The Open Doors Studio Tour Spartanburg is a self-guided 2-day event, each spring, that is free to the public.
We understand some artists may not have their own studio. Because this is an inclusive community event, artists with accessible studio space are encouraged to invite other artists to participate. Artists interested in becoming a guest artist must live or work in Spartanburg County and must find a studio “sponsor” before the application deadline. Hosting artists will be included on all advertising and in the Open Doors group exhibition. Invited guest artists will be listed only in the brochure on the page of their sponsor.
If a guest artist wishes to be included in all advertising (such as the poster, brochure, and website) and the Open Doors group exhibit to be held at The Artists Collective, they can do so by completing a full application and paying the $50 fee (if accepted). Arrangements with your “sponsor” artist must be made in advance and their name must be included on the application.
Artists will be required to attend an Orientation Meeting and there will also be monthly info sessions held prior to the Studio Tour to assist them with their questions and preparation for the event. Topics that will be covered include, presentation, educating the public, and how to manage sales. There will also be a follow up meeting after the tour to gain feedback and collect data. Each artist will track their visitors on a log for reporting purposes.
Artists will be selected by a Jury composed of professionals and established artists from the community. The jurying process ensures that the artwork included on the tour is original work, of high quality, and ready for exhibition. Jurors will also assess studio space through photo documentation to ensure it is appropriate and safe for the general public to visit.
There is no cost to complete an application. Once accepted, there is a $50 fee for participation in the Open Doors Spartanburg Studio Tour. Fees are applied to the cost of publicity and the group exhibition expenses, and are non-refundable.