I began participating in Open Studios in 2006. There was a lot of preparation for that very first one. Attending other open studios helped get me started. Once I had certain items and processes in place, it got simpler. Here are my basic preparation steps:
Document Artwork
Spreadsheet — Keep track of your artwork with good documentation. I keep an Excel spreadsheet with information detailing name, art number, description, medium, surface, dimensions (art size and finished/matted size), frame color, price, hi-resolution scan, and date sold. I use another spreadsheet to document sales and exhibit submissions.
Scan or Photograph Artwork — The documentation should include a digital file of the art. I scan my own pieces.
Color correction — I do my own color corrections in Photoshop. If you do not have this capability, hire a professional who can do it for you. You’ll want an accurate digital file in case you want to reproduce the art.
Establish goals
Think about what you want to achieve from Open Studios. It is a great opportunity to show your art to a wide audience, gain exposure, and meet other artists. It’s fun and challenging to talk about your art, especially with strangers, but the rewards are wonderful. Your goals will help you make decisions about how much time and money you want to invest in the experience.
Select Artwork for Show
I make a list with the following info.: (1) Name of piece and art number; (2) Art size; (3) Mat size; (4) Mat window size; (5) Frame color; (6) Price
Mat and Frame
I use acid-free, archival, museum-grade matboards, purchased in bulk from Dick Blick. The brand name is Crescent RagMat Matboard.
With pastels, it’s important to include “spacers” between the artwork and the mat, so that the pastel which inevitably falls from the painting will not smudge the front side of the mat. I cut 1/4″ wide spacers out of matboard (to match the height and width of the window) and attach them on the back side of the mat window with gummed linen hinging tape.
Many art buyers prefer to get their own frames, so all of my frames are standard gold or silver metal, purchased from http://www.pictureframes.com/. These attractive frames are simple, functional, and low-cost. They unify all of the pieces. I buy my glass locally, from Artist & Craftsman Supply (580 Massachusetts Ave.; Cambridge, MA 02139).
Create Layout for Art
In order to make sure that my hung pieces will fit in the given space, I create a layout for the hung pieces. When it’s time to set up the exhibit space, I know exactly where I will put everything.
Use Display Devices
© 2010 Paul Marotta (Anne at Arlington Open Studios 2010)
If you don’t have a wall on which to hang the art, you’ll need a display unit.
There are plenty of options online. My brother built one for me out of lattice. I use “S” hooks to hang the art onto the lattice.
There are other display methods to
consider for items that don’t hang.
When I attend Open Studios, I love
seeing the creative ways people show their work. Here’s what I use:
Notecards/postcards — free-standing metal card rack
Giclees — print rack
Publicize
Let people know about the event at least 1 month ahead of the event date(s). Create a mailing list for both snail mail and email. Mail out any printed guides that are provided to you by the event group. Email notices that are provided by the event group and/or designed by you. Use other social media, such as FaceBook and Twitter.
Bring to the Event
Business cards and postcards — Have plenty of business cards to hand out to visitors. Postcards are an excellent give-away to remind people of your art.
Price List of Framed Work — Anything that is hung on the wall is assigned a number for cross-referencing with the price list. I put the list up on the wall near the art, and I also put copies of it on a table.
Artist Statement — I post my artist statement prominently on the wall near the art. People love to read it, because it offers them insight into who you are and how you view yourself and your art.
Notebook — I use a small notebook for my sales records, as well as an easy place to jot down notes and ideas.
Red Dots — Small red dots get put onto of sold art. You can find red dot stickers at any office supply store.
Sales Receipts & Calculator — It’s good business etiquette to offer a receipt. I use the 3-11/32″x7-3/16″ sales book, found any any office supply store. The calculator makes it easy to add items and determine sales tax. Yes, I charge sales tax (6.25% in Mass.) on the list price.
Signs and Price Tags — Everything should be easily identified by the visitor. Let them know whether a piece is original art or a giclee. Prices should be visible and easy to understand.
Cash Box — My cash box is relatively small, but it has enough space for coins and bills. It has a lock. I hide it in a secure, yet accessible space. I’m trying something new this year that will enable me to take credit card payments. It’s a small device called The Square that plugs into an iPhone (3G, 3GS, and 4), iPad (all), iPod Touch (2nd generation or later) or Android.
Flowers — Warm and inviting and attractive.
Food and Water – for yourself, to keep nourished and hydrated!
Post-Event
Celebrate! Treat yourself to a nice dinner with friends. Talk about the highlights and lowlights, and get feedback.
Send Thank-You notes to everyone who came or sent good wishes.
Deliver the sold art to the buyers.
Decompress!
My next Open Studios
Newton Open Studios
When:
May 14 – 15, 2011
11am – 5pm
Where:
Newton Cultural Center
225 Nevada St., 1st floor
Newtonville, MA
Full details on my calendar page.
What tips would you like to share?
Crisp Kripalu Morning © 2010 Anne S. Katzeff (pastel) portil_0920
A condensed version of Itten’s larger work, “The Art of Color”, this is the best introduction to color theory. A bookshelf without Itten is incomplete.
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