“The program has had a tremendous impact on my professional practice by bringing together artists from diverse perspectives. The opportunity to exchange knowledge, gain insights, and receive valuable suggestions has been invaluable.”

Mentwab Easwaran
Sparkplug Artists’ Collective, 2024


The
Workshop Series

A monthly cadence of workshops focused on advancing your artistic and professional practice.

The
Workshop
Series


A monthly cadence of workshops focused on advancing your artistic and professional practice.

“By offering resources, space, and community engagement, The DC Arts Center plays an essential role in uplifting local artists. It’s a place where artists can not only share their work but also find the encouragement needed to grow and evolve.”


Ahmad Al Khadi
Artist Member, 2024

At The DC Arts Center, we believe that greater access empowers every artist to reach their full potential. That’s why we’re offering more opportunities to learn from and connect with industry leaders—and if you’re an Artist Member, it’s free.

Next Workshop

Professional Development

Saturday, May 9, 2026
@ 3:00 PM

What You’ve Done + What You’re Doing

A writing workshop designed for artists with
Briget Heidmous

This workshop is designed for artists, period.

No matter your backstory or career stage, writing about one's practice can feel hefty.

In this workshop, we will uncover the difference between a bio and an artist statement and focus on the economy of language - choosing the specific words that concisely describe our experiences and praxis.

We’ll get specific and clear with our language while keeping reading time low.

Does this sound tough? Well, it is, but we’re making it easier by tackling the challenge side by side.

Let’s check in. Are you ready for this challenge?

This workshop is for you if:

  • you’re ready to make a change

  • you’re ready to think critically about your practice

  • you’re ready to take deep breaths and communicate when you are feeling overwhelmed or misunderstood so that misunderstandings can be addressed and resolved.

  • you’re ready to receive constructive feedback from a professional and peers is welcome

This workshop is not for you if:

  • you’re feeling protective over what you have written

  • you’re feeling like the writing you have is too personal to be shared

  • you’re overwhelmed by constructive feedback

  • you’re not ready to let someone know you’re feeling overwhelmed or misunderstood so that misunderstandings can be addressed and resolved.

Free for Artist Members.
$10 all others.
Registration required.

Facilitator Bio: Briget Heidmous

What You've Done + What You're Doing is a writing workshop designed and facilitated by multi-hyphenate and 2026 Sparkplug Artists’ Collective Facilitator, Briget Heidmous. Born in Colorado and living in DC since 2019, Heidmous is a non-disciplinary artist making physical and visual the acts, examinations, and outcomes of patterning by creating objects and moments that explore the tensions of desire, frustration, and change.

Website: Briget Heidmous
Instagram: @brigetheidmous

Workshop Structure

Part One: Independent work wherever you are.

Three days before the workshop begins, receive a downloadable artist bio template and artist statement prompts. Draft a couple of bio options modeled after the template provided and free-write to respond to the prompts provided.

Part Two: Learning together in a facilitated workspace.

Meet in person or join virtually for insights, instruction, and answers to questions, followed by time to work in a facilitated space.

Our Design

The DC Arts Center is proud to offer a monthly series of workshops, conversations, and events designed to support artists in both their creative and professional growth. Led by established artists and industry leaders, these sessions provide practical, artist-to-artist insights that empower creatives of all backgrounds and experience levels. The Workshop Series features three dynamic tracks: Artistic Process, focusing on techniques, methods, and creative practices; Collector Conversations, offering insights into the art market and strategies for connecting with collectors; and Professional Development, covering essential skills like branding, networking, and the business of being an artist. Each session lasts approximately one hour, is interactive, and takes place in person at The DC Arts Center in Washington, D.C. Admission is free for Artist Members and just $10 for non-members. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow!

Artistic
Process

Whether you are looking to advance your own artistic process in a medium you love, or you’re looking to explore a new medium altogether, our Artistic Process workshops will provide you with new ways of creating. Join fellow artists in an interactive “doing” workshop as they walk you through their unique artistic process.

Previous

Thu Anh Nguyen,Poetry as Verbal Painting
September 6, 2025

Lucas J. Rougeux, Professional Art Installer
The Art of Installation
March 22, 2025

Monica Jahan Bose, Storytelling With Saris
Swimming: Art & Poetry Workshop for Public Art Project
April 10, 2024

Pixie Alexander, The DC Arts Center Sparkplug Member
Exploring the Intersection of Movement and Art
July 16, 2023

Learn how you can join the Sparkplug program here.

Collector
Conversations

Meet and build relationships with some of DC’s most prominent collectors in our Collector Conversations workshops. These interactive dialogues offer artists the rare chance to meet and socialize with collectors of all kinds! These workshops are all about relationships and access.

Previous

Museum Walkthrough with Philip Barlow, Prominent DC Collector
May 7, 2023

Philip Barlow & Lisa Gilotty, Prominent DC Collectors
February 25, 2023

Profesional
Development

The Professional Development track offers artists the chance to advance their professional practice. Previous workshops have covered topics such as improving your artist statement and marketing yourself as an arts professional.

Previous

Jerry Truong,Documenting Your Art: Techniques for Artists
June 14, 2025

Briget Heidmous,What You've Done + What You're Doing: A Bio & Artist Statement Writing Workshop
April 19, 2025

Adrian Loving,Curator, Art Educator, DJ, Producer
Unlocking the Art World: A Networking Guide
February 21, 2025 / March 7, 2026

Jerry Truong,Former Program Manager, The DC Arts Center
Documenting Your Artwork
April 21, 2024

Benedetta Castrioto, Curator, The DC Arts Center’s The Curatorial Initiative
Curating Labor and the Labor of Curation
March 2, 2024

Learn how you can join The Curatorial Initiative here.


Eric Celarier​
, Artist, Washington Sculptors Group
Elevating Your Elevator Speech
June 17, 2023

Danielle Glosser, Artist Advisor, Client Raiser
Top Ten Business Strategies for Artists
March 12, 2023

Jerry Truong, Former Program Manager, The DC Arts Center
Effective ARTiculation
December 4, 2022

Danielle Glosser, Artist Advisor, Client Raiser
Business of the Arts Q&A
November 6, 2022