Local visual artists have just a few more days to sign up for the first Tacoma-based Edge professional skills training workshop, running from May 11 to June 22 at the Tacoma Art Museum.

Produced in conjunction with Seattle-based non-profit Artist Trust, this once-a-week-for-eight-weeks program will teach emerging visual artists fundamental skills, including: how to build an effective, professional portfolio; business structure and planning; financial management; how to price your work; how to draft basic contracts; researching and applying for funding; marketing; networking; and a whole lot more.

Cost to participate is just $150 thanks to donations from the Tacoma Art Museum, the City of Tacoma and the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation. Participants will have a chance to learn valuable skills and network with professionals from the Greater Puget Sound arts community. This is a last-minute chance folks, with a few seats left for folks on the ball.

Deadline for applications has been extended until Wednesday, April 18. Program Coordinator Nirmala Singh-Brinkman has offered to extend the deadline until Friday, but you must call and make arrangements. Call (206) 467-8734, ext. 20 or e-mail nirmala@artisttrust.org.

For more information, go here. â€" Paul Schrag