The Business of Art

The Business of Art is designed to connect entrepreneurial artists with business professionals who can help them navigate the world of business. Through seminars and networking, Business of Art assists artists of all disciplines with establishing or enhancing their businesses.

In 2025, we’re introducing a fresh take with the all-new “Spark Sessions.” This series of meet-ups offers participants opportunities to connect year-round, network, and learn from experts to grow their creative businesses.

Register for our first 2025 spark session!

creative deductions: tax tips for artist

March 20, 2025

5- 6:30pm

Cafe Santa Rosa

Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

$25 per person

Amy Lambert

Small Business Development Center

Amy Lambert is a dynamic and proven thought leader at the intersection of business, technology, and creativity. At the IL SBDC at Bradley University, she brings more than a decade of direct experience in helping independent creatives turn their ideas into sustainable ventures and a lifetime of work as an independent creative. She earned an MSc in Business Design & Innovation in 2022. Her capstone project led to her to found “The EverJourney Studio,” delivering immersive interludes toward a more creative, cognitive, and therapeutic mindset.

The 15 C’s: Driving Your Successful Creative Career | What are the strongest key attributes that drive those who turn their artistic passion into a sustainable, thriving career? Join Amy Lambert, Assistant Director of the IL SBDC at Bradley University, as she dives into the essential traits that fuel artistic excellence, business growth, and lasting impact. Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established creative entrepreneur, you will find a palette full of direction to guide your mindset and journey as a successful artist. Don’t miss it!

Gia Jones

Supreme Accounting

The Art of Taxes: Deductions, Write-Offs & Savings

Are you paying more taxes than you should? Join us for an insightful session where we’ll break down the secrets of tax deductions, write-offs, and strategies to maximize your savings. Whether you’re a business owner, freelancer, or just looking to keep more money in your pocket, this session will equip you with the knowledge to reduce your tax bill legally and effectively.

Supreme Accounting and Tax Services, certified by the Illinois Business Enterprise Program as a Female Business Enterprise, is an accounting, taxation, and business-consulting firm located at 3000 N. University St,, Peoria, IL, and has been in business since November 2001 for over 24 years. Supreme is owned by Gia Jones and Kelly Stewart, who were both former Caterpillar Employees, attended Jackson State University, and known for the best band in the land: “The Sonic Boom of the South.”

In 2020, Supreme’s owners and the business were in Illinois Central College’s second release of the book in the African American Success Series “Role Models: Profiles of Successful African American Entrepreneurs in Peoria, Illinois.” InterBusiness Issues (IBI), a Peoria-based magazine, also featured Supreme and its owners in its January 2010 issue.

Supreme offers a broad range of services including tax planning, small business consulting, IRS problem resolution, tax preparation (income and sales tax, individuals/corporations), internal controls review, bookkeeping, non-profit accounting, payroll, and accounting and tax workshops. Supreme Accounting provides a complete range of professional accounting and tax services at affordable fees, pledging to create an environment that will cause every client to view Supreme as a trusted business advisor dedicated to providing quality service and building lasting client relationships.

The business’ mission is to be a “One-Stop Shop” and its motto is “Our Time, Your Peace of Mind.” So, while tax clients are sleeping, the two Supremes are working to ensure that their clients pay Uncle Sam the least amount of money allowable — by law of course. When the Supremes are not enjoying their favorite season of the year, TAX, you can find them pouring knowledge into the community by:

Teaching Adult classes on individual taxes at Harrison primary schools
Speaking to youth about career planning at various libraries
Training church members on the importance of stewardship, understanding contractors vs employees, budgeting classes, and our “How to Start a Small Business” workshop
Teaching tax update courses and entrepreneurs/contractors about financial statements and the tax implications at the Minority Business Development Center/BBA
Speaking to TSTM (Tomorrow’s Scientist Technicians and Managers) about the importance of managing finances,
Teaching Junior Achievement at Manual High School
Teaching budgeting classes at Pleasant Valley