Tips for Artists

Make Your Site Easy to Find!

Place balloons and posters outside your studio or space so people can find your site. (You will get these when you pick up maps.)
Place extra balloons or signs at street corners near your studio to direct people.

Display Your Work with Visitors in Mind

Be sure your art is well-illuminated. Good lighting makes a huge difference.

Place as much work as possible at or just above eye level, so visitors don't have to stoop or crane their necks!

Clearly label your work.

Define Your Exhibit Space

Be clear about your publicly accessible area — for people who have home studios, consider keeping your work in a limited space (such as one room), and limiting access to the rest of the house.

Label or cordon off anything in your studio (e.g. equipment) that you don't want people to touch — a friendly "please don't touch" sign will do the trick

Clearly indicate to visitors if dogs are/are not welcome in your home or studio. If not, post a sign thanking visitors for leaving their dogs outside while they look at your art.

Be able to refer visitors to the nearest public restroom, in case your bathroom is not in an area that you want open to the public.

Make Your Exhibit Space Comfortable

Have chairs available for visitors to sit in.
Keep a pitcher of water and drinking cups handy at all times. Paper towels and a place to put trash are also appreciated by visitors.
Serve light snacks. Note that children will be attending, so messy foods like chocolate may not be as good an idea as something like pretzels.

Engage with Your Visitors!

Greet everyone who comes to your studio.
Wear a name tag so that they know you are the artist!
Keep extra maps available to give to visitors.
Keep a guest book or mailing list for visitors to sign. Make sure you have plenty of pens around.
Stock up on hand-outs — postcards, brochures, business cards, etc. — and encourage visitors to take them.
Thank visitors for coming — do refer them to other artists if they ask for suggestions on whose work to see, and don't forget to mention the Artist Autograph Card!

Take Care of Yourself!

Get lots of rest and be sure to eat well and drink lots of water throughout the weekend — stay energized!
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes — be prepared to be on your feet! It's best to be standing or walking around when there are visitors in your space — it makes for easier conversation and you won't have to crane your neck to look at people. If you need to sit, use a high stool or director's chair so that you will still be at eye level with your visitors.
Invite a buddy to be with you during all or part of the weekend, in case you need to step away for a bathroom break or for an interview with a major newspaper
HAVE FUN!