NOBLE TRUTHS OPEN STUDIO
August 10, 6-8pm
3441 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis, MN
Why even do this?
Artists do “open studios” for a variety of reasons.
Wait! What is an “Open Studio” anyways?
Oh! Sorry! An OPEN STUDIO EVENT is basically an opportunity for the public to visit your place of work.
Like anything one does in business, thinking about your goals for the event is a good idea. Here are a few possible goals/outcomes that artists consider.
- meeting with a gallery director /art consultant / designer to advance a relationship
- meeting with a gallery director to choose works for a scheduled exhibition
- meeting with an art critic/reporter for an interview
- meeting with an individual to sell artworks
- inviting the public in for general sales
- inviting the public in for education
- to increase your visibility
There are probably other potential outcomes. But knowing WHY and HOW you are opening up your space helps you focus.
My goal is visibility, education…and enjoyment.
I have been involved with Art to Change the World, a local activist art organization, for the past year. As an organization, they are sponsoring a series of Open Studio events called Noble Truths. I chose to participate to share my process with a broader group of people.
Probably because I use computers and a low-form of automation in what I do, I have found people to be curious and confused. Some probably think I “press a button” and the artwork is done. Some, with slightly more knowledge may think I purchase designs and press a button. I definitely have been told that I am trying to evade the time-consuming work of hand embroidery. None of those statements remotely describe what I do. Digital Embroidery is a different textile art form, as distinct as weaving, quilting and hand embroidery. And I add on all sorts of other media and processes to create what I do.
On August 10th, those who attend will see the embroidery machines in action, see a few finished pieces and learn a bit more about the process from conception, through computer program, into intuition , to completion to building the boxes. People will even be able to play with the fabrics that I produced. It will be casual and fun.
Will anything sell? Maybe…but that is not the primary point of this event.
