Writing the Artist's Statement: Finding Language for Your Practice

Instructor: Nels Highberg

Dates: Tuesdays, February 3 & 10, 2026

Time: 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Ages: 16+

Members: $54

Non-Members: $60

(Registration deadline: January 29)

Description:

Artists want their work to speak for itself, but so many opportunities require an explanation of the art in words, which can cause stress for many. In this two-part online workshop, we’ll explore the art of writing effective and authentic artist’s statements, those brief but powerful texts that often shape how curators, jurors, and audiences first encounter your work.

In Session One, we’ll examine a range of artist statements from practicing artists and analyze the different opportunities (e.g., fellowships, residencies, and exhibitions) that their guidelines request. Participants will complete short writing exercises designed to help articulate process, intention, and evolution in their own practice. In Session Two, participants will share and workshop drafts in small groups, receiving supportive feedback to help refine clarity, tone, and resonance.

Each session is 90 minutes and will be held via Zoom. The workshop welcomes artists working in any medium who want to develop or deepen the language that frames their creative practice. After the workshop, each participant will receive individual feedback on their drafts from the instructor.

Instructor Bio:

The workshop will be led by Nels Highberg, an artist and writer who began his career as a curatorial assistant at a Houston gallery, coordinating exhibition committee meetings in which artist statements played a crucial role in decision-making. Now a professor of English and Modern Languages at the University of Hartford, he teaches professional writing and interdisciplinary courses in the arts and humanities.

Instructor's Website: https://www.allmylinks.com/drnels

Workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment if a minimum number of participants are not met. Registrants will be notified in advance and a refund or credit will be arranged (see workshop polices below for details).

Workshop Policies: Please review the terms of our workshop policies here