Networking Fair and Symposium


networking fair
The Fine and Performing Arts Department’s biennial Networking Fair and Symposium featured dynamic speakers and interactive sessions related to careers with an arts focus. Attendees had the opportunity to meet educators and professionals from the fields of graphic design, animation, photography, recording arts, broadcasting, theatre, music, music business and fine arts.

The sessions we offered are listed below.

Join us for next year’s event!

Keynote Speakers

Your Artistry Matters: How to Thrive in your Creative Career with Jennet Ingle

Tuesday, March 14, 12 p.m.

Jennet Ingle, South Bend Symphony

Virtual Keynote

Jennet Ingle, South Bend Symphony
Musician, entrepreneur, and author Jennet Ingle will talk about what musicians and creatives need to do to THRIVE, and about the joys of a portfolio career. Making your OWN thing can be so much more sustainable and lucrative than working for someone else, and can free you to create what you want to see in the world. Your artistry matters. In this day and age, with isolation and polarization increasing everywhere, there is a real value in making human connections, in working on something that is beautiful, that is a gift to the world and to yourself. When musicians and creatives FLOURISH in the world, it lifts us all up. Jennet wants you to bring your magic to the world.

Jennet Ingle is principal oboist with the South Bend Symphony, and an active recitalist, concerto soloist, and freelance performer.

As the owner and operator of Jennet Ingle Reeds, she makes and sells over two hundred handmade reeds every month to oboists all over the world and has helped hundreds of people with their own reed-making through her video channel, The Five-Minute Reed maker, her weekly online Reed Club and annual live Oboe Reed Boot Camps.

Jennet has recently focused on building community for adult oboists. Her signature group program, the Invincible Oboist, demystifies instrumental skills and helps oboists to get past the struggle to find ease in their playing.
Her 2022 book, The Happiest Musician, encourages creatives to take agency in their lives and careers and not wait to be chosen.


Lighten Up: Applying Creativity and Humor to Your Job Search and Career with Scott Greggory

Thursday, March 16, 12 p.m.

Scott Greggory

In-Person Keynote
Center for Fine & Performing Arts Theatre

Scott Greggory, Chief Creative Officer – MadAveGroup
Scott is a copywriter, voice talent and audio/video producer who’s won a big bag-load of awards for creating humorous marketing content. He keeps all the trophies in the trunk of his car for easy access. If he doesn’t fall into a large hole on his way to this presentation, Scott will talk about using humor to differentiate yourself and the work you create. Warning: This keynote address will not include pyrotechnics of any sort.

In March 2021, Scott received American Advertising Federation of Toledo’s highest honor, the Silver Medal Award. It’s an annual acknowledgement of those who’ve made outstanding contributions to advertising, and it looks terrific on a coffee table.

Scott joined the agency that became MadAveGroup in 1993. He serves as Chief Creative Officer, a copywriter, audio/ video producer and voice talent. He also mops up after the company mascot, an incontinent mule named Herb.

A pioneer of Humor On Hold, Scott said, “Humor can disarm and differentiate, while delivering memorable impressions that an audience will recall long after their initial exposure to the content,” in that very non-funny way of his.

His work has been recognized more than 140 times in local, regional and national award competitions, not that he keeps an up-to-the-minute tally by his bedside. That would be ridiculous. He’s also served several times as an ADDY and Telly Awards judge.

Scott is a member of the Forbes Agency Council, a former radio personality and the co-founder of a long-dead sketch comedy group. He loves bluegrass music, the Cleveland Browns and large helpings of carbohydrates, although not necessarily in that order.


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Vendors & Networking

Vendors in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts (CFPA) Rotunda
Thursday, March 16, 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Come and discuss transfer opportunities with the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University as well as local industries including the 20 North Gallery, Cuttlefish Graphics, Film Toledo, IATSE Local 24 Stagehands Union, Madhouse, Midstory, Midwest Photo, Owens Advising, Owens Career & Transfer Services, Perfect Choice Entertainment, Prime8Vision and WGTE Public Media.

