Benefit Auction for University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital Represents Milestone for Massachusetts-based “Artists’ Coach” and Her Chicago-based CEO/Artist Client

Many second-career artists are thriving, not starving, says “Artists’ Coach” Dr. Ariane Goodwin as she prepares to come celebrate her client Jeffrey Breslow’s debut exhibit in Chicago.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) September 4, 2006 –- On September 9 at Harold Washington Public Library in Chicago, sculptor Jeffrey Breslow unveils 16 bronze and wood sculptures at an opening exhibition and auction to benefit the Comer Children’s Hospital of the University of Chicago. For Breslow, whose day job is CEO of Big Monster Toys, one of the world’s largest toy design companies, it is the first exhibition of his work. And for Dr. Ariane Goodwin (www.artist-statement.com), who has been coaching Breslow for two years, the exhibition represents public confirmation of the viability of art as a second profession for early retirees, a trend that fuels her own career as an “artists’ coach.”

“Baby boomers, who held good jobs for years, are ready to retire and devote themselves full time to the art they have been pursuing in their spare time,” says Goodwin, author of Writing the Artist Statement: Revealing the True Spirit of Your Work, who found herself helping artists from all over the world after the release of her book. Contrary to the stereotype of the starving artist with no head for business, artists eager for career coaching and able to pay for it have spawned a waiting list 6-12 months long before they can work with Goodwin on their careers.

Goodwin’s client Jeffrey Breslow exemplifies the trend of “mature artists who have a body of artwork that is ready, or almost ready, to show,” she says. “They don’t want to waste time waffling around, and they understand the value of working with another creative professional who knows how to balance ‘right-brain’ creativity and ‘left-brain’ career development.” Breslow is phasing out 38 years in the business of designing toys to devote himself to sculpture full-time.

According to a survey recently reported in the New York Times, 47 percent of chief executives said that their lifelong dream was to be a sculptor.

Goodwin, who holds a doctorate in Human Development and Creative Studies from the University of Massachusetts, grew up among artists and writers in Big Sur, California. In addition to offering career coaching for artists, she helps them express the meaning of their work in a compelling artist’s statement and an effective web site.

Artists interested in more information on career coaching and artist statements can go to Goodwin’s web site, www.artist-statement.com, or call 866-Art-Buzz (866-278-2899).

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