Course Description

How To  Successfully Setup and Host  Open Studios

Plus BONUS lesson - Tips and advice for starting a Local Public Art Studio Trail


Welcome!

Back in 2012, I began to research the idea of running an open studio event from my home studio in Shellharbour, NSW.

What I discovered was an exciting, inexpensive and easy way to show my art to the general public, sell my work, as well creating connections with other art lovers.

 I loved the experience!

Not long after this I was approached by a friend and gallery owner to join forces in creating a local Open Art Studio trail. Since 2013, myself and other artists have been hosting open studios each month, for me totalling over 40 openings!

Consisting of 14 lessons plus 5 Downloadable PDF checklists, in this comprehensive  self-paced course, I will share with you everything that I have learnt about running an open studio with lots of tips to help you run your own successfully and with confidence. The course also includes a bonus lesson with helpful tips and advice on how to start an Arts Trail in your local area.

*HOURS TO COMPLETE: Although I've set the course completion time as 20hrs, this is purely an estimate as it will depend on how much your studio is already prepared. Also there are tasks for you to complete, for instance, advertising and marketing your open studio. The time spent on these tasks is completely individual.

**You will need to start getting prepared for your own Open Studio event about four months ahead so I've provided several checklists to help you with this.

If you are still setting up your studio then why not take my free course 'Setting Up a Home Based Studio'.

Art Tutor

Olivia Alexander

Hi, I'm Olivia Alexander and I'm a mixed media artist, writer and art educator based in Australia.I create multi layered abstract and expressionist paintings inspired by the earth, ocean and emotion.Art brought me to life! It helped me to heal, it inspired me and I am passionate about working as an artist, living an inspired and creative life. A big part of this has been hosting Open Studios which I started in 2012 from my home studio and have hosted over 40 since then. In 2013, I was an administrator on the setting up and running of the monthly Kiama Arts Trail, and  I was a part of that trail until 2017 when I relocated to my new larger studio in Queensland.Since 2001, I have worked as a professional artist, undertaking nine years of training in Fine Art, Advanced & Creative Drawing, Advanced Mixed Media, as well as Interior Design.I've taken my work around the world and have gained global recognition with nine international awards including both pewter and bronze medal diplomas from the Paris society of Arts, Sciences and Letters, a silver medal diploma from the French International Academy of Merit and in 2015, the Art Critics Award and the Rome Imperial International award from Italy. You can see more about this and my art on my website Bio page at www.OliviaAlexanderArt.comAs artists we never stop learning and I hope you will join me here on this art discovery journey! Yours in art,Olivia 

Course curriculum

  • 1

    Introduction

  • 2

    Section 1: Getting Started

  • 3

    Section 2: Setting Up the Studio

    • What Works Should I Show & How Many?

    • Curating & Hanging the Artworks

    • Ideas for Displaying Your Work

    • Adding the Finishing Touches

    • Downloadable Emailing Collection List form
  • 4

    Section 3- One Month Before the Event

    • Preparing For Sales - Credit, Debit, Cash?

    • Having an Official Opening Reception

    • Promoting Your Open Studio

    • Preparing Yourself

    • Downloadable Checklist- Promoting the Opening
  • 5

    Section 4- Opening Day - What to Do Just Before and During the Event

    • Open Day Arrives!

    • Talking to Your Visitors

    • Doing Business...Sales!

    • Open Day Final Checklist
  • 6

    Section 5 - After the Event

    • The Debriefing

    • BONUS! How To Set Up A Local Community Art Studio Trail

    • After the Event-to do list