As we come closer to the October event, things hot up.
Don’t simmer on the back burner – get to the fire and get hot!
We are just reaching the end of the Early Bird reduced registration fee structure and although quite a few have grabbed the opportunity, many are still simmering… However, no need to panic! As from 1 March until 30 April 2017, registration fees are exactly the same as they were last year. This is, of course, extraordinary as we are offering more than ever before!
Here at the virtual COS office we are working towards making the experience more and more exciting and this year, we have added the opportunity for professional artists to be selected for gallery exhibitions. This is a first! The attraction is the price. For a flat fee – way less than galleries usually charge – you will have the full force of Cyprus Open Studios (COS) promotional machine behind you. If you are selected, you will be listed under the separate heading of Cyprus Open Galleries on the website.
If you do not get selected by the galleries who are hosting this year, we would strongly recommend that you team up with each other or with other artists in your area to open a studio space together. If you have any questions about this process, please contact us for further details. It is an opportunity not to be missed!
Visitors to Gillian Keef’s open studio
Last month we shared a blog post from Jason Horejs, who is the Owner of Xanadu Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona – here is the link in case you have missed it: http://reddotblog.com/hosting-a-successful-open-studio/
One of the points he made was this:
With more and more open studio events appearing around the country, this is a great topic. An open studio tour can be a great way to get your feet wet if you’re new to the art market, and for established artists it can be a great way to build connections directly with art buyers.
And the other point that really impressed me was this:
If you think about it, it’s almost like a treasure hunt. Participants are provided with a map and then get to plot their course from studio to studio looking for art that grabs them.
Participants also get to meet the artist. Art buyers love this! While it’s certainly possible to fall in love with a piece of art for its own sake (this happens all the time in the gallery), it adds a whole new dimension for clients when they can meet the artist.
At COS, it is our mission to make the experience of both artists and visitors one to be remembered and also to create the desire to do it again next time.
Another first for COS is that we have assisted 6 artists to register for selection at the Royal Academy of Art in London; their Summer Show is one that artists will forfeit their eye teeth for! The 6 artists are all members of Cyprus Open Studios and we will do everything in our power to make their experience as painless as possible.
The Royal Academy of Arts London
Should they not be accepted by the RA, they will automatically qualify to be exhibited at the Salon des Refuses, also in London. No mean ‘second prize’ – and yes, we at COS are assisting with that too.
One of last year’s Salon des Refuses summer shows.
There are several other opportunities abroad and when we have further information, it will be shared on our blog – follow us by adding your email address in the space to the right and you won’t miss out!
However, if you wish to participate in exhibitions abroad under the Cyprus Open Studios umbrella, you need to be a member. Don’t be shy – have a look at our website which is growing with 2017 members – and complete the registration form. Registration closes on 30 April 2017, which will be extended until 31 May 2017, but with a small penalty for late registration.
Have a look at the FAQ if you are unsure of the procedure; if you cannot find your answer there, please contact us either via the website or by email at info@cyprusopenstudios.com – we would be delighted to help.
Best guess for this image: Henry Wallis: The Death of Chatterton
We have often heard and read about artists toiling away in cold attics in bitter winters with no hot water and six flights of stairs under snow. Well, in this day and age there is no need to starve, or commit suicide, as an artist.
These days, what we hear a lot is: ‘I’m not really good with a computer’… Our advice is: Get better! It can only improve your chances of success if you know how to handle emails and images as there will always be people like us at COS who are ready to help you promote your art. But you need to get your skills honed not only to produce your ‘product’, but also to ‘launch’ it.
If you think we can help, send us an email… yes, that’s the way to do it!
our email addres: info@cyprusopenstudios.com
Till next time, keep on creating!
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