Art Law Conversations: A Surprisingly Readable Guide for Visual Artists

by Elizabeth T. Russell

Like most serious businesspeople, professional artists equate learning the law with hanging from their thumbs above enormous vats of boiling oil. "Art Law Conversations" provides a soothing alternative. This "surprisingly readable guide" engages the reader with 32 conversations about the legal topics artists face in their professional careers. From copyright to contracts, each conversation is packed with information and internet links for further study; yet each is accessible, brief and (some would say) funny. "Art Law Conversations" is fully indexed and offers a detailed glossary. Featuring delightfully whimsical illustrations throughout its easy-to-read format, this book is an ideal resource for artists of all genres and is a must for art school libraries.

Genres: Art, Legal

127 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2005

About the author

Elizabeth T Russell is an attorney practicing in the fields of copyright, trademark and digital business law. She also maintains an arts and entertainment law practice.

Elizabeth is a frequent author and speaker. In both capacities she enjoys taking complicated issues and explaining them in understandable terms for non-lawyers.

She is the author of Art Law Conversations: A Surprisingly Readable Guide for Visual Artists (Ruly Press 2005). Art Law Conversations earned a rating of Essential from the American Library Association's CHOICE Magazine and was included on CHOICE's 2006 list of Outstanding Academic Titles. In 2008 that title was awarded a Writer's Digest First Place award in the reference category.

Elizabeth's undergraduate degree is in music. She earned her law degree from the Pace University School of Law where, reluctantly, she served as a member of the Pace Law Review. She is admitted to practice law in the states of New York, Connecticut and Wisconsin.

Reviews

[Shila Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an awesome book. I thought I would be able to browse it, but I ended up reading all of the 32 conversations (topics). The author breaks everything down to a simple language so that artists can understand legalese (legal language). As an art entrepreneur, writer and blogger, I want to know my rights and I want to learn how to respect the rights of others. This book breaks it all down! I now possess an understanding of art law and I know to refer to copyright.gov for any questions that I may have. Honestly, I think I have violated some artists rights due to the ease of use of the internet. However, I will not continue on in this manner. I want to acknowledge all people and their work just as I want my work to be respected. I see a lot of people steal images and other works due to their own lack of creativity. This book will help any reader to comprehend copyright law inclusive of trademarks, service marks, word marks, design marks, etc. I especially appreciated the last conversation (32) about non-profit organizations! You have got to read it for yourself!