Baltimore Open Studio Tour Etiquette 101

Sculpture by David Page. Page's studio is in Area 405.

OPEN STUDIO TOUR 2008
Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19 -- Noon-5pm

Index Exhibition and Reception at School 33 Art Center Friday October 17, 5-7 PM

School 33 Says: "Through this free, self-guided two-day tour, you can experience simply the best of Baltimore’s diverse art culture. Encounter fresh works in painting, sculpture, photography, installations, clay, mixed media, and more right where they’re made—and often, literally in the making. And, as any art lover will tell you, the Annual Open Studio Tour is the greatest way to connect personally with local artists in a relaxed atmosphere, ask questions,and of course, purchase original artwork."


Painting by Ben Piwowar. His studio is located in the H&H building, 5th floor.

The School 33 Open Studios Tour is a Baltimore art mainstay. When I had a warehouse space in Station North, I participated in this event, year after year, and it was mostly a positive experience. I had several studio mates to protect me from creeps and we would always put out a great spread of food and drinks, and have a good time ourselves.

Over the years, certain patterns have emerged - of good and bad behavior - and I feel like I am pretty much an expert on this, at this point. So I am happy to share. If you are thinking about going to visit artists studios, definitely put it on your calendar - it will be a great experience, especially if you follow my rules of etiquette listed below.


Painting by Bart O'Reilly. His studio is located in Load of Fun.

Studio Tour Etiquette
1. Know Your Purpose. Are you coming to purchase or coming to browse? Either one is fine, but it is good to be clear. Artists are happy to talk to you about their work and are also happy if you purchase it, but mixed signals are downright awkward. Be clear about your purpose with the artists you visit, if it comes up. If you are there because you are looking for a studio, put that out there as well. About half of our visitors would ask how much we paid, how we got the space, and if a studio was available. Artists - if this is a concern, put out a list for interested possible studio mates to sign.

2. DO ask questions. Artists LOVE to talk about themselves - and their work. And their friends and families are sick of hearing about it. You won't look dumb. They will bask in the glow of your interest and their genius. This is a must.


Paintings and Sculpture by Nicholas Cairns. His studio is located at Area 405.

3. The Food: Snacking is fine, but don't eat all the food and don't drink all the wine. You art lurkers out there - you KNOW who you are! You come to every event and graze at the food table. You never ever buy art, and hardly ever look at it. Please remember -- the artists had to PAY to be part of the tour, and have paid for the food. Just be polite. This is a studio - not a smorgasbord.

4. The Terror: What secretly terrifies would-be studio tour visitors? If an artist suddenly asks, expectantly, "So what do you think of my work?" And then your brain freezes up and you think, Ohhhhhh God. OhGodOhGodOhGod. What do I say? What if I hurt their feelings? What if I say the wrong thing? Most of us are not schooled in 'artspeak.' Usually I have no idea what I think - I need more time, but you can't SAY this because it sounds mean.

 So, what is an appropriate response? Let's face it - the studio tour is not graduate school. It is not a critique. Art students PAY for these kinds of services, so don't feel like you have to step out into the mine field. Take the Palin Approach: Don't answer it! Then, ask THEM a different question. Ask them what they think about Post Modernism. Ask them about their process. Ask the artist what their inspiration was for a certain piece. If pressed, tell them you think the work is "intriguing." But DON'T say anything else, because you're walking on butterfly wings and broken dreams.


Collage by Liz Wade. Wade's studio is located at Area 405.

5. Cards, publications, pamphlets, etc: If an artist offers you their information, and if you are not seriously interested in it, you're not doing them a favor by accepting these, only to throw them away later. Most likely, the artist paid to have these made. If you are interested, take away literature. If not, politely decline, saying "I want to make sure there are enough for everybody."

Painter Raoul Middleman's studio in the Copycat building.

6. The Art Purchase: What if I DO want to buy something? This can be an iffy gray area. Some artists are pros, and are clear on the market value of their work. Some artists will have prices listed next to their work. Others have NO IDEA. Small works on paper can go anywhere from $50 to $2000. Larger paintings on canvas can go for more and sometimes less. I would suggest doing your homework here. Artist's websites are listed on the School 33 site. Check out the work beforehand if possible. If you fall in love with something on the spot and have to have it, that is GREAT! Ask the artist for their price. If it seems too high (and you have done your homework on the artist) tell them you LOVE the work and then ask ONE TIME and no more, if there is any wiggle room on the price. Don't expect the price to go down lower than 20% off of the original, though. Please know that if you press further, this is an insult.

7. As Michael Jordan says, Just Do It. Or was that Nike? Either way, this event is free. It is a lot of fun. Seeing an artist's studio, even after serious cleaning, is so different than seeing their work in a show. This is a unique opportunity. And if you have any interesting photos or stories from the Studio Tour that you'd like to share, please send them to me. I'd love to post them.


Painting by Joan Cox. Cox's work will be at The Cork Factory.

Topics: School 33 , Open Studios Tour