HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL OPEN STUDIO

IMG_0930

 

 

Having an Open Studio yearly is a great way to show your work.  Your current collectors and new collectors will have a chance to see first hand where your creations were first conceived, especially if you are a studio painter.  I decided to be part of the Silicon Valley Open Studio this year.  It was quite successful, yet there were a few things that I would change if I participated next year.

1. I prefer to show alone. I find showing with another artist is distracting.

2.  It is very important that you pre-approve your address and correlating map to your studio, prior to it being sent off to the press.  I have had more than one occasion that the map or address was incorrect.

3.  Make sure you send out an email, a newsletter and or a postcard, notifying your customers of the upcoming show.  I prefer to do a newsletter and a postcard.  Note: Make sure that your postcard has an image of your art, something eye catching.  This is where it is necessary that your customer list is ready including addresses for easy preparation. Send your postcards at least 3 weeks in advance.

4.  Alert others about your upcoming Open Studio as you do your outings.  Keep people abreast of your goings on. Keep extra postcards with you to hand out and also bring to any gallery that solicits your work if the gallery is supportive. You cannot sell if you don't have customers. 

5.  Show only your best work.

Customers could select their own frame
Customers could select their own frame

6.  Have a variety of sizes of art for sale.  You will be surprised customers will purchase larger pieces of work.

7.  Give the customer more than one option for payment.  I had Paypal, cash and checks.

8.  Have signs posted locally and on main streets an hour before the show.  They can be kept up if you are having a show for two days in a row.  

9.  It's not about the food.  Make sure you do have food and drinks, but keep it simple.  Take in account that it should be finger food and not messy.  You don't want to see food on your rug or furniture. Also, make sure your drinks are light in color as well.  I served cookies, nuts, pretzels, cheese and crackers.  My drinks were water in small containers, and soft drinks in smaller cans.  I purchased way too much food; people were more interested in the art.

10.  When hanging your art try to have groupings that either goes by color, subject matter or size.  I felt that keeping continuity in my groupings helped the customer locate the art that they were most interested in, with less confusion.

11.  Have someone there to help either by guiding people around the home or helping with transactions or packing.  PS. Make sure you have packing materials available: bubble wrap, scissors, tape, plastic bags etc.   At one point I started to sell quite a few of pieces all at one time and found it would have been very helpful if I had an assistant to help me.  You want to be with your customers not hidden in a room packing.

12.  Give your customers room to breath and time alone.  Know when to be present and when to give them space.  Customers do not like to be hovered over yet at the same time they want you to be available to answer questions.

13.  Make sure that you have everyone sign your guest book with name and contact.

14.  Follow up the show within the next week writing thank you notes for attending, or for orders received.  It's a nice touch and much appreciated.

15.  Write down notes of what worked well and what didn't after the show.  You think you will remember, but you won't.  Having specifics for the next show will be a big help.

 

These are only a few of my tips, I would love to hear of any suggestions that you have that helped you have a successful show.

**If you are interested in purchasing any of my art or have questions, please contact me at jvander51@gmail.com or (408)4607237  Thank you!

 

 

 

 


Silicon Valley Open Studio

A Moment In Time, 9" x 12" acrylic on Ampersand, Price  $270
A Moment In Time, 9" x 12" acrylic, Price $270

  I will be participating in the Silicon Valley Open Studios this year. This is Silicon Valley's 29th year of participation and my 3rd.  It has been a while since I have participated in open studio, but am really looking forward to seeing you in person. You will be able to see my latest work and be able to enter my studio.  I will be glad to show you how my ideas are inspired, as well as the materials I use.  

Please save the date and come visit me May 16th and or 17th, between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Location is 18385 Castle Hill Dr. Morgan Hill, CA. There will be beverages and treats, as well as, a display of my art.  

Bring the coupon below and receive 10% off all of my art for sale displayed.  Coupon only valid for those dates.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

 

Fine Art Coupon

 


Only 7 More Days Until Christmas

Display at Fast Frame
Displayed at Fast Frame

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. Charles Dickens

I have a Christmas shopping idea for you. Come visit Fast Frame in Morgan Hill, where I have over 20 original paintings displayed. There is something for everyone, all sizes and genres, from cityscapes to landscapes. Many have never been seen before. Also, I have shared my collection from my San Francisco series that I have been accumulating for the last few years.

Leah De Lane has framed them beautifully. Many of the frames can be easily mixed and matched for a larger wall.

If you would like to me to meet your there, please contact me at jvander51@msn.com  I would love to join you and if you have the time show my gratitude by taking you to lunch.

My art will be displayed from now until the end of January 2015.

Here are the times and location:

 

Fast Frame-17505 Monterey Road,
Morgan Hill CA.
(at the corner of 1st Street, near Sinaloa Cafe) (408) 776-3056.

