Impacting Artists First in a Curatorial Project Focusing on Empathy with Nanci Hersh (#168)

In this episode of The Art Biz I talk with Nanci Hersh about an exhibition she organized with 25 artists from multiple states and countries.

The show used the central theme of tears to explore empathy, compassion, and understanding within a sacred space—a metaphorical chapel. She says, as artists "we are so fortunate that we can use our art to make sense of life experiences."

Nanci and I discuss:

• The ripple effect of art when it impacts the artist first.
• The training she received to facilitate uncomfortable conversations.
• The benefits of taking on such a big project and why it's important that it aligned with her values.
• How the exhibition was paid for and ideas she has for improving funding options in the future.
• How she stayed organized.
• The importance of clear lines of communication, accepting help, and practicing gratitude.

⭐️ ABOUT NANCI HERSH

Nanci Hersh is a contemporary artist whose work is informed by the experiences, relationships, and places in her life. Her two-dimensional work, as well as her sculptures and installations, are at the intersection of personal narrative, art-making, and community engagement—exploring the grace, beauty and fragility of our lives.

Nanci is also a curator, illustrator, educator, arts advocate, and former Executive Director of the Delaware Institute for the Arts in Education. She has one foot in Pennsylvania and the other in Delaware.

🎧 RELATED EPISODES

The Art Biz ep. 160: Overcoming Anxiety about Making Art World Connections with Heather Beardsley

The Art Biz ep. 146: Remember The Many Opportunities We Have Because We're Online with Barbara Muir

The Art Biz ep. 30: Multi-State Multi-Year Multi-Artist Art Project with Marilyn Artus

The Art Biz ep. 64: Knit Democracy Together with Eve Jacobs-Carnahan

📖 To read more, see images, find resources mentioned, and leave a comment, visit https://artbizsuccess.com/empathy-hersh

🔶 Sponsored by The Art Biz Accelerator 🔶 a coaching group for strategies, support, and accountability inside a community of artists who get you. https://artbizsuccess.com/accelerator

⛰️ The Art Biz is recorded on the traditional land of the Cheyenne, Arapaho and Ute tribes.

~ ~ ! ATTENTION INDIGENOUS ARTISTS and BIPOC ARTISTS ! ~ ~

This is an invitation to all Indigenous and BIPOC artists, wherever you are in the world, to share your story here on The Art Biz. Here's how ~~~~> https://artbizsuccess.com/pitch-podcast/