Do you want to host your own Studio Open House?

3 of my students (mentees?) recently asked me to join them in showing our most recent artwork, and one of them volunteered to host it in her home.  How could I refuse?  It was a terrific teaching moment since none of them had ever held a Studio Open House.

How did we accomplish our successful event?

From left:  Susan Baughman, Anne Peterson, Donna Boerema, and moi.

1.  We picked the date and time (and picked a catchy title for our show) and we announced it via email to our individual lists as a SAVE-THE DATE about one month before our event.  In our case, we went with "Pre-Spoleto:  Show and Tell".  Spoleto is a Charleston 17-day art festival that I exhibit at, and it starts on May 27 this year (this coming Friday!).  So we held our Pre-Spoleto event on May 21.  (We also announced it on Facebook, but we asked people to ask us for the address, rather than just spell it out.)

2.  We created postcards and mailed them to our own mailing lists (again, about 3-4 weeks before the event).  BTW, we agreed on the front end to share in all costs involved with setting up the event.

Front of our postcard.

3.  I guided them through their thought process of how to price originals, as well as giclee prints.  They spent hours packaging pieces that wouldn't receive frames.

Sharing in the work of pricing and packaging their art.

4.  We decided who would bring which food to the party.  We figured we'd be ready to feed 200 people.  One of our husbands (thanks, Mac!) kept his eye on the table for us.  (One of our guests complimented me on having the event catered when she saw Mac carrying a fresh tray to the table!) This is the time to bring out the pretty tablecloth, hang some party lights, add flickering candles (I like the safety of votives), play some pretty music and even have your laptop turned on, with a slideshow of whatever you're most proud of.  In our case, the 4 of us just came back from Paris, so we wanted to share our time in the City of Lights!

Calories do NOT count on days like this!

5.  We had all kinds of price points available (from $25 for the smallest prints, up to $4800 for a 30x40 original).  Don't pre-judge what your collectors are willing to spend.  Even if they don't buy at that event, the right piece will "stay with them" and could eventually find its way into their collection.  Price tags should be evident.  My advice is to not leave art on the wall if it's Not For Sale (NFS).  Use your valuable space wisely.  

We hung work in all the upstairs bedrooms and bathrooms as well.  These were small originals that we put in clear envelopes and we then taped them to the wall with 5 pieces of blue painters tape on the backs.

6.  Make sure your lighting is adequate.  We supplemented the lighting by adding 5 floor lamps and 2 spot lights throughout the bedrooms and halls.  If they can't "see" it, it won't speak to them.

Supplement existing lighting with floor lamps or spot lights.

7. Designate a table to be your "check out" station.  Our event lasted 4 hours, so we each took a 1-hr shift, manning that station.  Have plenty of change and have a reliable way to take credit cards.  51% of our sales were via credit card. We had a pad with the headings: Form of Payment / Artist / Title / Orig or Print / $, so that we could keep track of who was owed money at the end of the day.

Our checkout station.

8.  We had a Form for guests to give us their email addresses, and we invited them to tell us which of us artists they wanted to get updates from.  My mentees will now be able to start their own email list for future events or announcements!

And here's my lovely family who surprised me with a visit to our Studio Open House.  The kids were all decked out from their piano recitals held off-site.  That's our son, Antoine, with his 4 adorable kids (ages 4-8) and Lauren, the daughter-in-law who is more like a daughter to me.  My husband, Ray, rounds out our little family.  And, yes, the kids all have artistic talent!

I'm hoping you'll now be a bit braver about holding your own Studio Open House.  If you team up with other artists, your workload will be that much less and you'll probably have a lot more fun.  Give it a try and let me know how it goes!  Do you have other tips for my readers about holding such an Event??  

www.helenKbeacham.com

It's time to think about Venice in 2017.  Come paint with me! 

Check out my classes HERE.   

Please leave a Comment...I'd love to hear from you!

Considering doing an Open House?

www.helenKbeacham.com

Holding a Studio Open House is not for the feint of heart!  I've held them on and off for 25 years so I've got lots (and lots!) of experience.

First and foremost (goes without saying), unclutter and reorganize your studio space (start early!).  Every time I put this much effort into cleaning up my studio, I uncover "surprises" I had forgotten about.  I came across a painting I had started and tucked away, unfinished.  The smile that crossed my face makes me think that one's gonna get finished now!

