2018 Boulder Open Studios Tour

The Boulder Open Studios Tour takes place the first 3 weekends in October and opens the doors of over 100 artist studios in and around Boulder, Colorado. It is a self-guided tour that is free and open to the public. The tour brings an estimated 5,000-7,000 visitors to artist studios, with sales during the tour weekends ranging from $0 to $20,000 according to artist reports. Over 2,000 art appreciators visit the Preview Exhibit to plan their studio visits.

The tour runs October 6 & 7; 13 & 14; and 20 & 21 from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM each day. Artists choose which 2 or 3 weekends they would like their studio open to the public (at least 2 weekends required). A preview exhibition takes place at the Museum of Boulder at 2205 Broadway in downtown Boulder. A $35 non-refundable application fee is required. Accepted artists must pay a $285 participation fee by May 16, 2018 (non-refundable after June 1). Volunteer exchange discounts of $100 are available for the first 50 participating artists in exchange for 10 hours of volunteer work. A $10 discount is offered for each new artist referred.

Applicants must submit 5 different images of artwork completed since 2015 through CallForEntry.org by April 16, 2018 at midnight. Accepted artists must derive a portion of their income from art, maintain a studio within the specified geography, have a minimum of 12 pieces to exhibit (6 for labor intensive media), and agree to demonstrate their creative process and provide an educational component for visitors. Artists must be present in their studio during all tour hours wearing a name badge. Accepted artists must place one work in the preview exhibition (artwork must be ready to hang and not exceed 36" wide, with exceptions for 3D works). All artwork at the Preview Exhibit must be for sale, with Open Studios retaining a 40% commission. Artists must have required City, County and State Sales Tax Licenses and collect and pay sales taxes. Notification of acceptance occurs May 1.