At the Brightwaters Art Council’s Business of Art Panel Discussion, four talented artists shared their combined wisdom during a lively discussion of how to get started in the arts, monetize from your craft, utilize social media as a positive tool, and maintain an art-work-life balance.
The free event on Jan. 30 was held at the cozy Wohseepee Park Cabin in Brightwaters, which reinforced the intimate feel of the evening as the artists shared their knowledge and personal experiences.

How did you make the transition to exhibiting and selling your work?

Hilary Broder
It just naturally happened. As far as sharing, social media has been a huge plus for me. Through art and social media, I have connected with so many awesome people all over the world, and just by sharing my own artwork I get a lot of great feedback and a lot of interest. So, it was really generated by the public; people asked for commissions. So, it came from just sharing authentically, like this is what I am working on. I love every single thing I do, and I feel like I put a part of myself in every piece I make, so getting to share that and get positive reactions is kind of amazing.

Holly Hunt
Truthfully, I never felt I could make any money from my photography. One day I was offered a solo exhibition and I had three months to print, mat, frame, and curate a 32-piece show. It was at that exhibition that I sold my first photograph. I was so elated that someone loved my work enough to purchase something. That show and the ones that followed confirmed that I could become a working artist, and it also gave me the confidence I needed to continue what I loved to do.

Syd Glasser
I used to say there was no way I was going to become a teacher, but then I somehow decided I was going to become one. So, for me, it was never a transition; from Day One it was always trying to find that balance of how I can keep maintaining my studio practice when I have all these other plans. And with wanting to get my work in galleries, I was living in Brooklyn, and I was surrounded by other young artists that were just as hungry as I was. We were all trying to do the same thing, so the community all came together.

Lisa Di Stefano
I was selling a bit out of Earth’n Vessel. We have our gallery there, so my work is always for sale there. I live in Patchogue, which is a beautiful place for the arts, and the availability of supporting artists and their business is amazing. I also live at Artspace in town, which is a not-for-profit organization that builds affordable housing for artists. I have been there going on 13 years, and we have a large lobby community area that can also be used as a gallery for different types of events. I was able to put on an all-ceramic clay art gallery event, and we would do some vendor events there, so it kind of slowly just started to unfold where I could start selling my work, and then people would find me on my Instagram or Facebook page.


Could you offer any advice or words of wisdom to someone who wanted to pursue art for a career, but was scared to do so?

Hilary Broder
Just try to focus on something that makes you happy. If you are inspired by other people, that’s great, but try to make something through your own vision of what you can do and bring to the table. If you are honest and sincere, and enjoying yourself and passionate about it, you will see the fruits of your labor.

Holly Hunt
Never forget what you create as an artist changes the world and that no one else can do what you do. Allow yourself to be vulnerable, but never stop embracing your authenticity in all that you do. Place your soul into everything you create, and most importantly, never give up.

Syd Glasser
I just moved here from Brooklyn, and I had a pretty big artist community there. All the people that were really making it there made it their job to go to openings and find where the collectors and gallerists are, follow that trail of where the money is and network into that. Do not lose sight of the fact that it is work—you have to put yourself out there, and do not be scared of it.
To anybody who is working full-time while still trying to pursue a career in art, sometimes we get taken away from being able to make things, and the way I would advise them to keep their flow going would be to go look at art, and keep noticing things differently. As long as you are always keeping it in your mind, everything you learn and see kind of processes back into your work in the long run.

Lisa Di Stefano
It is definitely is scary, but I think the most important thing is reaching out and seeing what your community has to offer. There are so many art councils on Long Island that have those communities to support you on that journey of getting started. That is definitely a good component, to have a community to bounce ideas off of and be amongst like-minded individuals pushing you forward, and kind of holding you accountable, because I know we can get defeated. Community is really important to help you let go and get past the fear of what it is to get started.


Where can your artwork be viewed/purchased?

Hilary Broder
Website: www.hillarybroder.com
Instagram: hillary_broder
Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/hillarybroder

Holly Hunt
Website: www.hollyhuntphotography.com
Instagram: abandoned_beauties_by_HHP

Syd Glasser
Website: www.sydglasser.com
Instagram: sydglasser

Lisa Di Stefano
Instagram and Facebook: RootedMoonArtistry
Purchases can also be made in person at Earth’n Vessel in Bay Shore