History & Mission of the Elmira Open Studio Tour
Launched in 2003 by Elmira Artist, Kathleen Huddle, the Elmira Open Studio Tour …fosters the arts through a weekend tour of area artists’ studios inviting the community to experience artistic processes in venues that are authentic, engaging, free and open to the public.
Eligibility
All fine arts and fine crafts media may be considered for the Elmira Open Studio Tour. Individual artists maintaining a working studio within 10 miles of Elmira, NY are eligible to apply for participation. Exhibiting in the studio where artwork is created is preferable; however, sharing a space with another artist is allowed. Each artist must submit separate application, including checklist items, and pay individual fees, even if sharing a studio space. Eligibility also requires that studio artists must be present and available in their studios from Saturday,10 am – 5 pm and Sunday, noon – 5 pm during the Tour weekend. Artists must complete and mail in the application by Monday, March 1, 2010, to participate in the Tour.
Review Process
The Elmira Open Studio Tour is juried. Submitted artwork must indicate technical proficiency with the medium and must reflect a consistent individual style and personal vision. Decisions will be based on:
1) quality of images provided
2) ability to show your artistic process
Timeline
Note the following dates on your calendar:
- Application deadline March 1, 2010
- Notification of acceptance March 19, 2010
- Tour workshop TBA
- Tour weekend October 2-3, 2010
Fees
A $100 (per artist) fee is required by the deadline of March 1, 2010. Make checks payable to: Community Arts of Elmira (fee will be refunded if you are not accepted for inclusion in the Tour). Submission of application and fee is considered commitment to participate. Once the artist is notified of acceptance, the fee is non-refundable. Application to the Elmira Open Studio Tour is made through Community Arts of Elmira. Community Arts of Elmira serves as the Tour’s fiscal sponsor and can accept tax-deductible donations on behalf of the Tour.
Benefits
- Each artist receives one page on the Tour website that will include a photo of the artist at work, images of artwork, an
artist statement, studio location, and a link to the artist’s personal website.
- Website posting is accessible to the public for one year.
- Full-color brochures with artist list and map, distributed regionally and mailed. Individual artists will be provided
with brochures for their own promotional and mailing purposes.
- Inclusion in all press announcements sent to regional media outlets.
Artists’ Obligations
- Tour artists must show an educational component, a demonstration or display and be present in their studio for all the
hours of the event.
- Artists must help promote the event by forwarding promotional emails and distributing marketing materials to patrons and friends.
- It is customary to serve light refreshments.
- We suggest artists enlist the assistance of a “helper” to greet guests.
Insurance
The Elmira Open Studio Tour does not offer insurance for artists or patrons. The Tour advises artists to look into their homeowner insurance policies to determine coverage for any accidental injuries guests might incur on their property during the event.
