Alaina Clarke

Centered on entrepreneurship in the arts, Alaina spends her time as a metalsmith and business experience strategist near Detroit, MI. Her philosophy stems from an entrepreneurial mindset and believes all artists should have access to a comprehensive understanding of leadership, business, and their ability to leverage the skills and knowledge gained as an artist and be able to apply it to all professional situations in life.

Alaina earned a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry and MPA in Public Administration: Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Grand Valley State University. She is passionate about cultivating a diverse, equitable environment for all artists through education and dialogue, providing clients and students with creative problem-solving skills in an ever-evolving market.

As a coach and freelancer, she has worked with multiple organizations including, Living Arts, Detroit Horse Power, and the Capuchins; small businesses like Elaine B. Jewelry, Dovetail Design & Cabinetry Interior Design Firm, and many individual artists; and large corporations such as Volkswagen, AAA, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. She has also teamed up with marketing and event agencies, like MVP Collaborative, Special D Events, and 2Fly Productions to provide project management and event support. She is currently serving as the Vice President of the Michigan Silversmith Guild where she organizes workshops and lectures for the members and community.

Other past organizations include The Society of North American Goldsmiths, The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Grand Valley State University, the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology, Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, and Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

www.gemcreativemi.com, @a.clarkemetalsmith, @gemcreativemi, Facebook, LinkedIn