I just returned from a week long artist business boot-camp in Port Townsend. The program is called the EDGE Professional Development Program sponsored by Artist Trust. Fifteen of us were selected from around the state but only three of us were men. I felt right at home having been far outnumbered by a lot of sisters. One benefit of this boot camp is to have the opportunity to collaborate on joint shows with some of these artists as well as work together creating artworks with feathers and other mediums. For instance, Kara McGhee paints realistic birds sometimes using interesting lighting effects so a joint show makes sense. Laurie Fronek 'draws' in 3-d wire sculpture and there may be an opportunity to collaborate on a 'wire-feather' piece.
Artist Trust offers support to artists in many ways: grants, professional development, opportunities like shows, connection with other artists, and fellowships and grants. And not just visual artists like me but writers and performing artists.