Store hours:

Monday - Friday, 10:00am - 6:00pm

Saturday, 10:00am - 5:00pm

Sunday Closed

After-hours appointments available

 

HAPPY HOLIDAYS, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!! I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT, WISHING YOU MUCH LOVE AND SUCCESS NOW AND IN THE COMING NEW YEAR. XO

*Contact me either through email, jvander51@msn.com or phone (408) 460-7237 


Anatomy of an Art Show

 

Cultural Community Center, Morgan Hill, CA
Cultural Community Center, Morgan Hill, CA

 

It's one bloody little achievement after the other. (Joseph P. Blodgett)

Well, you can't have a show without a body of work and for the last three years that has been my focus.  Although, I have sold quite a few pieces, I have continued to replace with more paintings.  I am currently showing my work at the Cultural Community Center, which is my fourth venue so far this year, with a fifth to follow in November at Fast Frame.  I am very pleased with the outcome.  

photo 3-7

Most of the places I showed this year were planned between a year and six months ahead of time. Some shows were very focused on selling work and others were to get exposure.  The Cultural Community Center has up to 4,000 people visitors a month. 

photo 5-5

I thought I would give you an idea how this show evolved from beginning to end, perhaps giving you some ideas for your future shows.  Not all venues are the same so you have to plan accordingly.  

 

First, I visit the venue prior to the show and take measurements as well as get a general idea of where I will put my art.  This gives me an idea of how big the pieces can be and the groupings that will create the most impact.  It's important to know exactly what you will need and the requirements that are set up by the venue coordinator; always important to contact them and confirm any last minute details, plus the specific time that they want you to set up. I was lucky enough they had hangers for the paintings, a ladder and a platform cart for loading and unloading.

 

 photo 1-16

 

At home prior to the show, I pulled all the pieces that I thought would give me the most dramatic show.  By sorting the paintings by size, it not only helped me figure the amount of paintings to bring, but was much easier to load in the car.

photo 1-15

 

 Taking account of how many pieces that are needed for the show should be done way ahead of time, especially if you need to paint more paintings.  Luckily, I had a body of work.  

photo 5-4

 

I then make labels for all my paintings, including the details of each piece:  the title, the size, medium, my name, email and website address.

photo 5-3

 I also printed out a one page Biography to be put on display with my business cards.  

photo 2-13

 

 

I have a bag that I bring that is always on hand and ready, that include hangers, my business cards, a tape measure, calculator and blue tape.  The blue painters tape is great for adhering the labels below each painting, without taking any paint off the walls.  I also make a list of all my paintings that I bring.  Sometimes I don't use every painting brought to the venue.   After I complete the hanging, I use my list to account for each piece used.  The ones not used I just cross out.  I give a copy to the coordinator and keep one for myself, as well as keep a copy of any contract signed.

photo-192

 

 

I chose to use fairly large paintings at the Community Center because they had so many large walls.  Small paintings would have disappeared and showed little impact.  

photo 2-12

 

Also very important, bring some help.  Two hands are always better than one. 

 Lastly, notify your customers about the particulars of your show, by sending an invitation, an email, a personal phone call or a newsletter.   

Here are the details and location of the show.  I would love for you to contact me if you are in the area.  I can meet you there and also take you out to lunch.  

CCC Art Exhibit Date:
August 26, 2014-September 25, 2014
Time:
8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Time Details:
Art Exhibit Hours: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday
Location:
Community and Cultural Center
Address:
17000 Monterey Road
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
Contact:
(408) 782-0008
Cost:
FREE

 

If you would like to contact me, either email me at jvander51@msn.com or call (408) 460-7237  Thank you!

 

 

 

 

 

 


An Idea Comes to Fruition

 

 

 

 

View From Il Vigneto Sold 30" x 40" oil and acrylic
View From Il Vigneto Sold 30" x 40" oil and acrylic

 

 

I have been envisioning this show since last year.  Taking workshops from Alyson B. Stanfield made me realize I needed to start focusing on showing my work.  So, I had an idea last year to combine wine with art. Since I love both, it seemed like a perfect match.

CordeValle Art Show
CordeValle Art Show

I pitched my idea to the food and beverage manager at CordeValle.   She was working on bringing high quality wine tasting to the club.  It was a perfect time to introduce my idea. The idea evolved and soon she gave me a few wineries to choose from. I chose Buoncristiani .

Wine and Art on the Oak Terrace CordeValle
Wine and Art on the Oak Terrace CordeValle

It was a beautiful day and day turned into night. Decorated with wonderful lights and a spectacular backdrop of Lion’s Gate Valley, the show was off to a great start. Nate Buoncristiani, was a lovely man and we worked so well together, he pouring beautiful wine and my art encircling the Oak Terrace, caught the attention of the private members of CordeValle. It turned out to be a sensational event. The stars were out, the air was warm, the people stayed and enjoyed the moment.

 

Dusk at CordeValle
Dusk at CordeValle

I have to say that it was a wonderful idea that came to fruition. It turned out to be their best wine tasting event ever, lasting well through the night. It was a success for CordeValle and also for me; nothing like a win-win situation.

 

*Painting above "View From Il Vignio"-30" x 40" Acrylic and oil on canvas, $3000  SOLD

2K14 CURRENT FOOTAGE 8980 SQ. INCHES
*ALL ART FROM JANET VANDERHOOF’S FINE ART GALLERY, MAYBE SEEN IN JANET’S STUDIO AT MORGAN HILL, CA. YOU MAY PURCHASE THROUGH CONTACTING MY EMAIL JVANDER51@MSN.COM OR PHONE (408) 460-7237. THANK YOU!