How to Make Friends & Influence Strangers- Social Media for the Artist with Judy Takács

As part of ART BITES series of Professional Practices programs, the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve (AAWR) is proud to present How to Make Friends and Influence Strangers– Social Media for the Artist with Archived Artist Judy Takács on Wednesday, June 6th, 6:00 – 8:00pm.

Ten years ago,  Judy Takács was a graphic designer mom with a 1986 BFA in Portrait Painting and Illustration from the Cleveland Institute of Art.  She painted in her kitchen every day until the kids got home from school.

Today, thanks to the wonders of social media and the internet (along with dedication, determination, and a little desire to save the world) she’s internationally known as the creator of Chicks with Balls, a portrait series featuring unsung female heroes- topless, and cheekily obscured by spherical objects.  Takács now shows at museums, art centers, galleries and colleges nationally, and often wins top awards and honors.

This didn’t happen by accident.  Takács’ prestige came from careful planning and the construction of her online presence using her website, blog, Facebook and Instagram. As the saying goes, “It takes a lifetime to become an overnight success.”

Not content to merely forward her own career, Judy has also dedicated herself to “making it happen” for other artists through digital media.  Takács previously held the position of Chair of New Media Relations for the Portrait Society of America Cecilia Beaux Forum and is currently serving on the board of the Allied Artists of America as their Social Media Chair.  Her current mission is to create Wikipedia pages for figurative artists she admires, thus cementing them into history.

On view during the presentation will be SZALAY/TAKÁCS SECRETS, Takács’ joint AAWR inaugural exhibition with the late Marilyn Szalay.  The exhibition will feature 12 pieces by each Archived Artist including new work and previously unexhibited drawings.

How to Make Friends…will furnish attendees with digital tips and tricks, how’s and why’s as well as provide valuable social media etiquette rules.  Participants should at least have a basic understanding of social media in to fully benefit from the presentation. This is NOT a class intended to teach artists how to start a Facebook profile, but rather a program designed to help you maximize the results of your online promotional endeavors.  Come prepared with questions and topics you would like addressed!

How to Make Friends and Influence Strangers is FREE and open to the public courtesy of a matching grant provided by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture (CAC), however, you must register to attend!  To reserve your spot, register on Eventbrite or call our offices at 216.721.9020.

Featured Image:  Judy Takács, Judy, Judy, Judy (Detail), Oil