The Arts Marketplace is a new artist-run group, started by Therese Perreault of Community Storytelling Arts, to focus on "the artist as entrepreneur," through peer and business support for artists and creative entrepreneurs.

The Arts Marketplace Summer Twilight Series kicks off Thursday, May 28, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Community Storytelling Arts, 40 W. Broadway Blvd. It's the first of three events to help start this new project.

Drawing from existing resources and the experience of successful local artists, Arts Marketplace provides peer support and business discipline for artists and creative entrepreneurs. In this time of dwindling government and corporate support, artists and arts organizations must focus more on individual contributions and earned income. Arts Marketplace will help guide you to solutions for success. They’ll be holding a series of three events, each of which will include an open house of the Arts Marketplace workshop and meeting space and gallery space, gallery show, artisan work, entertainment and refreshments. Guests will have chances to win prizes donated by local artists and businesses. For more information on how to become a member, network with other artists, learn with local businesspeople, and show (and sell!) work in Arts Marketplace events, contact Therese Perreault at [email protected] or 882-3988. Visit www.artsmarketplace.org for a complete list of offerings.

The next open house is Thursday, July 23, at 6 p.m. and the last is Thursday, Aug. 20, at 6 p.m. Arts Marketplace is located in the historic CO Brown house with Community Storytelling Arts: A Multicultural Arts Studio; El Centro Cultural de las Americas, Borderlands Theater Company, and Cultural Connections, 40 W. Broadway Blvd.; between Church and Stone, downtown Tucson.