We support artists and artisans to achieve excellence in their artistic endeavors by providing a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop self confidence and personal growth.
When you’re ready to turn your passion for art into a sustainable income, it can feel overwhelming to balance creativity with the practicalities of making it work financially.
Whether it’s reaching your financial goals or navigating the challenge of self-promotion, we are here to help you transform the way you approach your art and reach your goals.
Discover the ways Aritst-E can help you make a living doing what you love:
Our team has direct experience creating and selling art, as well as the difficulties of managing the "business side" of art. With help from the team, you’ll uncover your niche, set prices that honor your talent, and confidently sell to your ideal customers.
Get ready to feel encouraged, empowered, and on fire to take your next steps.
Let our team inspire and captivate yours, leading them to immediately actionable, lasting change. Everyone is capable of bringing creative spirit to the table, from your c-suite execs to sales to the IT department. With guidance from our engaging keynote, you'll experience a profound difference in your daily work.
Experience the benefits of workplace creativity:
Get ready to change the conversation. Anna is a Grand Rapids-based female keynote speaker with a rich career in the art and entrepreneurial world. After Anna visits, you'll see an immediate change in how you approach daily work. Following her example and interactive instructions, you'll discover the place that creativity has in the business world, and your team will be on fire to put it into practice.
Contact our team today to empower your team's entrepreneurial spirit, and change the way you approach your work.
Artist-E is a local nonprofit that focuses on supporting and elevating local artists, empowering them to develop self-confidence and experience the freedom that comes from selling your art.
As a member of Grand Valley Artists, Artist-E creates webinars that show the step-by-step process to creating a business out of your art. Our work with Grand Valley Artists also involves engaging events, which feature professional speakers and networking opportunities. With professional advice from experienced artists, we empower local artisans to turn their passion into a career.
.avif)
Anna Donahue is a Michigan-based artist and gifted public speaker who has created and sold her own art for over 30 years. As both a speaker and a coach, she seeks to tailor her message to the unique needs of every audience—whether they are a corporate team or a single artist.
In conversation with other artists, Anna discovered a critical need in the art community. Many gifted artists with the chops to sell their work and make a career were stacking up unsold artwork in closets and basements. These artists were experts in their craft but were missing out on doing what they loved for a living. Anna knew what her artist friends needed to know and decided to share her experience and knowledge about the business side of art.
Since 2016, Anna dedicated her time to sharing her business secrets to success with fellow artists. Over these last few years, Anna helped over 1,000 artists move from hobbyists to career artists who can make a living on their work. Her creation and continued work at Art in the Park Saugatuck continues to inspire new artists and change lives.
When she's not coaching, you might find Anna working on a mural, a sculpture, or planning an event. Anna is a proud and active member Grand Valley Artists, and is blessed to present her work at venerated institutions and events, including Grand Rapids Art Prize. Her work can be found in downtown Grand Rapids in places like the Skywalk at Panera Bread off of Monroe, and at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital on Wealthy Street. You can also see her hand-painted murals in 27 Jude's Barbershop locations across West Michigan. She continues to create art, but has transitioned her focus to supporting the next generation of great artists and creative thinkers.
