Open studio weekends

Steve Gray · Joined: 17 Aug 2008 Posts: 1510 Location: Geelong

Ever seen these advertised in local classified adverts? I have and have been to a few many years back, especially when a group of artists got together to open their studios to the public one weekend.

However I wondered what people would think for a single artist whose studio is a suburban garage...

Any of you done this before and how did it go? and were sales the aim...

My wife says she's not keen on the idea.

Tango · Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 1049 Location: Melbourne

You should have taken the wife on the trip around the Yarra Valley studios. http://www.artforum.com.au/post-81008.html#81008

michael whillier · Joined: 26 Nov 2007 Posts: 488 Location: Queensland

Steve

I cannot comment on the market perception of art studios in the garage but can see your wife's perspective.

She will lose the dumping ground for all of those items that should be discarded, but that she refuses to part with and that she now stores in the garage.

You are a bloke and therefore are entitled to a "shed". On behalf of all men in Australia, please dig in and insist that the garage is your shed and therefore falls outside the rights of women to vote on the matter!

Michael

Stefan Maguran · Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2009 10:25 am Post subject: Re - Open studio weekends

That is a very short term view and the price people pay for such hasty decisions is always way too high.
A much better and tested option is to try to organise a show IN THE HOUSE and then you are guaranteed to get the garage.
As for the success of this kind of operation, I guess it is like with fishing. There are always good and bad stories.

Devilbiss · Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 2522 Location: Sydney

I am a firm believer that the venue really matters.
If you sell anything out of your garage than people are going to expect to get it cheap.

Stefan Maguran · Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2009 11:29 am Post subject: Re - Open studio weekends

Which, if you consider the gallery commissions and all the hassle, may not be that bad after all. I know a lot of people who are doing quite well using this strategy.

Devilbiss · Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 2522 Location: Sydney

Stefan Maguran · Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2009 1:18 pm Post subject: Re - Open studio weekends

People who sell for thousands of dollars surely can have a dedicated clean garage if they want to, but I doubt that Steve's question was addressed to those rare individuals.

michael whillier · Joined: 26 Nov 2007 Posts: 488 Location: Queensland

In all seriousness

I would suggest that the comments above are about right

If you sell from a garage you are likely to not attract the buyers that you want. However, if it looks like a professional gallery (and you see a lot of these when you travel) then it would probably work. The emphasis is on professional gallery - people do not want to see old lawnmowers, bicycles and all manner of nasties when they are thinking of investing hundreds / thousands of dollars in artwork.

thecatsgrin · Joined: 18 Apr 2009 Posts: 2163 Location: Gippsland

I am converting my carport into an adjoining 'room' studio, we are knocking the roof off , replacing it with a gabled roof with sky lights , and putting glass screen doors right across the front, the walls will be plastered, essentially a nice room... this will be where i work, i will possibly consider allowing the public in to see how i create what i create... but wouldnt use it as a platform for sales... they can commission a painting, or buy one from the Galleries that represent me.
i feel that selling art from the 'shed' would somehow depreciate it, elitist maybe... but i see the same thing happening at markets (sunday markets...not art markets) people take their work there and no matter how great it is, it doesnt sell well. People who shop like this , shop for bargains, discounts and stuff that isnt wanted...(garage sales).

It is different though to invite people in to see an artist in his or her own 'habitat' mess and all....(provided it is 'arty' mess) No one ever comments on my paint spattered walls... but a half eaten vegemite sandwich left from my toddlers lunch gets all sorts of dissaproving glances... and I only have let a select few friends and relatives in to see my 'spot'... I wont consider allowing public near my place until i have my studio up and running...
Sorry this is so long... its my 2 cents worth for now!! Laughing

Devilbiss · Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 2522 Location: Sydney

sunfire · Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 1156 Location: Toodyay

A local art group over here held an exhibition in an old shearing shed, nice & rustic (historic I was told ) Cool

but to me it was still a draughty old shed, of which I have seen plenty & spent a lot of time in, but the attendance was good & many sales where made.
I have been thinking that some time in the future I may hold an exhibition on my verandah, maybe things can be a bit different in the country, people will travel.
I think it may also depend on how you advertise it.
people may like something a little different. Very Happy

Steve Gray · Joined: 17 Aug 2008 Posts: 1510 Location: Geelong

Good points... I have cleaned out the garage fairly well but just bought a new mower, barrow and some other bits so it's messy... I had thought of covering the "stuff" in the background with white material and putting the art on easels etc... I would like to have the works sell in a gallery environ, but I don't (as yet...) have one.

vans · Joined: 16 Feb 2009 Posts: 63

are there issues with public liability insurance doing this?

Stefan Maguran · Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 10:16 pm Post subject: Re - Open studio weekends

You do need public liability insurance if you invite people into your garage. Just in case you sell too many paintings. (People will sue if they perceive you have money).