Originally scheduled for January of 2022, Arts Services Inc. (ASI) is moving forward with the third annual Creative Professionals Exchange (CPX) mini conference for artists and arts administrators which will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 3rd and 4th, 2022 at the Herb & Jane Darling Environmental Education Center at Tifft Nature Preserve in Buffalo.

After two years of uncertainty and turmoil, ASI offers CPX: Refresh as a respite where creatives are invited to step away from the chaos of everyday life to refocus their passion for the arts. The mini conference will consist of presentations from local area professionals, panel led discussions, and networking opportunities curated for those looking for inspiration and new ways forward in their work. Those attending in-person at Tifft Nature Preserve will have the added benefit of having five miles of nature trails, scenic views, and fresh air at their disposal for whenever they need a break in the action.

“This year’s CPX is special not only because it marks our return to in-person events but because it was born out of a real need in the arts community,” said ASI’s Grants and Programming Director Holly Grant. “The pandemic hit our industry hard and there are many of us still trying to recover our mental health and reignite our artistry. ‘CPX: Refresh’ is all about shaking off the dust and heading into the summer with new skills and a fresh outlook so you can get back to creating.”

The CPX:Refresh presentation topics and presenters are:

  • Unlock Your Creativity with Brandon Williamson (Pure Ink Poetry)
  • Alexander Technique: Body Alignment for Your Health with Michael Serio (Certified Alexander Technique Teacher)
  • Social Media Marketing with Jeff Heras and Joe Babcock (Spicy Creative)
  • Putting It Together: Packaging and Portfolio Building with Akasya Crosier and Suzanne Fatta
  • Tifft Nature Preserve tour with a Tifft Nature Guide
  • Stress and Burnout Management with Dr. Christian Bernhard (SUNY Fredonia)
  • Art of Mindfulness: Zentangles to Destress with Kelly Barone (Certified Zentangle Teacher, Whimsy by Kelly)
  • Finding Hygge – The Ideal Workspace Exists with Megan McElfresh (Stained Glass Association of America)
  • Creative Reuse Panel Discussion with Hope Wilk (Hopeful Finds) and John Smigielski (Liminal Space Ensemble)
  • Nature as Inspiration with Arthur Pearson (Roger Tory Peterson Institute)
  • Design Your Brand Identity with Matt Low (Crowley Webb)
  • Creating Systems that Support You with Ashley Johnson (AEJ Create)

*Presentation topics and speakers are subject to change.

Both days of CPX: Refresh will culminate in a networking happy hour at Duende (Friday, June 3) and the Wilkeson Point Beer Garden (Saturday, June 4).

Registration for the full two days is $125 per person and includes all sessions, lunch, and happy hour discounts. One day passes and virtual options are available. Scholarships are available through an application process. Proof of vaccination for all speakers and participants is required.


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