Boulder Open Studios Tour 2017

The Boulder Open Studios Tour takes place the first two 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 2 weekends ranging from $0 to $20,000 according to artist reports. A preview exhibition takes place at the Canyon Gallery in the Boulder Public Library from September 25 through October 23, with an opening reception on October 6 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. The main tour runs October 7-8 and 14-15, 2017 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM each day.

Participating artists receive two free professional development workshops valued at $40+, including one on best practices for the tour experience and another on selling art directly to the public. An application fee of $35 is required. Accepted artists must pay a $275 participation fee by May 8, 2017. New in 2017, the first 50 participating artists can receive a $100 discount on the participation fee in exchange for 10 hours of volunteer work. Artists can also receive a $10 discount for each new artist they refer.

Accepted artists must have a year-round studio within the specified geography, derive a portion of their income from art, and have a minimum of 12 pieces to exhibit (6 for labor intensive media). Artists must demonstrate their creative process and provide an educational component for visitors. Each artist must submit 5 images of different pieces completed since 2014. 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). Open Studios retains a 40% commission from work sold at the preview exhibit. Artists must be present in their studio during all event hours wearing a name badge and must have required sales tax licenses. Artwork drop-off is September 25 from 10 AM to 1 PM, with pickup on October 23 from 10 AM to 1 PM.