IS: I think that critics--the role they play, the training they have--are one of the more mysterious aspects of the art world for emerging artists. Could you tell me a bit about how you came to write art criticism?

ABOUT:  Sponsored by local arts organizations, museums, libraries, and public art agencies.  Curated and made available to the public, curators, collectors, critics and historians for exhibition opportunities, articles, and research.

EXPECTATIONS: Some slide libraries are curated, or open only to members.  Others are open to anyone who submits.  Registries will also collect other information such as résumés, catalogs, exhibition announcements, laser prints etc. in a file folder to be viewed upon request.

PROS:  Another opportunity to get your work seen.  Some registries have an online database that can be accessed worldwide.  A good registry will ask for periodic updates.

A slide registry is a place where you send your slides-neatly labeled and photographed, of course-and then curators come and look at them and then you get a commission or sell your work or are asked to produce a work for your region's City Hall. At least, that's how it works in an ideal world. You should seriously consider sending your slides to a few good slide registries, however, not all slide registries are equal. How do you distinguish among the hundreds of slide registries out there?

I literally put the artwork into the public domain (invited or not). For some time, I have been producing projects that are designed to function in public spaces in addition to my straight documentary efforts. These artworks are not traditional public sculpture or murals, but are more aligned with the Message in a Bottle concept – ephemeral, require response, and free to take home for the random passerby.

There are many types of registries, but the one I am a part of is like a reference guide of artists (via Chicago Artist Coalition). It's a terrific tool for artists...even on the fundamental level of forcing you to organize your materials: proper documentation of your work, all the necessary accompaniments (resume, statement, pricing, etc.) All of this organizational stuff is daunting to pull together, but in CAC's registry, it seemed like a logical marketing tool and also because they offered it as a benefit to members (albeit there is a fee).