OPENING YOUR STUDIO TO THE PUBLIC by Jo Roberts

Why I opened my studio: Open Studios are a major part of Warwickshire Arts Week, a biannual event held in early July. For several years I had had different studios, mainly in Birmingham, I gave up my last one three years ago. The past two years had been spent in trying to work out what sort of space I needed, and where it would be. Some months ago I reached my conclusion but procrastination took hold! For me, the sole aim in signing up to be part of the Arts Week was to get the garage converted to my studio; the fact that I would be in the brochure meant that I had to have a studio for visitors to see. I think that it’s important to be clear about why you want to open your studio, it can be a sole reason like mine, or a combination - such as wanting to get feedback on your work, a thank you to people who have supported you, a selling opportunity, raising your profile etc. Being part of an organised event: This had definite plus points. Obviously a lot of the organising, printing of brochures, publicity was done for me. Being part of a countywide project gave a weight to the whole event. All aspects were dealt with professionally, for me a vital feature; thus putting my single Open Studio into a wider context. Whilst I operate as a solitary artist, I often collaborate with other professionals. Networking and meeting other artists and people working in the arts is an integral part of my practice. Through meetings prior to the Arts Week and training opportunities given, I was able to forge new contacts and connect with old ones. During Open Studio: I appreciate that the nature of my practice is such that it can be quite difficult to understand, I also wanted visitors to consider the role of the studio. With this in mind I wrote a short piece about having the studio built. When visitors entered I asked them to take a seat and read this, at the same time I offered them refreshments. Often at first people politely declined, but invariably when offered homemade cake that had been made especially for the occasion they relented. I then left them to read, relax and adjust to their surrounding whilst I got their refreshments. I had 43 visitors and only half a dozen declined. Interestingly 4 of these were people who specifically wanted to look at paintings, something I don’t do. You have to accept that your work is not going to appeal to all, and not worry about it!. I also had selected a couple of audio works and books that were indicative of my practice and easily accessible. This proved invaluable, prompting questions and debate. Evaluation: I am an advocate of evaluation and reviewing, and so was pleased that as part of Arts Week we were asked to do some monitoring and evaluation. Whilst at first it seemed rather a lot, I quickly saw a pattern developing with my visitors and enjoyed doing the analysis. It helped me to be more objective about the experience. For example the majority of my 43 visitors were aged 45 – 60, visited me early afternoon, came from the local vicinity, and found out about it from the brochure and a direct invite from me. I also asked visitors to contribute to a comments book; whilst these are obviously very personal and someone is hardly likely to put negative comments in your presence, I found the results had a profound effect upon me. They are definitely something to be read when the latest rejection comes through the post! More seriously they made me appreciate the positive effect that art and creativity can have on peoples lives. Conclusion: Having an Open Studio fulfilled it’s original aim, but the process developed into so much more. Each evening I was absolutely exhausted, and yes it was difficult to be continuously chirpy and welcoming! But the experience was incredibly rewarding and fulfilling and is definitely something that I would do again. I’ll finish with a selection of comments: ‘Opened my eyes to a world of new experiences and opportunities!’ ‘The Open Studio gave me a great opportunity to really explore her work and talk on a one-to-one basis.’ ‘Stimulating – food for thought.’ ‘Opening your studio? How brave!’ Jo calls herself a Commentariographer and she comments on people and places by a variety of means. Her work is project based, and through the process such things as audio recordings, maps, and books are produced. Communication is central to her practice; with an interest in minutiae and the everyday. [www.jorobertsjourney.com]