Networking Reception
Thursday, March 16, 3 p.m.
In-Person Mixer
Center for Fine and Performing Arts, room 111

Alumni, current students and community meet and mix in a conversation on careers in the arts!


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Sessions

Internships and Job Skills

Planning for your Internship with Denise Grupp-Verbon
Thursday, March 16, 9 a.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 131

Are you planning an internship in the next semester or two? If yes, this orientation is for you. You will learn the basics of completing your internship paperwork as well as all about the resources available to you.

Beyond the Resume: Strategies for Landing the Job with Angie McGinnis
Thursday, March 16, 11 a.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 132

Everyone knows the importance of a resumé when it comes to job searching, but there are other important elements of job searching.  During this session, attendees will learn how to maximize additional components of the job search, such as the cover letter, interviewing, and LinkedIn.


Not-for-Profit Industries

Marketing for a Cause — an Inside Look at Nonprofit Marketing and Communications with Kate Fineske
Thursday, March 16, 10 a.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 126

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to use your creative marketing skills in support of a cause or community-driven organization? There are notable differences between non-profit and for-profit entities and oftentimes many differences in their communication tactics and priorities. What is it like to work for a non-profit? Would you be a good fit? How does one get hired in the non-profit sector? Find out what makes marketing a non-profit entity different from the creative process to the business itself during a conversation with Kate Fineske, Senior Director of Institutional Advancement at the National Museum of the Great Lakes.

Managing a Not-for-Profit with Jori Jex
Tuesday, March 14, 11 a.m.
Virtual Workshop

We come across and work with not-for-profit organizations in our daily lives. But what is it like to manage one? Join Valentine Theatre’s Executive Director to learn what it is like. Perhaps it is a career path for you.


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ART

Is a Commercial Art Gallery Right for You? with Condessa Croninger and Anastasia Wagner
Thursday, March 16, 10 a.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 132

In this session, 20 North Gallery’s art director Condessa Croninger and manager Anastasia Wagner will discuss the role of an independent commercial gallery, the responsibilities of gallerists, the integration of online representation and how artists can maximize their gallery experience.

 


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BROADCAST MEDIA

In the Newsroom with Steven Jackson
Wednesday, March 15, 3:30 p.m.
Virtual Workshop

Join the Emmy award-winning journalist for WTOL-11 and Fox 26 to hear stories about connecting with guests and viewers through the power of storytelling.

Content Creation & Podcast Production for Public Radio with Brad Cresswell
Thursday, March 16, 10 a.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 111

We’ll examine the history and process of creating audio elements for public radio, including interstitial clips as well as long-form content like a special or a series. The aesthetic and practice of public radio will be covered, as well as linking podcasts to air, language and subject considerations, and the technical process behind the creation and realization of audio content.

Video Content Creation for Public TV with Ray Miller & Nathan Hursh
Thursday, March 16, 11 a.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 111

Learn the process of video content creation from concept to completion. Discover best practices for the production of documentaries, magazine-style programs and other types of production. We will review the technical and quality standards that are required for broadcast and distribution.

Working with Clients & Pricing Your Work with Nick Corbin
Thursday, March 16, 2 p.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 131

Learn how to approach, land, and maintain high-value, high-paying clients, and how to price the resulting work.


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Graphic Design & Animation

Building Relationships with New and Existing Clients with Kevin Tiell
Thursday, March 16, 11 a.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 126

Learn about the power of relationships in the creative process.

The Art of Persuasion with Melanie Dunn
Thursday, March 16, 1 p.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 126

An exploration of the key elements of persuasion and how you can use them to sell your designs and ideas. Leave with a better understanding of how to communicate the value of your work and increase your chances of getting buy-in.


