Call for Artists! Indulge in creativity and camaraderie at the Visual Artists Association's Art Café, a free online gathering designed for artists of all levels seeking to uncover the boundless potential of Open Studios.

Join us on Wednesday the 20th of March 2024, at 14:00 GMT for an enriching hour of insightful discussions and valuable exchanges that will illuminate the transformative power of Open Studios.

Suitable for artists of all levels, this session will cover:

1. What is an Open Studio Exhibition and What Type is Right for Me?

Embark on a captivating exploration of Open Studio exhibitions, unravelling the myriad possibilities and identifying the type that resonates with your artistic aspirations. Gain a nuanced understanding of how Open Studios can align with your unique creative journey.

2. How to Find or Create Open Studio Events

Uncover the secrets to discovering existing Open Studio events and master the essential steps to curate and launch your own remarkable Open Studio showcase. Empower yourself with the tools to bring your creative vision to life through Open Studios.

3. Common Dos and Don’ts for Success & How to Gain PR for Your Event

Delve into the essential dos and don'ts pivotal to the success of Open Studios, while discovering effective strategies for generating PR and publicity to elevate the impact of your Open Studio event.

This interactive Art Café promises to foster a supportive environment for artists to connect, share, and learn from one another. Led by seasoned experts, the session will offer invaluable insights and practical guidance essential for embracing Open Studios as a catalyst for artistic growth and exposure. As an added bonus, all attendees will receive an exclusive PDF guide packed with additional resources and tips.

Our hosts for this event are Laura O’Hare and Shirley-Ann O’Neill, founders of the VAA, the Visual Art Open prize, and authors of the bestselling book ‘Good Art Does Not Sell Itself’. They will be joined by VAA Artist Mentor Karen van Hoey Smith, along with industry experts who will share their experiences of working within collectives and open studio events.

Panelists:

Lesley Self

Lesley is the Director of Hampshire Open Studios (HOS) and is responsible for all aspects of the annual event, supporting artists, community collaborations and marketing events to the public. Since taking over in 2015 HOS has rebranded, developed their website and visitor App. Now in its 23rd year, exhibiting venues number around 300. Lesley also works for ArtCare, the Creative Health service at Salisbury District Hospital, as their visual arts project manager and permanent collections curator.

Hilary Scott

Hilary Scott’s concert photography appears internationally in books, magazines, album covers, and multimedia platforms. His whimsical sculptural work continues to delight his clients and amuse his wife. Hilary has been involved with Somerville Open Studios since its inception in 1999, most recently serving as president of the non-profit organization.

Peter Belford

Peter Belford is an architect with a full career but who takes time out to explore more purely creative work, exploring the boundaries of texture, coloration, transparency and layering through non-representational acrylics and acrylic reliefs. Today, most of his connection to the arts is in his role as a director for Somerville Open Studios, most recently serving as treasurer.

Somerville Open Studios

Somerville Open Studios is a non-profit organization formed for the purpose of producing an annual open studio and related events in Somerville, Massachusetts. Through its programming, SOS gives access to the work of visual artists living and working in the city of Somerville, Massachusetts. We provide opportunities to view art made within the community; to interact with local artists in the space where the works are created. Our goal is to broaden the public’s exposure to, and appreciation of, finished works of art as well as the art-making process. This exposure both educates the community and raises awareness of the diverse artistic experience available in Somerville.

Owen de Visser

Founded & coordinate Birmingham Open Studios. BOS allows artists/crafters of all experience to exhibit from their own homes and studios in South/Central Birmingham in an annual Autumnal event. 169 artists participated in 2023, and over £50,000 of art was sold during the event. Now in its 8th year and growing annually.

The Art Café will take place via Zoom Webinar at 14.00 GMT on 20th March 2024. Spaces limited.

VAA Art Café: Maximising Open Studio Events: From Planning to Profits

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