I have 4 grandchildren who each have a corner of my cottage as their own.  I share my studio with my  1.5 yr old who has a portable crib up there, along with all the other paraphernalia that comes with a young one.  (Don't worry...I don't use solvents, only water-based pigments, so no dangerous fumes to contend with.)  But all of his "things" had to be removed/hidden (then it all has to be pulled back out, of course).  Maybe I should have left the crib set up, with a painting or two displayed in it!

This is what greeted my guests as they came onto the front porch.  I invited MARIGOLDS (for the Home, Garden & Soul) to sprinkle my house with their many beautiful treasures that add such character and warmth to a home..perfect for gift-giving.  It made the event that much more special!  Thanks, Marigolds!

"The Reveal" (acrylic by moi) along with treasures from Marigolds.

One corner of my studio was set up to show all of my various works-in-progress.  I was able to discuss traditional 300# ARCHES PAPER versus WATERCOLOR CANVAS versus YUPO.  I also love AMPERSAND AQUABORD.

Another work-in-progress.  This time, an acrylic on canvas (Tuscany).  I was excited to see one of my collectors light up when she saw this one.  I agreed to let her have "first right of refusal"!  I imagine this one will get my earliest painting attention now!

Anne Peterson (left) 

I've been mentoring Anne Peterson (in watercolor painting) for the last several months.  When she started as my student a couple of years ago, I knew she was someone special.  While holding a full time job, she dedicates precious time to her art, always striving to improve.  I invited Anne to show two of her paintings at my Open House...we got such good feedback about her work!  Here's a closeup of one of her paintings:

"Around the Bend" by Anne Peterson.
Available for purchase by contacting me!

Lastly, while cleaning out my studio, I set aside a large amount of art instruction books that I've enjoyed over the years but was now willing to part with.  Artists who visited the Open House had a chance to add them to their library.

All in all, a lot of work goes into setting up such an event.  But, boy, it was well worth it!  (and my house is now already cleaned and ready for the rest of the holidays!!!)  Mark your calendars for next year!

See you at next year's Studio Open House!  Happy Holidays, everyone!

www.helenKbeacham.com

Read my latest post!

Studio Open House - Nov 17, 2012

www.helenKbeacham.com

I've been busy!  I'm tidying up my studio (and home!) in order to open it to the public on Saturday, November 17 from 2-6pm for my:

2012 Studio Open House!  

Why not make a point of visiting historic SUMMERVILLE, SC (known as Flowertown in the Pines) and let's talk about Art!  I'll have plenty of art to consider, including some that is still on the easel... Come see how I create!

Participating with me in this year's Studio Open House will be MARIGOLDS (an Interior and Decor Boutique... for your home, garden & soul)!  Marigolds is a family-owned Summerville business, and they offer chic vintage items, splendid gifts, one-of-a-kind antiques and an eclectic mix of old and new.

Alongside my artwork will be Anne Peterson's work.  I've been mentoring Anne for the last several months and wanted to include her in this fun-filled event!  Let me be the first to introduce her to you!

As a special "Thank You" to you, my valued customers, I'm offering 10% off my artwork through November 17, and I'll pay the sales tax!  Even web orders will receive the same 10% off, with free shipping if ordered between now and 11/17.
(Website:  www.helenKbeacham.com)

Visitors to the Studio Open House will be able to register for one of two door prizes that will surely make you smile!  (Think of whom you could surprise with these prizes during the upcoming holidays!)

 

   Set of 4 Carew Rice "Southern Life" Glasses                     "Swamp Jewels IV" - 15"x13" framed acrylic
                      (from Marigolds)                                                         (by Helen K. Beacham)

I will be selling a lot of art instruction books/magazines during the Open House as well.  Come choose the ones you want!

OPEN HOUSE location:  210 Beaufort St., Summerville, SC  29483 (cross street is W. Carolina Avenue).  No need to RSVP. Bring a friend and come join us!  Light refreshments will be served.

NOTE:  Since my studio is located upstairs, this is not a handicap-friendly event.  I apologize in advance.

www.helenKbeacham.com

READ MY LATEST POST!