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MUSIC & Music Business

 A Balancing Act: The Performing Music Educator with Brandon Zale
Tuesday, March 14, 3:30 p.m.
Virtual Workshop

Brandon discusses his responsibilities and achievements as a Fine Arts Educator as well as being a parent, and how he has balanced them with being a performing artist.

Running a Successful Event Production Company with Todd Mitchell
Thursday, March 16, 11 a.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 131

What does it take to run a successful concert sound, lighting and staging event production company through thick and thin? Todd Mitchell will talk business strategy, the professionalism needed, business sense and how to foster relationships that are crucial for survival through a multitude of environments.

Building a Career in Music: Creating Opportunities to Pursue Your Passion as a Freelance Musician, Band Leader and Musical Coordinator  with Eric Dregne
Thursday, March 16, 1 p.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 131

A career in music has many different levels and facets.  Some people aspire to teach in a school or privately.  Some focus on the path of professional performance.  Some are good at connecting people and creating opportunities for them to perform and make money.  We will discuss the different approaches and skill sets needed to become successful in whichever path you find inspiring.


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PHOTOGRAPHY

The Magic of Light: Going from Mundane to Magnificent with Eric Eggly
Thursday, March 16, 11 a.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 233

Light is a major tool we use to create drama and relay our story to the viewer. Learning to control and manipulate light is at the heart of making magnificent imagery. I will go over the use of light to take a mundane setting and turn it into a dramatic creation. Posing our talent is another major part of creating drama in an image. We will look at how light and posing work in tandem and some of the pitfalls to look out for.

Just Tell Me What to Say — Interacting with Clients with Eric Leszkowicz
Thursday, March 16, 1 p.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 233

How you communicate determines how clients feel in front of the camera. Hear how to get the best poses and expressions from people. Communicate through the three stages of the client’s experience Planning, Posing, and Paying.

What Do I Do with My Hands? with Taylor Cubbie
Thursday, March 16, 2 p.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 233

Posing is a crucial skill in portrait photography — a skill that many photographers struggle with. The composition and lighting can be perfect, but something as small as a misplaced hand can ruin the entire image. Improving your posing techniques will turn you into a better photographer and aids in acquiring more clients. Learn techniques to quickly pose, and common pitfalls to avoid with posture and hand placement.


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THEATRE

Auditioning & Living in Chicago with Andrew Kleopfer
Tuesday, March 14, 11 a.m.
Virtual Workshop

Andrew will discuss his experience moving and navigating life and work as an actor in Chicago. Hear insider tips and advice on different avenues of exploration in making your work seen in a bigger market as well as training and development. Andrew will address any questions on acting, living and experience in Chicago.

Tips of the Trade: A Quick Guide to Making It in Freelance and Union Membership with Bianca Marcia Naves
Thursday, March 16, 1 p.m.
In-Person Workshop
Center for Fine & Performing Arts, room 132

In this session, Bianca will share her story and experience as a freelance makeup artist and costume designer, as well as tips that helped her along the way. She will also discuss her experience as a union wardrobe and stagehand practitioner, and the benefits and path to union membership.


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Session Presenters

Taylor Cubbie

Taylor Cubbie, Portrait Photographer
Taylor Cubbie works as Education, Government, and Commercial support at Midwest Photo in Columbus, Ohio. He uses his experiences as a freelance photographer and commercial photo assistant to outfit commercial studios across the country. Taylor also works to build the analog photo community in Columbus by organizing workshops and photo walks.


Brad Cresswell

Brad Cresswell, Radio Station Manager at WGTE Public Media
Brad Cresswell moved from WNYC in New York City to Toledo, OH to work at WGTE Public Media. During his time at WGTE, Brad has been awarded five Touchstone Awards for Excellence in Journalism from the Press Club of Toledo and has been recognized by the Ohio State Senate for his contributions to public radio in the community. Before Brad entered public media, he enjoyed a 16-year career as a professional opera singer and performed leading roles with the New York City Opera, Lyric Opera of Chicago, San Francisco Opera, Washington Opera, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires, among many others.


Nick Corbin

Nick Corbin, Nick Corbin Productions
Nick Corbin is a filmmaker/documentarian, English instructor, and actor in Toledo, Ohio. As well as working with national bands like Hawthorne Heights, and former First Lady Michelle Obama, he’s also the documentarian for the largest mural in the United States: The Glass City River Wall, right here in Toledo.


“Condessa” oil on panel (detail) by David J. Eichenberg; 2012

“Condessa” oil on panel (detail)
by David J. Eichenberg; 2012

Condessa Croninger, 20 North Gallery
Condessa Croninger is an artist and artist-educator working with many arts and cultural institutions in the Toledo region since 1990. Affiliated with the independent sales gallery, 20 North Gallery, from its inception in 1993, Croninger was appointed art director in 2008.

Additionally, since 1998, she has served as the educational outreach specialist for Toledo Ballet/Toledo Alliance for the Performing Arts, providing classroom enrichment and narration for student performances, as well as performing in Toledo Ballet’s annual production of “The Nutcracker” — the longest running production of this holiday classic in the nation.


Eric Dregne, Freelance Bass/Tenor Trombonist, Band Leader, Composer, Arranger, Multi-business Owner
Eric found a passion for music and started pursuing his career interests starting in high school.  Co-leading his first performing big band at 16 years old, he has been playing professionally for over 35 years.  Currently the owner of two music based businesses, he continues to run multiple bands of his own and contracts with a wide range of other groups for performances.  He is considered one of the top call bass trombonists in Northeast Ohio and provides coaching and mentoring sessions to local school and community groups.

Melanie Dunn

Melanie Dunn, Madhouse
Melanie Dunn is a Designer/Digital Marketing Strategist at Madhouse and the owner of Cuttlefish Graphics. Melanie graduated from the Owens Community College Commercial Art Technology program and has expanded her capabilities by working in Agency, Corporate and Freelance environments. With a passion for design, Melanie has a passion to collaborate with clients and fellow marketers to create cohesive campaigns. She takes pride in the ability to help clients identify their target market and create content that gets results.


Eric Eggly

Eric Eggly, Photographer
Passion has fueled Eric Eggly’s drive to create emotionally captivating imagery for the advertising industry for over 30 years. This passion grew from studying advertising media at a young age to waking up at dawn to catch the perfect glow of natural light and pursuing a lifelong career dedicated to perfecting the art. Specializing in lighting techniques ranging from strobe to continuous light, Eric learned to master the trade through working with many great photographers in the Detroit market. To this day, the manipulation of light is one of the most enjoyable elements of any project, superseded only by Eric’s love of working with people. Capturing the true personality and character of a person within the confines of a static picture is at the core of Eric’s work.Celebrating the uniqueness and diversity of each person who steps in front of a lens has always inspired Eric, whether it is a veteran model or someone who is met on a walk through the city. Eric has worked with a multitude of clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to non-profit organizations and every face had its own unique story to tell. The true joy for Eric is bringing those stories to life through image stories that are so strong that they are never forgotten. And the best part of all is the times that those faces turn into lifelong friends.


Kate Fineske

Kate Fineske, National Museum of the Great Lakes
Kate Fineske is the Senior Director of Institutional Advancement at the National Museum of the Great Lakes where she oversees the museum’s marketing, communications, development and community partnerships. She has over 20 years of experience in communications, education and nonprofit leadership and began her career in advertising. Over time, she bridged her communication work with non-profit operations, having formerly served as Assistant Executive Director for a national nonprofit in New York and, more recently, as United Way of Greater Toledo’s Vice President. Kate has an undergraduate degree from the University of Toledo and a Master of Business Administration from Lourdes University.


Denise Grupp-Verbon

Denise Grupp-Verbon, School of Liberal Arts Internship Manager – Owens Community College
Denise Grupp-Verbon has been the Internship Manager for the School of Liberal Arts for 7 years and was instrumental in designing the Music Business Technology Degree program at Owens. She has been placing interns since 2012. Denise was named Adjunct Teacher of the Year, 2005-06 by the Ohio Assoc. of Community Colleges.

Denise is a working harpist and she plays in a duo called TAPESTRY with acoustic guitarist husband, Michael. TAPESTRY has performed from New Jersey to California.

Denise teaches 25+ private harp lessons monthly and has published dozens of harp compositions, arrangements, and instructional books.

She received her Bachelor of Music degree from BGSU and her Master of Music degree from Northwestern University.


Nathan Hursch

Nathan Hursh, WGTE Public Media
Nathan Hursh grew up in Bluffton, Ohio and has been living in Northwest Ohio all of his life. In 2015, he began his video production career at WBGU-PBS in Bowling Green. He then worked in corporate video for a year at Crown Equipment Corporation. In 2018, he moved to Toledo to work at WGTE Public Media where he has produced numerous documentaries and TV programs. Nathan has a passion for storytelling and loves working in Public Media.


Steven Jackson

Steven Jackson, Traffic/News Anchor & Lifestyle Show Host
Steven Jackson is an Emmy award-winning journalist for WTOL-11 & FOX 36 in Toledo, Ohio. Steven has over a decade of experience in the news industry. Outside of connecting with viewers through telling their stories, he enjoys mentoring the youth and volunteering with his wife with their congregation ministry.


Jori Jex, Executive Director – The Valentine Theatre
Jori Jex has worked in the not-for-profit world of arts management for the past 35 years.  After receiving a Master’s degree in Arts Management from BGSU, Jex served as Business Manager for the University of Toledo’s Department of Theatre, Film and Dance for 12 years.  Following that she served as General Manager of the Toledo Repertoire Theatre, General Manager of the Toledo Jazz Society, Executive Director of Project ABC (Arts Building Culture) and currently has been Executive Director of the Valentine Theatre for the past 13 years.


Andrew Kleopfer

Andrew Kleopfer, Chicago Actor
Andrew Kleopfer is a Non-Union actor working and living in the city of Chicago. Andrew has a Bachelor’s degree in Performance from the University of Toledo and an Associate’s Degree in Communications and Media studies from Owens Community College where he spent a lot of time perfecting his craft in Theatre acting. Andrew is a current company member at the Oil Lamp Theatre in Chicago. His current collaborations include Oil Lamp’s winter season performing in Almost Maine by John Cariani and working and studying at the MA school under Max Arciniega for film acting.


Eric Leszkowicz

Eric Leszkowicz, Studio Photographer
Eric Leszkowicz and his wife Jessica own Keepsake Portraits in Findlay, Ohio. Known for artistic portraits, Eric also has a successful commercial studio specializing in product photography. While winning national awards has been exciting, creating large wall art to be handed down for generations fuels their passion for their work.


 

Angie McGinnis, Manager of Career & Transfer Services at Owens Community College
Angie McGinnis is the Manager of Career & Transfer Services at Owens Community College.  Angie has been at Owens since 2001 and has held several roles within Student Services.  Angie has her M.A. in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University and her B.A. in Psychology and Spanish from Hiram College.  In addition, Angie is a Certified Career Services Provider and has managed the Career & Transfer Services Office since 2019.

Ray Miller

Ray Miller, Executive Producer / Director of Content & Creative Services for WGTE Public Media
Ray Miller brings 37 years of experience in television and video production. An Emmy Award-winning producer, Miller has spent 19 years working in public broadcasting as a videographer, producer and executive producer. He has produced and directed countless documentaries and television series airing both locally and nationally.


