PEMBROKE — The University of North Carolina at Pembroke is offering up an event even starving artists can afford.

The university is partnering with the Robeson County Arts Council to bring a free intensive workshop called Artists U to community artists on Feb. 19 and Feb. 20 at the UNCP Entrepreneurship Incubator.

The program, founded by fiction writer, choreographer and director Andrew Simonet, was created to teach aspiring and successful artists how to be successful and financially stable in their careers.

Simonet, who will be speaking with fellow Artist U facilitator Ashley Minner at the event in Pembroke, founded Artists U in Philadelphia in 2006. There are now Artists U programs in South Carolina and Maryland and Charlotte.

That’s where Kim Pevia, Robeson County Arts Council board member, had her first run-in with Simonet and his “dynamic” course. Pevia is a written and spoken word artist who also dabbles in American Indian crafting.

“Most artists function primarily with their right brain,” Pevia said. “This is a left-brain exercise done in a fun way. It’s extremely lively and fun but also practical.”

The workshop is open to the public. Pevia hopes that the information presented during the program will leave a permanent mark on Robeson County.

“When I attended the event in Charlotte, I fell in love and was completely engaged,” she said. “My belief is that this is one of the ways we can create job opportunities in Robeson County and make this an artistic community.

“It is a don’t-miss opportunity. It’s free and it’s powerful.”

The event will begin on Feb. 19 with a session from 7 to 8:30 p.m. A second session is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb. 20. A light breakfast will be served at 9:30 a.m. that day and lunch will be provided. Admission to the workshop is free, but seats are limited.

The UNCP Entrepreneurship Incubator is located at 202 Main St. in Pembroke and attendees must be able to attend the event on both days. For information or to register, email [email protected] or [email protected] or call 910-521-6282. For information on Artist U, visit ArtistsU.org.

Courtesy photo | Andrew Simonet presents his concept to a group of artists. Simonet, a writer, choreographer and director, created Artists U to help artists learn how to thrive from their craft. The program in Pembroke will open up discussion on how artists can be financially stable in their careers.

https://www.robesonian.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/web1_andrew-1024×681-.jpgCourtesy photo | Andrew Simonet presents his concept to a group of artists. Simonet, a writer, choreographer and director, created Artists U to help artists learn how to thrive from their craft. The program in Pembroke will open up discussion on how artists can be financially stable in their careers.