Visiting author Sharon Louden explores creative livelihoods

Creative people of all ages can gain insight into the lives of contemporary artists at a public discussion of “Living and Sustaining a Creative Life,” a book by artist and educator Sharon Louden. Co-sponsored by CIA’s Drawing Department, the event will take place at 3pm on Saturday, Feb. 22, at the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland.

At the event, Loudon will discuss her book with one of its artist contributors, former CIA faculty member Julie Langsam. Their interview will be followed by an audience conversation and a book signing. “I hope students will leave this discussion empowered with the tools to be able to get out there and meet life’s challenges with creativity,” said Louden.

The book was inspired in part by Louden’s own struggle to support herself in the years after graduating from art school. Over time, she learned that artists can create many more avenues to success than just the silver bullet of gallery representation. This experience convinced her that artists must share more openly with each other about the economics of their lives.