Frequently Asked Questions
For Artists
Membership
Q Who is eligible to become a member?
A Any visual artist working or residing within the South Coast Artists Region may become a member. