Since I began The Artist’s Office six years ago I've been circling around an idea, bumping up to it like someone in a crowded bar. I then apologize and back away as if I'm not where I should be. But the fact is, this is a space I should have been pushing my way into. I was exactly where I should have been.
The idea that I've been circling around is how important a network is for an art career. I have always known that it is important and always (with a sigh) admitted it was necessary.
I kept the thought in the back of my head, feeling like I should connect with people, show my face at openings, and be a good sport in uncomfortable conversations because I'm networking, and hopefully invitations will follow. When they don't come, I wonder if it's because I'm not awesome enough, not good enough, too awkward, or not the "right" type of person.
I'm chuckling at how naive this seems now, but I know that it's where my brain has lounged for way too long, on the comfortable couch with my feet on the coffee table as I ate a bowl full of half-hearted intention with a side of sour grapes.
I've even come close to addressing this issue more through The Artist's Office. But I never committed to it because although I recognized networking's importance, I didn't think I was good at it, and certainly couldn’t teach a class on it.
An ancient photo of Virginia schmoozing at an opening
Even though the art world can feel like a club with insiders and outsiders, there is a place for each of us, and people who share your goals, interests, and vibe. Last year my perspective shifted after I learned about the concept of social capital, which (simply put) is the value of your relationships and connections; your network.
I stopped thinking about “networking" and started thinking about building a network of meaningful relationships. I learned social capital is positive for both individuals and for communities because it's increased through things like trust and reciprocity and eroded by coercion and one-sided relationships. Social capital can’t be hoarded, and the more it grows, the more everyone benefits. The simplest way to put it is “a rising tide lifts all boats.”
Connections between people that circulate opportunities amongst themselves no longer seemed unfair. Referrals were obviously a trusted vetting system among colleagues. Favors became building blocks of tight knit communities. Every artist biography revealed a truth that was hidden in plain sight whether or not the artist recognized its impact: "It's who you know."
It all suddenly made perfect sense.
The art world runs on relationships. Art is not a solo endeavor. We, as artists, need other people to show our work, to sell and buy our work, to write about our work, and to support our work if we are serious about having a career.
Artists, consultants, art advisors, gallerists, and art critics told me if and how their own network—their own meaningful relationships—impacted their trajectory. Spoiler Alert: It's everything. Almost none of the other stuff matters...unless you have a network of meaningful relationships.
I've gathered the experiences that I've had from 20+ years in the art world along with ideas and knowledge I've absorbed from scientists, the business world, economists, self-help gurus, artists and other people in the art world. I've taken all this information and put it in a pill that is easy to swallow for artists.
This pill is a brand-new program called Rising Tide and the pilot program Runs March through May 2026 and you can join the waitlist for future cycles here: