Art Seminars:
With twenty-nine years experience in the art world, Mike Ochonicky
knows firsthand what today’s working artists need to succeed. As a
professional artist, Mike understands the world of shows and
marketing.  Her award-winning scrimshaw has been selected twelve
times by Early American Life magazine for the prestigious Directory
of Traditional American Crafts. Purchased by collectors
worldwide, her work has been the subject of published articles and
television programs. To view a PBS-TV segment on Mike and her work,
click:
watch show. She is currently the Executive Director of
Missouri Artisans Association (The Best of Missouri Hands), after
serving as senior advisor, vice president and three terms as president
of this statewide guild, representing over 400 artists. Her work as
an arts advocate is recognized throughout the state of Missouri. As
Arts Editor for The Healthy Planet magazine
, she is closely
connected to the local arts scene as she writes her monthly ARTful
Living column, with readership of 90,000. She is as an experienced
educator on all levels, inspiring her students to stretch their
abilities. Actively involved with the Partners In Education program,
she brings supplemental art and art history classes to elementary
schools.  She frequently presents programs on the history of
scrimshaw, her chosen artistic focus. Mike's style of presentation is
relaxed, entertaining and, above all,informative.


Topics include:
Advertising for the Artist: How to Make It Work for You
How to Choose a Good Show
Show Etiquette: Putting Your Best Foot Forward
The Art Experience: Successful Tips to Increase Your Sales
The Paper Trail: Written Materials Every Artist Should Have
Scrimshaw: An American Folk Art
Gardening Seminars:
Truly a garden is a work of art. Therefore, a love of art naturally
extends to the garden.
As a certified Master Gardener, Mike Ochonicky is an experienced
guest speaker at garden centers and clubs. Having completed both
Level I and Level II course work at Missouri Botanical Garden in St.
Louis, Missouri, Mike has both “by-the-book” knowledge and hands-
on experience. Her practical horticultural experience includes
restoration of a 70-year old city garden as well as creating her
present Zone 6 garden from 3+ acres of complete wilderness. As
an adjunct college professor, she has instructed culinary
students in the growing and use of fresh herbs, and led them in the
design of an on-campus herb garden. She presents important
horticultural facts in an easy-to-understand, entertaining style to
provide the keys gardeners need to grow their own backyard
paradise.


Topics include:
Soil Preparation and Composting
(a must-know for all successful gardeners!)
Garden Design
Annuals vs. Perennials
Vegetable Gardening
Herb Gardening
Preparing the Garden for Winter
       and many more topics!
To schedule a presentation for your group or
organization, please provide the name of your group or
organization in your email.
Group Presentations
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