Comments on: Open studio gone wrong–learn from this artist’s mistakes

By: Guest Blog Posts Encouraged at Art Biz Blog — Art Biz Blog

Guest Blog Posts Encouraged at Art Biz Blog — Art Biz Blog — Fri, 07 May 2010 19:14:27 +0000

[...] did no one show up at your open studio and what would you do differently next [...]

By: Kate

Kate — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 23:26:14 +0000

The question I have is just why do people attend open studios? Is it to see the artist’s work? Is it to see the artist AT work? Is it to get some free instruction? Or is it just to amuse themselves?
Visual art viewing is probably the last completely free art activity. You have to “pay” to hear a song or watch a TV show …pay by absorbing advertising. On the other hand you can go to a gallery for nothing. So, why do people assume that visiting an artist studio is somehow something they are not only entitled to but need to be be entertained by the artist at the same time.
This is the artist side of the story. I am busy, but I occasionally allow open studios. My studio is in a very busy location and if I have the door open for air, people are hanging through the door asking if they can come in. If I leave the door open, again for air ( I work in encaustic) but run a rope across it to keep people out, they frequently come in anyway or whine that they should be able to come in. On the occasions that I permit them to come in they treat me as if I am there to give them lessons and tell them how to become an artist. They pepper me with questions, not giving me a chance to answer about some complicated part of the process, call ME rude for not giving them an immediate private lesson and flounce out. No kidding. I have put up with rudeness. I have put up with people yelling at me in foreign languages. I have put up with people whipping out their cameras and taking pictures. I have put up with people loudly talking on their cell phones, yelling at their kids, pushing strollers up against fragile work, and asking stupid questions. “Is this your work?”… “how long did it take you to do this?”… “tell me how you did that”… “Can we use your bathroom?… “Can I use your phone?” and my personal favourite… “will you call me a taxi?” Open studios…hate em.

By: Wegas

Wegas — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 07:10:01 +0000

new blog

By: Nanci

Nanci — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:04:25 +0000

What I can’t imagine is trying to work while I knew people might be wandering around my house! Talk about distracting – in all the years I have sporadically had my studio door open during First Fridays, I have never even considered trying to work while simultaneously attempting to engage folks, or answer questions. At the very least, it’s rude to have your back to people! At the very worst, you can’t get into any kind of mindful attentiveness if someone is going to interrupt you in the process.

When having an event in one’s home, it really makes sense to have kids, spouse, good friends, someone- help you manage the traffic and help create a more convivial atmosphere. Then afterward, make sure they know you appreciate their help.

Perhaps, there is so much generalized pressure for artists to be selling themselves and their work, that some folks feel they “ought” to be doing things for which they are not temperamentally suited.

By: Brenda

Brenda — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:00:59 +0000

I agree with Felicity…I would have that ‘deer in the headlights’ look on my face and probably want to hide in the backroom myself!

By: Felicity Grace

Felicity Grace — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:03:14 +0000

I felt I had to write and say, there are always reasons for people to behave the way they do, and I’m sure the artist has hers. Shy people are constantly misunderstood, and while I agree it did seem like a wasted opportunity and not a comfortable situation for visitors, I wonder if she and her husband are just very shy private people? This may have been a very courageous thing for her to do. Alternatively, she may have felt that approach may take the pressure off visitors so they can browse at leisure and not be pressured into buying. I was at an exhibition where the artist had cornered a couple and I made a quick exit in case I was next! Perhaps giving her some feedback will be help her from repeating the mistake – she may be shocked she came across that way.

By: Links for Artists [Sept 21 - 26] | The Crafted Webmaster

Links for Artists [Sept 21 - 26] | The Crafted Webmaster — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 16:02:38 +0000

[...] RT @abstanfield: Artist mistakes: Open studio gone wrong–on the Art Biz Blog http://artbizblog.com/2009/09/openstudiogonewrong.html [...]

By: Louise in SW Saskatchewan

Louise in SW Saskatchewan — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:00:42 +0000

Thanks for this timely posting. I am about to hold an open studio event in November along with others in my building. Good info to think about how NOT to have one. I am making note of all the good things to do for an open studio. Thanks again.

By: Miranda

Miranda — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 00:32:16 +0000

Oh dear! That sounds completely awkward! I’ve never done an open studio, but if I ever do, I’ll make sure I don’t make these mistakes! Thanks for sharing your experience!

By: Stacy Rowan

Stacy Rowan — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:28:48 +0000

Thank you so much for this timely blog post Alyson! I am hosting an Open Studio for the first time in a week and a half. My studio is in my house, so the event will be too. Your links provided me with some suggestions that I hadn’t thought of and that I know will improve my event. This is why I read your blog. I always learn so much!!