Q: How is COVID-19 affecting planning for the tour?
A: While the general level of caution in the US has decreased since last year we understand that many artists are still taking COVID precautions and respect that. If you want to require that visitors wear a mask that is your choice. It is not practical for any studio to require visitors to be vaccinated, if you feel uncomfortable allowing unvaccinated people into your studio we suggest that you skip the tour this year.
Q: Under what circumstances would the tour get cancelled due to COVID?
A: The tour will go ahead unless the government compels us to shut down or a majority of artists want the tour to be cancelled. In either case we are unable to offer refunds after the map guide has gone to the printers.
Q: What is the difference between a shared studio, a studio collective and a gallery?
A: A shared studio is where two artists live and create, and both want to participate in the tour. OR it is one where the resident artist hosts up to two other Washington County artists who normally do not work there but are unable to open their own studio space to the public. These other artists still pay the registration fee and are required to fulfill all participant obligations for the tour.
A studio collective is a creative space which three or more artists use year around as their creative space, but live elsewhere. All the artists in the collective are required to fulfill all participant obligations for the tour.
A gallery is a space that exhibits the work of multiple artists and its principal business is selling that art. It is open to the public with regular business hours. They do not have a studio space. Galleries as part of the Washington County Open Studios Tour primarily support local artists and are required to fulfill all participant obligations for the tour, including offering demonstrations. If your studio is a hybrid of these creative spaces that we have defined for the Open Studio Tour, please use the contact form and the Board will let you know which version best fits you.
Q: I see that there is a limit of 60 registrations that will be approved. Why is this?
A: In the past we have usually accepted an unlimited number of registrations but beyond a certain number it is not possible to run the tour as well as we could with 60 or less. The total number of artists participating impacts many things such as space available for each artist in the map guide and the volunteer effort required to support the artists via the website, photos, signage, etc.
Q: What is the largest number of registrations that we have had in the past?
A: 61 is the most, so it is quite possible that there will be enough room for everyone who applies.
Q: If there are more than 60 applicants how will you decide who gets approved?
A: This process needs to happen quickly so we will not attempt to do a formal jury process. These are some of the rules that we plan to follow.
- If you are one of the artists in online studios 2023 you will not be able to register for Open Studios 2023.
- The 25 or so volunteers including unpaid board members who have been keeping this organization running will automatically be accepted.
- If there are a small number of galleries and studio collectives they will all be accepted.
- Submitting low resolution or incorrectly named photos will lower your chances of being accepted. Not responding to email could also hurt your chances.
- Shared studios will be considered as a group.
- The order in which artists submit a complete application including acceptable photos will be the final tie breaker. For this reason you are advised to not delay in sending in your photos.
- The decision of the board will be final.
Q: Do I lose my application fee if I am not accepted?
A: There is no application fee, artists only pay once they have been accepted.
Q: How much space will I get allotted in the catalog?
A: We will be using a folding map guide, similar to what we had in 2021, there is an area 1 x 3 inches per artist.
Q: I live in Multnomah County but my studio is in Washington County. Can I still be in the Washington County Open Studios tour?
A: Yes, you can! The studio location is the essential element.
Q; My studio is not in Washington County, but it is just blocks away from the boundary. Is this close enough to participate?
A: Sorry, we must abide by the county boundaries. If you are interested in an Open Studio venue, many adjoining counties also host them.
Q: Both my spouse and I are artists. Do we each have to pay the registration fee?
A: Yes, each artist has to pay a registration fee as part of registration.
Q: How do I pay the registration fee?
A: We use Square to securely collect payments online. Once your application is approved we will send you an email with the link to our secure payment page which accepts all major credit cards. If paying online is a problem for you please use out contact form to contact us.
Q: Can I show my work with another artist?
A: We have developed some pretty hard and fast standards of what constitutes studio sharing, and what might be the occasion to do so. An integral part of the event we are offering is the ability for your guests to see the inside of a working studio, which comes in so many shapes and forms. We firmly believe that where you create IS a studio, and need not be limited to the concept of a “real” one.
Are you able to set up a spot at the other studio that allows you to work in your medium? Can you demonstrate not just what you do but HOW you do it? If you can answer both these points in the affirmative, then you can share in another space. If you are still not sure, please use the contact form so the WCAA Board can make a decision.
If opening your own space feels unsafe or intrusive, then you mighty consider asking if another artist could host you in a shared studio.
Q: I live in Multnomah County but my friend has a studio in Washington County and is registered as an artist on the tour. Can I be in the Open Studios tour by showing at their studio?
A: No.
Q: Is there a limit to how many artists can share a studio?
A: The limit is three, one host and two guest artists. Note that a studio collective or gallery may have more than three artists.
Q: Does my studio need to have access for people with disabilities?
A: No, it does not. That being said, we work to include everyone in the tour, and will note in the map guide which studios are wheelchair accessible.
Q: Can I only show on one day?
A: If you sign up for the tour, you must plan to be at your studio during both days and all open hours. Unforeseen health related reasons such as testing positive for COVID can of course cause that to change.
Q: I am already in Portland Open Studios. Can I do Washington County at the same time?
A: Yes, and we have had many artists over the weekend do so.
Q: Do I have to be demonstrating my process during the tour?
A: This is required. Some artists schedule and advertise times that they will be doing a demo, and some are prepared for more spontaneous demonstrations based on conversations they are holding with guests. There are many ways to meet this standard.
Q: Am I required to attend meetings?
A: WCAA holds monthly meetings for planning and promoting the tour from May through September. Meetings are held at various homes/studios and are usually on the 3rd Sunday of the month. You are encouraged but not required to attend monthly meeting as they are highly beneficial to both the organization and the individual artists. Artists are responsible to keep up to date on the preparation process.
Q: I want to help with tour preparation. Whom do I contact?
A: We are so glad you are offering to help! Our organization is 100% run by volunteers like you. There is a place on the registration form where you can tell us your area of interest, and the Volunteer Chair will contact you.
Q: Does the Washington County Art Alliance provide insurance coverage for my studio or guests for the tour weekend?
A: You must provide your own coverage. WCAA is not responsible for injury or damage to people, materials, property or art during the tour. Check with your personal insurance provider to make sure you have the proper coverage.
Q: I have a really friendly dog. Do I have to lock him up during the tour?
A: Any dog of any size should be removed from harm’s way. Even dog-loving guests do not like to be barked at, jumped upon, licked, sniffed or otherwise greeted when they come to visit. For your dog’s sake and for the sake of your guests, find an off-site place for your dog during the tour. Visitors may be allergic to cats so you you should also keep your cats out of the studio area.
Q: Do I have to provide a bathroom for guests?
A: No, you do not. It is your choice. We do ask that you prepare ahead of time and locate the nearest public restroom if you choose to have yours closed.
Q: If I register and then change my mind about being in the tour, do I get a refund?
A: Only up until May 1st after which time we start the catalog preparation process. Making changes after that time is time consuming and expensive, and no refunds will be issued.
Q: If I have dropped out of the tour and received a refund can I change my mind and join the tour again?
A: You will have to wait until next year’s tour if you want to register again.
Q: I have friends/students that like to come over and make art with me. Can I invite them to sell their work too?
A: The focus on the Open Studio weekend is not on selling art but providing a unique cultural experience for our community. The process of participating in the tour helps develop an artist professionally, which includes displaying, pricing, and the ability to discuss work with a possible buyer. It would be more appropriate for friends/students to assist you on the weekend, or share your studio space as a registered artist, or open up their own studios!