Todd Mitchell, President and owner of Great Lakes Sound, Inc.
Based in Toledo, Great Lakes Sound has been in business since 1985 and specializes in providing professional sound, lighting and staging systems. “GLS” has a diverse customer base and provides services for events such as The Toledo Symphony Pops Series, ProMedica Concert Series, The Solheim Cup, LPGA Dana Open, The Toledo Mud Hens Hensville, University of Toledo Commencement, Dayton Celtic Fest and Owens Community College Commencement. Todd has worked with several of our Nation’s Presidents earning a certificate of appreciation from The White House Communications Agency for his superb attitude, professionalism and unique ability in providing critical communications for the President of The United States.

Todd is a graduate of The Musician’s Institute in California and is an accomplished guitarist. He is also an adjunct faculty member of Owens Community College and currently teaches Sound Engineering and Production.  He is married to his wife Julie and they have two children. In 2022 they celebrated 25 years of marriage, even renewing their wedding vows in front of Elvis at the famed Graceland Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Outside of work, Todd is an avid skier, enjoys cooking, listening to music and spending time with his family.


Bianca Marcia Naves

Bianca Marcia Naves, IATSE Local 24 Stagehands Union
Bianca Marcia Naves is a Toledo native with an array of experience in both the makeup and wardrobe industry.  She is a freelancer, educator, performance artist, and IATSE cardholding member. Through tenacity and hard work, she has built and maintained relationships across the entertainment industry. She continues to freelance and build her business and is currently a trustee for IATSE Local 24.


Kevin Tiell

Kevin Tiell, Hero Collective
Kevin is a commercial photographer specializing in product and lifestyle imagery. His passion for crafting photos began in college at The Ohio State University. Shortly after graduating, he relocated to San Francisco, California to further develop, transitioning from freelance photo assistant and digital tech, to full-time photo retoucher at Pottery Barn, Apple, Google, Uber Eats, and many other commercial clients. He began shooting and retouching for his own clients like Birdies, Rothys, Linea Caffe, Swisswater Decaffeinated Coffee, and SquareTrade in the past 6 years. Kevin says, “Being a commercial photographer is fun and exciting and always challenging. You never know what the next job will be. The best part are the relationships we make with new and existing clients. It is fun to work with creative people.”


Anastasia Wagner

Photo courtesy of Alexia Hiznay

Anastasia Wagner, 20 North Gallery
Anastasia Wagner received a B.F.A. from The University of Toledo (Ohio) in 2018. She began her professional involvement in the arts through The Arts Commission (Toledo, Ohio) as an Apprentice for Young Artists At Work in 2012 and an arts administration internship in 2016. Wagner is the 20 North Gallery Manager (Toledo, Ohio), where she has worked since 2017.

Wagner is a frequent contributor to juried and group exhibitions. She has served as Judge for the categories of Jewelry and Sculpture in the Crosby Festival of the Arts at Toledo Botanical Garden (Ohio). Currently, Wagner is an Independent Member of the Toledo Federation of Art Societies, for which she serves as Exhibition Committee Co-Chair.


Brandon Zale

Brandon Zale, Educator and Vocalist
Originally from Chicago, Brandon now resides in Scottsdale, AZ with his wife and two young daughters.  Brandon has been teaching Music and Theatre courses to grades PreK-12 for twenty-two years, currently serving as the Fine Arts Department Chair at Rancho Solano Preparatory School in Scottsdale.  As a performing artist, Brandon has performed professionally in choral, theatre, and musical theatre shows and concerts both nationally and internationally.  Recent theatre credits include Julian Marsh in 42nd Street (currently at the Hale Theatre in Gilbert, AZ), Max in Sound of Music, George in Billy Elliott, Reverend Shaw in Footloose, and Daddy Murphy in Bright Star.  Brandon is currently represented by the Leighton Agency and has been seen and heard in voice-over and commercial work both in Phoenix and his native Chicago.  Brandon has toured nationally with the Missoula Children’s Theatre and is a frequent National Anthem soloist for Major League Baseball.  He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Millikin University in Decatur, IL.


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