Sparks Gallery

06/10/2026

Thank you to our generous sponsors for providing valuable resources and items for the attendees at The Business of Being an Artist Symposium at Sparks (June 13-14, 2026). 🙏🙏

Art Business Academy
May and James Co.
Marketing by Shelby: Social Media for Authors & Creatives
Gateway To Galleries
San Diego Party Banner
Blick Art Materials
Mysteek Naturals

Registration page: https://www.gatewaytogalleries.com/offers/mwqxrAmq/checkout

DM for information about the programs and items that these companies have for artists.

This membership is for artists who want to learn how to get into art galleries with clarity, confidence, and a portfolio that sells.

06/01/2026

A wedding venue should be more than just a room. It should be a reflection of your shared values and your appreciation for beauty. For those seeking a small wedding venue in San Diego, Sparks Gallery offers an environment that balances urban history with contemporary creativity.

Our space in the Gaslamp Quarter allows you to host your celebration amidst curated art that tells a story. This eliminates the need for heavy decorating and allows the focus to remain on the connection between you and your guests. Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony or a sophisticated reception, the gallery provides a backdrop that is both purposeful and elegant.

We prioritize making our space accessible for couples who want a wedding that feels like a true gallery experience.

DM for venue availability and a private tour.

Image Credits: Stido Luniste and Justice Photo

05/30/2026

Taking place Saturday and Sunday, June 13–14, 2026 from 11 AM–6 PM, this symposium brings together artists, gallery professionals, curators, and industry experts for an immersive weekend focused on navigating the professional side of the art world.

Through presentations, discussions, and practical workshops, attendees will gain insight into gallery expectations, pricing and sales strategies, legal protections, digital visibility, and long-term career sustainability. Whether you are an emerging artist seeking representation or an established creative looking to strengthen your business foundation, this symposium offers valuable tools, resources, and connections to help support your next steps.

Hosted within Sparks Gallery’s historic Gaslamp Quarter space, the weekend is designed to foster meaningful conversations and community among artists navigating today’s evolving creative landscape.

Register for the Symposium: https://www.gatewaytogalleries.com/offers/mwqxrAmq/checkout/

Taking place Saturday and Sunday, June 13–14, 2026 from 11 AM–6 PM, this symposium brings together artists, gallery professionals, curators, and industry experts for an immersive weekend focused on navigating the professional side of the art world. Through presentations, discussions, and practic...

05/27/2026

👋 Meet Samuel Mazzeo, one of the nine speakers joining us for The Business of Being an Artist Symposium at Sparks Gallery, June 13-14.

Sam's session: "Legal for Creatives: Contracts, Trademarks, and Business Formation."

You'll learn:
→ How to protect your work through trademark law and contracts
→ How to navigate business formation and what structure makes sense for your practice
→ The scoop on contracts, trademarks, and forming a business.

Sam is the kind of attorney you actually want in the room. He makes legal counsel accessible and empowering, and he leads with heart and smarts.

Early bird ends May 29th for the lowest price (save 61% off the regular ticket price).

https://www.gatewaytogalleries.com/offers/mwqxrAmq/checkout/?coupon_code=EARLY2DAY

05/26/2026

👋 Meet Galina Marcus, one of the nine speakers joining us for The Business of Being an Artist Symposium at Sparks Gallery, June 13-14.

Galina's session: "Building Digital Visibility: Strategy Beyond Promotion."

You'll learn:

→ How to build intentional, sustainable visibility online without feeling like you are constantly selling

→ How to move beyond passive promotion and create real audience connections

→ How ethical marketing and stronger digital presence support a creative community

Galina is a marketing strategist, artist, and founder of the San Diego Art Directory. She understands the integration of artist identity and marketing strategy because she has lived it.

Early bird ends May 29th for the lowest price (save 61% off the regular ticket price).

https://www.gatewaytogalleries.com/offers/mwqxrAmq/checkout/?coupon_code=EARLY2DAY

05/25/2026

👋 Meet Kiyomi Iñiguez, one of the nine speakers joining us for The Business of Being an Artist Symposium at Sparks Gallery, June 13-14.

