![Robert Miller- A Man, A Sculpture, A Woman, 2007[2].jpg](http://chicagoartistsresource.org/sites/chicagoartistsresource.org/files/imagecache/section_header/sites/chicagoartistsresource.org/files/Robert Miller- A Man, A Sculpture, A Woman, 2007[2].jpg "Robert Miller, \"A Man, A Sculpture, A Woman\" 2007")
Open Studios
By Karen Atkinson, courtesy of Side Street Projects
The information below is part of a series of guides that outline the pros and cons of various types of venues.
ABOUT: An artist or group of artists hosts an event for viewing, celebration, and selling of artwork.
EXPECTATIONS: Based on the organizer of the event. If an individual open studio, the artist does all the work.
PROS: A great way to introduce new work to the curious public. Sales and contracts can result. Connections with other artists can be made, as well as with curators and galleries.
CONS: Usually expenses are paid by the artist. Artist has to be available for all hours of the event, which can be exhausting.
RESEARCH: Artists should have open studios for two consecutive days, also offer hours by appointment. Develop and share good mailing lists. A great idea is to team up with other artists for group open studios.
RESOURCES: Talk to other artists and organizations that have put on open studio events.
Excerpted from Get Your Sh*t Together, an artist's professional development software produced by Karen Atkinson. This came out of her involvement wth Side Street Projects, Los Angeles.