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Homespun Events

Building Community through Art


Artist applications for the 2026 Sculpture Garden Art Fair are now open!
Apply here by July 12, 2026.
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Bringing artists together for meaningful conversations, shared learning, and deeper creative connection.

Join us at the Homespun Artist Collective, a new monthly series designed to bring artists together to connect, learn, and grow. Each session features networking time, a focused educational topic, and conversations with leaders from across Minnesota’s art fair and artist community.
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April 16th, 2026
Your Brand, Your Story: Building Connections That Sell (Workshop)

$30 per attendee

At the Meraki Community Center -100 W 46th St

Register Now
HAC_Logo_edited.png
April 16th, 2026
Your Brand, Your Story: Building Connections That Sell (Workshop)

$30 per attendee

At the Meraki Community Center -100 W 46th St

5:30-7:30PM

Register Now

What to Expect

5:30–6:00pm — Artist Social + Networking

Enjoy complimentary appetizers and drinks while meeting fellow artists from across the Twin Cities. This informal mixer is a chance to build relationships, share experiences, and find community before the program begins.

6:00–7:15pm — Workshop on Your Brand, Your Story: Building Connections That Sell, led by Lara Cornell!

Art fairs aren’t just about selling art—they’re about connecting with people who want to support YOU, the artist. Your brand isn’t a logo or a font; it’s a reflection of who you are, what you stand for, and the story you want to share with the world.

In this interactive workshop, we’ll break down what brand strategy really means for artists and makers. You’ll learn how to uncover your authentic story, align it with your values, and communicate it in a way that draws people in and makes them feel like they’re part of something bigger.

 

Through small group brainstorming and hands-on exercises, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to build a brand that’s truly YOU—one that resonates with your audience, builds trust, and inspires them to support your work.

  • Your brand is YOU—align it with your story, values, and passion.

  • Think like a curator—add what enhances your story, remove what distracts.

  • Connect authentically—share your story to build genuine relationships.

  • Create meaning—invite your audience to be part of something bigger.

  • Communicate clearly—use design and storytelling to make your booth memorable.

7:15–7:30pm — Wrap Up

Have any lingering questions? Missed the opportunity to connect with a fellow artist earlier? Now's your chance! 

About Lara Cornell

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Lara Cornell is the Executive Director of the Dakota Center for the Arts, which has produced the Eagan Art Fair for the past 31 years. She also serves on the Gallery Committee for the Kouba Gallery in Bloomington and is deeply rooted in Minnesota’s creative community.

In addition to her leadership roles, Lara owns her own Regenerative Art & Design Studio, where she works with waste stream products to create more sustainable art materials. Over the past year, she has traveled across the United States, leading workshops, guest teaching, and lecturing on sustainable art practices and creative entrepreneurship.

Lara is the author of two #1 international best-selling books, including Maker’s Mark: Make a Living and an Impact with Your Artisan Business, which provides a comprehensive framework for building a successful artisan brand. With a Master’s degree in Sustainable Design and years of experience mentoring artists, Lara has helped countless makers align their businesses with their values while creating meaningful connections with their audiences.

Her workshops combine her expertise in branding, sustainability, and creative entrepreneurship to empower artisans to build impactful, authentic businesses and thrive in the arts.

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Registration
 

Registration

Tickets are $30 per attendee, which includes:
✔ Entry to the session
✔ Apps + beverages
✔ Presentation
 

Register Now

If you have any questions, want to present on a topic for a future Homespun Artist Collective session, or would like to discuss a sliding scale registration fee, please contact us at hello@homespunevents.com
 

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