Kiyomi's session: "Organizing Your Practice: Structure, Systems, and Presentation."

You'll learn:
→ How to organize your work so it is ready to present when the opportunity appears
→ How to communicate your practice in ways that make your work accessible and engaging
→ How intentional systems support long-term artistic growth and visibility

Kiyomi has worked across galleries, museums, and arts organizations throughout Southern California. Her focus is bringing clarity to the parts of your practice that often feel chaotic.

Early bird ends May 29th for the lowest price (save 61% off the regular ticket price).

https://www.gatewaytogalleries.com/offers/mwqxrAmq/checkout/?coupon_code=EARLY2DAY

05/22/2026

👋 Meet Michael Carini, one of the nine speakers joining us for The Business of Being an Artist Symposium at Sparks Gallery, June 13-14.

Michael's session: "From Studio to Sustainability: Sales, Engagement, and Growth."

You'll learn:
→ How to turn your studio practice into sales and growth
→ How to build a career that supports your work across multiple exhibitions and markets
→ How business techniques work both offline and online for working artists

Michael is a neurodivergent artist with Tourette's who has built a career with over 100 exhibitions nationally and internationally. He was named Emerging Artist Of The Year by Art Design Consultants and his work is collected worldwide.

Early bird ends May 29th for the lowest price (save 61% off the regular ticket price).

https://www.gatewaytogalleries.com/offers/mwqxrAmq/checkout/?coupon_code=EARLY2DAY

05/21/2026

We received some questions about the June symposium and want to be direct about who this is designed for.

This is the right fit for artists over 40 who have a body of work and want more gallery representation. If you have been making art for years and the business side has never caught up, or if you are ready for clear strategies instead of continuing to figure it out alone, this weekend was built for you.

Artists under 40 are welcome, and many of the tools translate across career stages. That said, this weekend was built around the particular challenges that come with building a serious art career after 40.

This is not the right fit if you are already represented by multiple galleries and selling out shows, or if you are just starting out and do not yet have a body of work. It is also not for artists looking for technical instruction on how to make their work.

Nine industry experts are dedicating a full weekend to teach you all about the business side of being an artist. We want artists across from them who are ready to act on what they learn.

Early bird pricing ends May 29.

🎟️ Reserve Your Spot - Weekend Pass (DM for link)

05/21/2026

👋 Meet Shaun Cassidy, one of our featured speakers for the symposium on June 13-14.

Shaun's session: "Creative Vision to Creative Business: Strategy, Growth, and Brand."

Key takeaways:
→ Translate your creative vision into a functional business strategy
→ Navigate brand development and digital transformation as an artist
→ Scale your practice while maintaining your artistic essence

As Founder and CEO of Cassidy Creative Solutions, Shaun applies consulting expertise from Fortune 500 companies to the creative sector. He is a dedicated arts collector and advocate.

Early bird registration ends May 29. Secure the lowest price and save 61% off the regular rate.

https://www.gatewaytogalleries.com/offers/mwqxrAmq/checkout/?coupon_code=EARLY2DAY

05/20/2026

👋 Meet Blanca Lucia Bergman, MBA, one of the nine speakers joining us for The Business of Being an Artist Symposium at Sparks Gallery, June 13-14.

Blanca's session: "Multidisciplinary Insights: Research, Vision, and Well-Being in Your Practice."

You'll learn:
→ How to bring research-informed thinking into your curatorial and creative decisions
→ How to balance artistic excellence with psychological well-being in a sustainable practice
→ How cognitive science and business training can strengthen your approach to exhibitions and projects

Blanca founded Mental Wellness for Artists and brings analytical discipline from her work in technology and biotechnology to the art world.

Early bird ends May 29th for the lowest price (save 61% off the regular ticket price).

https://www.gatewaytogalleries.com/offers/mwqxrAmq/checkout/?coupon_code=EARLY2DAY