What are the dates for the 2024 events?
The EBOS 2024 events are as follows –
Spring Event – June 1, 2 and June 8, 9 . Registration opens February 1 and closes March 1.
Winter Event – December 7, 8. Registration will open August 1st and closes September 1st.
Who can participate in the East Bay Open Studios Event?
Any artist working in any visual medium at any level of their career who has a studio or exhibition space in Alameda County or Contra Costa County is invited to participate in the events. This is a non-juried event giving all visual artists in the entire East Bay an equal opportunity to show and sell their work to the public and to experience the event.
Do I have to participate in two weekends?
No. The minimum requirement is participation in one weekend and keeping the established studio hours of 11am – 5pm
How much does it cost to participate*?
Spring Event
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One Weekend – $150 ($75 per day)
-
Both Weekends – $250 ($62.5 per day)
Winter Event
- One weekend – $150 ($75 per day)
Option to Feature Your Profile on the Website – additional $50 per event
* Artists may apply for a limited number of fee waivers provided for each event. For more information on Fee Waivers review the information HERE. In addition, there are opportunities to volunteer to off-set registration fees including art installation, art space sitting, advertising outreach, guide proofing. More information to be provided soon.
What do I get in return for my registration fee?
Artist registration fees help to cover the costs of all printed and online marketing materials, advertising, and publicity including posters, drop cards, guidebooks, signage, website, social media marketing, the rental of the venue for the Group Exhibitions and other associated costs.
- Artist Profile on the website including 5 images, artist statement, art category, art descriptors, location, contact information, location on a digital map and the option to include video
- For an additional fee you may Feature your profile on the website (moves your profile to the top of all search results)
- Artist information, location and image in a printed event guide
- Opportunity to participate in the salon-style exhibition
- Opportunity to participate in free mixers and professional development seminars throughout the year
- Access to self-printable digital files; fliers, post cards, sandwich board size
How long will my artist profile be active on the website?
The artist profile is active from the time of paid registration until the beginning of the next registration period
- Spring Event – Profile up for approximately 6 months
- Winter Event – Profile is active for approximately 6 months
Where will I be able to pick up printed materials?
We set up a date, time frame and location for artists to pick up printed materials for their own distribution and for distribution to venues around the East Bay for the public, about 3-4 weeks before the event begins.
How will the event be marketed to the public?
Digital News and Events Websites and other digital platforms that reach other targeted areas of the SF Bay Area.
Event Calendars
Social Media – Instagram and Facebook, both native and paid advertising buys
Community Hubs and Partners – expanding our reach via the list serves and audiences of our Community Hubs and Partners
Publicity campaigns will run prior and during the event for potential media coverage.
Individual artists should also market their participation in the event to their fans and followers. The more cross-promotion that takes place, the more it will benefit everyone.
If I have to cancel, is my registration fee refundable?
Registration fees are non-refundable.
I am a member of an art collective. Are there different artist registration fees for collectives?
No. Registration fees are per individual artist, not per group. Your registration pays for your individual profile and listing on the website and printed guides.
However, if a collective has 10 – 15 artists registered for the event, the collective would then qualify for a free quarter-page ad in the printed guide. For 16 – 20 artists you would qualify for a free half-page ad and for 21 or more artists you would qualify for a free full-page ad.
How will you know that I am part of a collective?
I want to share my space with another artist. Do they have to pay a registration fee as well?*
Yes. Artist registrations are per artist, not per venue or location. You must agree to our terms and conditions in order to participate in the event.
* Artists may apply for a limited number of free studio or exhibition spaces provided for each event. For more information on Space review the information HERE.
Do I have to hold a reception or do a live demonstration during my open studio?
No. You are not obligated to host any special events or do any live demonstrations. However, it is encouraged because it will draw more attention to your open studio and encourage visitors. The public enjoys special events and receptions and is inspired by live demonstrations as it gives them a unique experience at open studio events. You may submit your special event through a form located HERE.
What do I need to know to include my work in the Salon Style Group Exhibition?
Will there be any kind of sign provided which I can place in my yard, etc. to let people know I’m participating in the event?
How can I apply to have my artwork featured for the East Bay Open Studios Marketing Materials and Guide?
An application and submission process as follows;
June Event
- Submission portal opens February 1 and closes February 15. Announcements by March 1
December Event
- Submission portal opens August 1 and closes August 15. Announcements by Sept 1