2019 Boulder Open Studios Tour

The Boulder Open Studios Tour takes place the first 3 weekends in October, opening the doors of over 100 artists' studios in and around Boulder, Colorado. It is a self-guided tour that is free and open to the public. The annual tour is an extraordinary opportunity for collectors and art lovers to meet the artists, observe demonstrations, experience artists' creative process, and buy art directly from the artist. In 2018, there were over 41,000 visits to the 138 participating artists' studios, with individual artist sales ranging from $0 to $20,000. The Preview Exhibit is attended by over 2,000 people who use it to plan their studio visits.

Artists must choose which 2 or 3 weekends they would like their studio open to the public (at least 2 weekends required). The 2019 Boulder Open Studios Tour dates are October 5 & 6; 12 & 13; and 19 & 20 from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM each day. A Preview Exhibition with one piece of art from each participating artist will take place at Naropa University's Nalanda Campus, 6287 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder, CO. The application fee is $35 (non-refundable). If accepted, a $285 participation fee must be paid by May 16, 2019. After June 1, the participation fee is non-refundable. Artists will be notified of acceptance by May 10, 2019.

Discounted participation fee options are available: The first 50 participating artists who volunteer will receive a $100 discount (making the total participation fee $185) in exchange for 10 hours of volunteer work before December 31, 2019. Additionally, for each new artist you refer to apply, you will receive a $10 discount on your participation fee. New artists are those who have not participated in the Boulder Open Studios Tour in the last 5 years or more.

Requirements include: submitting 5 different images of 5 different pieces of art completed since 2016; having your year-round studio within the specified geography; deriving a portion of annual income from art; providing an educational component by demonstrating creative process; having a minimum of 12 pieces to exhibit (6 for labor-intensive media); being present in your studio during all tour hours wearing a name badge; having required City, County and State Sales Tax Licenses; placing one work in the Preview Exhibition (artwork must be professionally presented, ready to hang, and not exceed 36" wide, with exceptions for 3D works); and donating an amount equal to 10% or more of sales generated from participating in the Tour. All artwork displayed at the Preview Exhibit must be for sale, with Open Studios retaining a 40% commission from sales.