ArtConverge Seminars for Artists + Creatives 2026

We are delighted to kick off 2026 with an exciting series of seminars available in-person and online. These seminars are presented and hosted by ArtConverge's Founder, Art Attorney, and Thought Leader, Sarah Conley Odenkirk. Each session will run for one hour plus time for Q&A beginning at 4pm PT/5pm MT/6pm CT/7pm ET, and cover a different essential topic designed especially for fine artists, designers, graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, writers, filmmakers, and other creative professionals (emerging to established).

• Contracts (March 5)
• Intellectual Property (April 2)
• Emerging Technology (April 30)
• Taxes and Financial Planning (May 7)

IN-PERSON PARTICIPATION is only $49 per Session or $155 for a Series Pass (that’s a 20% savings!). In-person Sessions will be held in our beautiful new space located in downtown Champaign, IL, at 44 E. Main Street. You'll receive an email with additional location details after signing up. At each Session, you will receive printed materials to take with you, including helpful checklists and tips. Before each Session, there will be light refreshments and an opportunity to network with other participants.

ONLINE PARTICIPATION is only $39 per Session or $132 for a Series Pass (that’s a 15% savings!). Online participation will be held via Zoom, and written materials will be emailed to you as PDFs. Following the presentation, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in post-presentation discussions.

Sign up for a single Session or purchase a Series Pass. Discounts only apply to the entire Series. No refunds, but in-person tickets may be transferred if you arrange the transfer with ArtConverge in advance.

When purchasing your tickets, if you want to buy a Series Pass, select the date for the first Session, then scroll down to choose either the In-person Series Pass or Online Series Pass option. You will receive an email detailing all the included Sessions.

Sarah Conley Odenkirk is the founder of ArtConverge and a lawyer and advisor working at the intersection of art, strategic planning, and emerging technology. She helps artists and creative organizations navigate legal and structural needs by translating legal language into practical decision-making tools that creatives can actually use. Her work focuses on empowering creators to protect their rights, clarify expectations, and build sustainable creative practices as they adapt to new realities in the art and tech landscape. You can learn more about ArtConverge and Sarah at www.artconverge.com.

These seminars are provided for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Participation does not create an attorney–client relationship with ArtConverge or Sarah Conley Odenkirk. Legal services are provided only in jurisdictions where Sarah Conley Odenkirk is licensed, though general information on federal law, art law, and emerging technology may be discussed in the one-on-one consultations. For legal advice specific to your situation, a separate engagement is required. This seminar may be considered attorney advertising under applicable state bar rules.

4pm PT/5pm MT/6pm CT/7pm ET

Session description:
Contracts can be overwhelming, especially for creative people. In this practical, artist-centered seminar, you will learn the essential building blocks of contracts for artists, designers, and creative content creators. In this session, we’ll cover how to spot red flags, negotiate key terms, and protect your work while still saying “yes” to opportunities. Topics include scopes of work, getting paid, timelines and approvals, managing intellectual property, termination, and what to do when a contract is not working. You will leave with a clear checklist of topics to consider before signing, and language to request when terms need to change.

4pm PT/5pm MT/6pm CT/7pm ET

Session description:
Understanding intellectual property is essential to maintaining control over your creative work. This session introduces artists and creative professionals to the core principles of intellectual property law as they apply to visual art, design, writing, photography, film, and digital media. We will cover the basics of copyright, including: what is protected, when rights arise, and what ownership really means. Participants will learn how licensing works in practice, from limited-use licenses to broader commercial arrangements, and how licensing choices affect income, control, and future opportunities. Examples will emphasize practical, real-world scenarios artists routinely face, and help attendees understand how to protect their work while still engaging in collaboration, exhibition, and distribution.

4pm PT/5pm MT/6pm CT/7pm ET

Session description:
Emerging technologies are rapidly reshaping how art is created, distributed, valued, and preserved. This session provides artists and creative professionals with a clear, accessible introduction to the technologies most significantly shaping contemporary creative practice. Topics may include artificial intelligence and machine learning, digital fabrication, blockchain and NFTs, immersive and spatial media, and new platform economies. Rather than focusing on hype, this session emphasizes practical implications: how these tools can expand creative possibilities, how they affect authorship and ownership, and the legal, ethical, and environmental considerations artists should understand before adopting them. Attendees will gain a framework for critically and strategically evaluating new technologies, aligning innovation with artistic intent and long-term sustainability.

4pm PT/5pm MT/6pm CT/7pm ET

Session description:
Taxes are one of the most common and stressful challenges for artists and creative professionals. This introductory, plain-language seminar breaks down the fundamentals of U.S. tax obligations for artists, designers, freelancers, and creative entrepreneurs. Topics include self-employment taxes, estimated quarterly payments, deductions, and write-offs specific to creative practices; studio and home-office considerations; income from grants, commissions, sales, and licensing; and how to approach taxes when income is irregular. The session will also address common misconceptions, record-keeping best practices, and when to seek professional help. The goal is not to turn creatives into accountants, but to provide clarity, confidence, and practical tools to avoid costly surprises and support long-term financial sustainability.

Chas Holder is a lawyer and financial advisor at Holder Wealth Management, where he works with individuals, families, and entrepreneurs to develop thoughtful, long-term financial strategies. He has particular experience helping creatives and self-employed professionals navigate the complexities of irregular income, tax planning, and financial decision-making. Known for his clear, approachable style, Chas focuses on demystifying financial systems so clients can make informed choices aligned with both their professional goals and personal values.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

44 E Main St suite 418, 44 East Main Street, Champaign, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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