Making Her Mark Foundation Presents
The Creative Catalyst
Workshops & Reception at Creative Alliance
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2-6 pm / 6-8 pm
Location: Creative Alliance
3134 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224
(410) 276-1651
About the Event
Join the Making Her Mark Foundation for an inspiring afternoon of workshops and an evening celebration of creativity, community, and growth. The Creative Catalyst Mentorship Program brings together women artists, makers, and visionaries to explore how we sustain, share, and grow our creative work. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning to build your creative practice, this day is designed to spark conversation, connection, and courage.
Who Should Attend
This event is open to the general public, especially women artists, creatives, and community members eager to grow their creative practice, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections.
Join us for a day of inspiration, learning, and celebration, and leave ready to make your mark.
Workshop Schedule
Workshop 1: Resilience in Creative Practice
2:00 – 3:00 PM
How do we keep showing up for our art, especially when life gets in the way?
Panelists will share real stories of persistence, community, and finding strength through challenge.
Moderator: Katie Pumphrey
Katie Pumphrey (b. 1987) is a Baltimore based interdisciplinary artist and ultramarathon open water swimmer. Pulling from her experiences in the water, Pumphrey’s paintings, sculptures, and installations explore the repetition of our anxieties and fears, along with the humor we call on to swim through it.
Pumphrey’s notable swims include the English Channel, Catalina Channel, and around the island of Manhattan. In 2024, Katie Pumphrey became the first person to complete the Bay to Baltimore Swim, a 24-mile swim from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Her experiences in the water continue to drive and greatly influence her work.
Workshop 2: Marketing Your Creative Work
3:15 – 4:15 PM
Your art has a story; learn how to tell it with heart and clarity. This session explores authentic, sustainable ways to connect with audiences and share your work.
Moderator: Vanessa Milio
Vanessa Milio is a coach, speaker, and consultant who helps creative entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders turn vision into action. As the founder of Coach Lead Guide and former owner of Taken, a retail and pop-up space that showcased Maryland artists and makers, she understands firsthand the business side of creative life.
Vanessa blends strategy and heart to help clients build thriving, sustainable businesses rooted in purpose. She also mentors through Bridge for Billions and Towson University’s MentHER program, championing the growth of emerging creative leaders.
Workshop 3: Business for Creatives
4:30 – 5:30 PM
From pricing and contracts to sustainable growth, this conversation unpacks the business side of creative life.
Moderator: Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew
Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew, HonD, is the CEO and founder of the Root Branch enterprise, including the award-winning Root Branch Media Group and its network of creative, educational, and entrepreneurial ventures. With three decades of experience as a filmmaker, producer, director, and media educator, she has built a career centered on empowering creators and elevating underrepresented voices. Her work spans content production for government agencies, corporations, universities, and national broadcast networks, supported by her communications training from the University of Maryland and leadership development through Baltimore Leadership Class and Goldman Sachs 10KSB.
A trailblazing businesswoman, Dr. Pettigrew became the first African American woman in Maryland to purchase a block along Baltimore’s waterfront and has been honored with an honorary doctorate from TIUA, the Daily Record’s Top 100 Women in Maryland, and the Women of Vision Award. Regularly featured in national and regional media, she also serves on the Red Cross of Central Maryland Board and advises Frostburg State University. Her extensive experience guiding creators, building sustainable creative enterprises, and championing women in media makes her an ideal moderator for today’s conversation on business for women artists.
Evening Reception
6:00 – 8:00 PM | Marquee Lounge at Creative Alliance
Celebrate with us over light fare and community connection! Hear presentations and testimonials from the Creative Catalyst mentees, who will share the artifacts they’ve developed through the 6-week mentorship program.
Drinks available for purchase at the Marquee Lounge bar.
RESERVE YOUR TICKETS!
$20 per person / Space is limited!
Includes access to all workshops and the reception.
Light fare provided. Drinks available for purchase.