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| Binford-Bell Studio in mid project |
In the uncertain economic times galleries are becoming more limited. And even the once popular art fairs are in crisis. But there is a boom in private studios open to the public at least a few hours a week. And now a rise in studio tours which combine great scenery and spruced up studios on handy brochures.
The studio tours are becoming increasingly popular among collectors and artists. They provide a variety of collectibles and great prices for the art shopper. And for the studio they provide an easy and economical way to show their wares: no packing and unpacking.
But even more they provide freedom and flexibility to the artists. To get into a gallery or a higher class art fair an artist must submit a body of work for approval and stick to it. If you juried in to a show with colorful watercolor mission churches you cannot decide to show your photography to fill the space. And a gallery which represents you isn't thrilled when you decide to deviate from your usual pallet or subject matter.
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| Black and White sunflower photograph |
Or even depart from gallery wrapped canvas to explore the creative format of standing cradled panels suitable for display on book shelves or tables instead of hanging on a wall.
Artists must create and grow and yet vying for space in an art fair or acceptance in a gallery, or maintaining your space and representation, can be stifling.
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| Standing Cradled Panels |
And heaven forbid you should decide to paint furniture or create beaded jewelry or make note cards with your watercolor sketches or photographs. Things suitable to a gift shop or crafts fair but which a gallery and its exclusive contract with you will take a dim view of.
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| Painted folding table |
Studio tours have no such restrictions. If you did it you can sell it.
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| Wire wrapped shell necklaces |
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| Painted end table or plant stand |
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| Art Chair |
I find the time leading up to a studio tour very energizing and creative. When I did art fairs I dreaded this period of time when I was working for volume to take to a show. Not uniqueness.
Be sure to mark your calendar for the second annual Angel Fire Studio Tour September 29th and 30th. It is sponsored by Art Up Northern New Mexico. And in December there will be a Holiday Market which allows exhibiting arts and artisans and craftsmen more flexibility in what work they choose to exhibit.
What a great empowering concept for artists. Your variety of skills is amazing. I love the painted furniture! Is there an an energiser bunny in your genetic makeup? Good luck at the end of the month!
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