In 2020, we learned to be flexible and provide visibility for artists in ways new to us. As we make plans for 2021, we will use what we have learned to offer a hybrid virtual and in-person open studios in May that will showcase your work no matter the circumstances.
Physical Open Studios – MOS will support Artists holding in person studio visits with safety protocols in place, should that be available. If outdoor spaces are needed, MOS can help locate those in some cases. There are locations where you can hold studio options listed on our website, which we hope to add to. These spaces are first come first serve and usually include additional fees.
Tour Guide – MOS will print 33,000 color tour guides which will be inserted in Marin Magazine’s April issue. The guide will also live in virtual form on the MOS’ newly designed event website.
Town Center Gallery – An exhibition comprised of a single work from each participant will be curated, installed and open to the public, with safety protocols in place for drop off and visiting.
Gallery Auction to benefit MOS – Artists may donate works for this fundraiser and drop them off with their gallery piece. Again, safety protocols will be in place as needed.
MOS Branded Signs, Posters, Guides – Will be distributed at art drop off to help direct visitors to your exhibit.
“First Look” Donor Previews Will be held shortly before the gallery opening, with safety protocols. Major donors, collectors and sponsors will have the chance to view the gallery exhibit in small groups. Access will be metered if necessary and an informed curator will guide guests through the works.
Gala Opening – Held Saturday April 24, 2021 following safety protocols.
Outdoor / Indoor Shared Space program – Additional exhibit spaces are available through our shared spaces program. These spaces are listed on our website. If you have a space to share with another artist that meets potential distancing requirements, please send this information info@marinopenstudios.org by March 1st. We are better together!
Social Media & Print Ads, Publicity Campaign – Our wide-reaching campaigns will run before and during the event. With over 3000 followers, our SM reached thousands of patterns, followers and potential collectors in 2021.
Online Auction – Artists may participate in an auction professionally managed online by Bidsquare. One piece of work may be submitted for sale for the artists’ benefit. MOS will include the auction exhibit on our website and will take a small percentage as a fee to cover graphic design and other management costs.
Email communications – Open Studios sends bimonthly updates to you about events and deadlines and sends monthly promotional emails to 5,000+ art lovers about our events, exhibits and artists.
Continued virtual visibility: Curated exhibitions, videos and other new features – Professionally managed social media promotions will run leading up to and throughout the 2021 Opens Studios, publicizing the in-person events and showcasing artists work online. Our professionally managed website has attracted nearly 2,000 followers. Face Book and Instagram have attracted 3,000 monthly visitors. We are committing more of these resources to you in 2021.