5 Tips for Hosting a Successful Open Studio
An open studio event is a wonderful way to connect with your audience, showcase your work, and build deeper relationships with collectors, art lovers, and your community. It’s more than just an event—it’s an opportunity to tell your story, share your creative process, and celebrate your journey as an artist. If you’re an artist, I hope you’ll give serious thought to hosting an open studio!
Hosting an open studio is an investment of time and energy, so you’ll want to do it right and make it worth your while. Here are the top five things you should do to ensure your open studio is a big success:
1. Plan and Promote Early
Set the Date and Time Thoughtfully
Choose a time that’s convenient for your audience, such as a weekend afternoon or an evening. Avoid conflicting with local events that might split your audience. Keep in mind national events like the Superbowl, which may impact your attendance.
Create Excitement Through Promotion
It’s up to you to spread the word about your open studio, and people can’t attend unless they know about it. Use your email list, social media, and local event boards to spread the word. Tell everyone you can think of!
Design eye-catching invitations or graphics using tools like Canva to grab the recipients’ attention. You could create a sandwich-board sign to attract passersby if your studio is in an area where people are taking walks.
Consider collaborating with local businesses or other artists to cross-promote the event. For example, if your open studio morphs through collaboration into a three-studio open studio or a “coffee walk” event with your local coffee shop, then the audience of potential attendees will widen to include the reach of those other businesses, and all parties will benefit.
2. Curate Your Space for Impact
Set the Scene with Intention
If you’re an artist with an extremely messy studio, take this opportunity to make it presentable. You want to overwhelm your guests with the quality of your art, not the visual clutter of your studio! Arrange your studio to highlight your best work while also showcasing pieces in progress.
Create a clear flow for guests to move through the space and experience your art. Think about where people may want to congregate and cluster and try to ensure that the space doesn’t become overly clogged at the entrance so people won’t feel like entering.
Add elements like fresh flowers, good lighting, and clear signage for pricing and descriptions. It’s very helpful for attendees to be able to see prices and descriptions rather than be forced to ask you, since you may be engaged in conversation with someone else. On that note, it can be helpful to have a partner or assistant be tasked with watching for people who are looking for help. This person can either answer questions or process sales for you or bring a question or sales request to your attention.
Share Your Process
Don’t underestimate how fascinating the artist’s process is for people! Learning about your materials and process can really help art lovers connect with you and your art. Try to display sketchbooks, mood boards, or tools of your trade to give guests a behind-the-scenes look at your creative journey.
3. Make It Interactive
Demonstrate Your Craft
Set up a small demonstration area to show how you work. Whether it’s painting a small piece or simply sharing techniques, this live element can captivate and enlighten your audience. It’s one thing for people to see an artist standing with their work, but it’s a much more powerful experience when they see the artist working on their art. It can deepen the viewer’s connection with the artist and even the piece that is being worked on.
Encourage Participation
Let visitors try their hand at a small aspect of your process, like making a mark on a collaborative canvas or experimenting with a palette knife. Some attendees may be uninterested in doing this or too shy, but you may be surprised at the enthusiasm this activity creates in some other visitors!
Offer Guided Tours
Take small groups through your studio and explain your inspiration, techniques, and stories behind your pieces. This can provide a more structured and informative experience than having visitors mill around on their own.
4. Engage With Your Guests Personally
Be Welcoming and Approachable
No matter how nervous you may be, relax and step into your role as gracious host. Greet every guest and earnestly thank them for coming. Share your enthusiasm for the event and your art. Make the guests feel at ease by offering them refreshments and getting the conversation started.
Prepare Talking Points
Before the event, brainstorm to anticipate common questions, such as your process, your favorite piece, or what inspires you. Be ready to share personal insights to connect with your audience. Think about what the experience of entering your studio and seeing your work is like for someone who’s never seen it and channel that sense of curiosity, enthusiasm, and excitement into your conversation. Be proud of your work and let your love of your work shine through!
Collect Attendees’ Contact Information
Be sure to have a sign-up sheet or digital tablet for guests to join your email list. Encourage all attendees to join your email list. I suggest that you offer an incentive like a free downloadable art print or entry into a giveaway for those who sign up.
Even if you don’t sell a lot of work during your open studio, these new subscribers to your email list are so valuable, because they often turn into collectors as your relationship develops over time.
5. Follow Up and Say Thank You
Send a Personal Note of Thanks
After the event, send an email or note to the attendees, thanking them for their support. Share highlights from the open studio, such as photos, videos, or anecdotes to remind them of the event (and your work).
Encourage Future Engagement
Let the attendees know about upcoming exhibits, workshops, or new artwork. As a generous demonstration of your appreciation, consider offering the attendees a special post-event discount or exclusive first look at new pieces.
Ready to Rock That Open Studio?
An open studio isn’t just an event—it’s a chance to build relationships and inspire others with your art. By planning thoroughly, creating an engaging space, and following up with gratitude, you can make your open studio a truly memorable experience for everyone who attends.
Ready to start planning? Begin with these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful open studio. Best wishes!