professors assisted me along my journey, enriching my experiences. In my current position at the Arizona State University Art Museum, I mentor student interns as well as a younger generation of curators and writers across the country. I receive as much as I give, knowing that the future of the field is in good hands.
-Peter Held, curator, ASU Art Museum Ceramics Research Center, Tempe, AZ

Throughout my career, I've felt an obligation to be a mentor for up-and-coming makers. My years of experience have certainly raised my consciousness of what artists should know. The myriad challenges and roadblocks encountered at all levels prompted me to write Professional Guidelines and my blog, Ask Harriete, on my website. Being a mentor is invaluable. Sharing information with your arts community enables everyone to grow in the process-definitely a win-win situation in my eyes. The decision can't be based on whether it makes a profit for you; it's all about giving back to your community.
-Harriete Estel Berman, metalsmith, San Mateo, CA

When I was drafting my business plan in 2004, I actively sought advice from individuals with industry experience. I was fortunate that Deb Kneale, from Show of Hands in Cherry Creek, co, and a board member of Craft Retailers and Artists for Tomorrow (craft), agreed to speak with me about the nuts and bolts of operating a craft gallery: point-of-sale systems, insurance, consignment, cash-flow management, inventory management, purchasing, packaging, price point analysis, presentation and labeling of artwork, and "reality checks" of financial projections. I can't imagine how I could have launched my business without the knowledge I gained through those short, intensely focused conversations with someone who'd been in this business for more than 20 years. This experience became the template for craft's mentoring program.
-Ann Ruhr Pifer, Grand Hand Gallery owner, St. Paul, MN

My experience with mentorship in both my education and career has been one of leadership by example and a balance between strong nurturing and "tuff-love." I've had the privilege to learn my craft from highly dynamic and influential artist/educators. My mentors have shown me how to "know my history" and explore innovative creative methods. Though I frequently face new hurdles within my studio practice, I can fall back on what my mentors have taught me. I believe this is an invaluable resource in the advancement of my work and career.
-Anthony Tammaro, jeweler, Conshohocken, PA

I was about to graduate from art school when it occurred to me that I was not yet prepared to be a studio artist. All my professors were men and academics. Excellent as their instruction was, I knew I needed something more. I wanted-no, needed-a mentor so I could observe how she structured her workday, interacted with framers and fabricators, collectors and landlords. There were no formal internships then, but I'd heard that Judy Chicago was looking for someone like me to work on the ceramics for The Dinner Party. We did not call it mentoring. There was no personal attention and rarely a kind nod, but I was on a mission and got the view of a professional artist in action I sought. I still carry that information like an invisible operating manual.

Over the years I've had many assistants and imagine they learned from me some of the practices I learned from Judy Chicago and those particular to my way of working. I try to be encouraging and available for advice to young artists, so aware am I of that missing link when I was coming up.
-Kathy Erteman, ceramist, New York, NY

Mentors in my life have taken many forms: entrepreneurial enabler, goal strategist, change manager, career counselor and more. Those to whom I am indebted maintain an opportunity for engaging dialogue, guiding and offering suggestions that involve equal parts listening, asking questions and remembering strengths to encourage personal growth. From my parents and grandfather to colleagues, my first museum internship advisor to professors across my studies, I strive to model my own actions on theirs: to teach how to fish rather than providing the fish itself.
-Namita Gupta Wiggers, curator, Museum of Contemporary Craft, Portland, OR