Jo Reimer Open Studio October 4 and 5, 2014

Open Studio: October 4 and 5

You're invited!

I don't do nearly enough to promote the sale of my art so I've decided to remedy that by hosting an open studio. I work in my home and have hesitated to join the Portland Open Studios tour which is held each year in October because it means opening my front door to lots of strangers. But this is different because I'm issuing personal invitations to my friends and to those who follow my blog or Facebook page.

If you're in the Portland, Oregon area on October 4 or 5 please drop by to see where I work, how I work, to meet me for the first time, or to lend support if you know me well. I'd love to see you.

And I'd love to have you buy a piece or two of my art work for your home or office or as a gift. Christmas is just around the bend. There are lots of works that no one has seen and many older works will be discounted 25%.  I'm simply running out of storage.

How to prepare for Open Studio.
 
So, how does one prepare for an open studio? I've only done this once before and worked entirely too hard at making things perfect. This time I'm aiming for simple and casual. I'll de-clutter the studio somewhat but mostly you'll see it as it is on a normal workday.

The first thing I did once I made up my mind to proceed was to grab my studio journal and make a Mind-Map plan, jotting down anything that came to mind. Then I prepared a project sheet and started a list of things I need to do before I open the door on Saturday Oct. 4. It's quite a list. But since I've decided that this will be a casual event I can drop my usual obsessing and just get ready for the party, one step at a time.

Items to Do, culled from my mind-map: 

• Plan promotions (blog, FB, email, mailing, handouts)
• Order invitation postcards. 
• Line up kitchen and studio help
  
• Choose art to display and create an inventory sheet
• Frame as much as possible, mount and bag the rest in clearbags.
• Update email list
• Prepare studio: de-clutter, remove extra furniture and personal stuff, set up sales area, select soft background music,
• Hang art in public rooms and studio. Set up display racks.
• Prepare refreshments 
• Prepare demonstration station 
• Welcome guests
• Follow-up and review

If any of you dear readers have gone through this before and have some suggestions for me please contact me at joreimer at comcast dot net. I'd be so appreciative of any advice you have to offer.  Now please excuse me while I choose art to share.

If you need directions to my home email me at the above address.