Open Studio Weekend: Frequently Asked Questions


Please read the following information and then register your studio at the bottom of the page.

The deadline for studio registration is August 3, 2020 at 11:59pm.

*Due to public health concerns related to COVID-19, LVA is requesting that all participating artist/studios agree to adhere all guidelines in relation to social distancing, mask wearing, crowd size and any other stipulations that may arise before Open Studio Weekend

*In recognition of the challenges regarding space brought on by COVID restrictions, this year LVA is allowing non-traditional studio spaces.

*Due to safety concerns, the OSW Exhibition at the Cressman Center is not scheduled to be a part of the 2020 OSW event.

For clarification of these changes or other OSW-related items, please email amy@louisvillevisualart.org, or call 502.584.8166.

What is Open Studio Weekend?
Open Studio Weekend is an event organized by Louisville Visual Art and the University of Louisville's Hite Art Institute. Artists all over Louisville open their doors to the public once a year for Open Studio Weekend! A directory is sold providing maps and artist information to the attendees. This event is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in art - on any level - to see artists at work, get a glimpse into their process, and take advantage of studio sales. It's also a fun way to discover new favorites. Visitors create their own self-guided tour using the printed, downloadable or mobile-friendly directory. Open Studio Weekend is an exciting way to celebrate Louisville's creative community.

Who can participate?
Fine artists/craft artists who live or work in the Louisville metro area may register their studio. All studio locations submitted must be active and ongoing studio spaces. Pop-up spaces or temporary exhibits will not be accepted for Open Studio Weekend.

*Note: Studios outside of I-264 will no longer have a personalized map next to their studio listing in the directory. Studios outside of I-264 will be listed under one category and will be included on a single map showing all studios located in that area; details of side streets will no longer be included on these maps.

Studios eligible for OSW must currently be an active work space. Display spaces or temporary exhibitions of artwork are not eligible. Registrations will be reviewed by the OSW committee to determine eligibility.

For questions about these changes please email amy@louisvillevisualart.org or 502.584.8166.


When is it held? 
OSW 2020 will take place Saturday, November 7, from 12-6 pm and Sunday, November 8, from 12-6 pm

Where is it held?
Studios are open throughout Metro Louisville and Southern Indiana.

When is the deadline to register for Open Studio Weekend?
The deadline for studio registration is August 3, 2020 at 11:59pm.

Does my studio qualify/will I be accepted?
• Studio must be in the Louisville metro area.
• Studio must currently be an active work space.
• Pop-up spaces or temporary exhibits will be considered this year for Open Studio Weekend.
• Studios will be screened for quality and eligibility.

How much does it cost to participate and have my studio promoted through OSW?
OSW studio registration is $65. Application fees are non-refundable.

What if I am with a group of other artists sharing a studio?
Each artist receives equal publicity in the directory and marketing materials. Therefore, each artist must submit their own application and pay the participation fee. If a group has 6 or more artists in one building and would like to participate, reduced fees are available. Contact LVA to inquire.

What do I need to do to complete the registration form?
Before you begin, make sure you have a high-quality digital image in jpeg format. This is the image that will be used in the directory. This image must be of one single artwork that represents your work, no studio shots, head shots, or gallery shots will be accepted.
*Note: images in the directory will be cropped into a square format. Please make sure your image can be cropped without loosing an important details of your image.

What type of artwork image should I submit?

The first is your directory image (1 image):

  • The image you submit will be used in the directory and other OSW marketing materials and publicity efforts. It is your most visible marketing tool and the primary way visitors select which studios to visit.

  • Be sure to choose an image that is high quality, clear, sharp and well-lit. Avoid showing frames, mats, stands, or anything other than your artwork.

  • Images should not contain text or watermarks. Out-of-focus images may be rejected.

  • Consider having your art photographed by a professional photographer.

  • The format of the catalog listing image is square. We understand a lot artwork is not square, in this case, your artwork will be cropped down to a detail of your work . Focusing on details in 3d art also works, or you can allow enough space around your piece when photographing to be able to crop to square. This is done to prevent horizontal or vertical images appearing smaller than the square ones in the catalog.

Note: TO PROTECT COMMUNITY HEALTH IN THIS TIME OF ELEVATED RISK THE OSW EXHIBITION IS NOT GUARANTEED TO BE A PART OF THE 2020 OSW.

- The The second is your submission to the OSW Juried Exhibition at the Cressman Center (up to 3 images)

  • Submit up to 3 images for the OSW Juried Exhibition at the Cressman Center. Image must be of the exact work to be displayed and must be available for the duration of the exhibit. This is a JURIED exhibition, not every OSW artist will be accepted.

Can I apply in person or mail an application instead of online?
The application is online only. If you are having difficulties completing the form, ask a friend or family member to help. LVA staff can also help over the phone, or you may make an appointment to come into the office and complete the form with staff’s assistance.

Why is it benificial to have a studio profile in the OSW Directory?

  • OSW provides a directory (which will include a studio location map). This directory is a resourceful and informative guide to the arts in Louisville and is used year-round.

  • It is a effective marketing tool when reaching out to customers and increasing your visibility.

  • Many potential customers and businesses review the OSW Directory year-round for purchasing art, curating exhibitions and/or commissions.

  • A link to your website will be included in your studio profile.

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I am new to Open Studio Weekend and I have questions about the event...
LVA staff is available to answer your questions. Email Amy Chase at amy@louisvillevisualart.org or call 502.284.8166.

I would like to participate, but I don’t have a space where the public can visit. Can I show my work at a business?
Studios eligible for OSW must currently be an active work space and accessible to the public. Display spaces or temporary exhibitions of artwork are not eligible. You may partner with another artist in the metro area who has a working studio that would let you work in it during the event. Please contact Amy Chase at amy@louisvillevisualart.org or 502.584.8166 if you are unsure of your studios eligibility or if you are needing someone to partner with.

Do I have to demonstrate my artistic process?
Participating artists are not required to demonstrate. However, it is an impactful way to connect with your visitors and provide them with a memorable experience (word of mouth is always the best promotion). Demonstrations, storyboards, or showing a work-in-progress are all ways to show your process.

Do I need to be open both days of the Tour?
Artists are required to be open both Saturday and Sunday of the tour from 12-6pm.

Can I show reproductions of my work?
Yes, copies of your original art may be included in your display along with your original work. These items may include prints, tiles, greeting cards, etc. You may not mislead the public and claim them as originals. You may not display art from another artist not participating in your studio or any other items that weren’t made by you. Proceeds from your OSW sales at your studio are 100% yours — LVA/UofL takes no commission.

How can I promote myself for the Open Studio Weekend?
In addition to your directory studio listing, mobile-friendly map and submitting to the OSW juried exhibition, LVA members participating in OSW will have the opportunity to be featured on Artebella. 15 selected artists will have the opportunity for scheduled professional photo shoots to be used in promotional materials. LVA promotes OSW as a whole. Artists are encouraged to help promote the tour and their studios — the more buzz, the better the publicity and visibility.

Reasons to Participate in Open Studio Weekend

  • Two days of commission-free sales opportunities

  • Promote your services (i.e., workshops, lectures, etc.)

  • Build relationships

  • Educate the public about your artwork - what time, training, tools and equipment go in to producing quality original artwork

  • Inclusion of your studio information in the 2020 Studio Guide and Artist Directory

  • Opportunity to submit to the OSW Juried Exhibition at the Cressman Center for Visual Art

  • Opportunity to be featured on Artebella, TV and radio.

  • Proceeds from your OSW sales at your studio are 100% yours — LVA/UofL takes no commission

  • Link to your studio website on LVA’s OSW Artist webpage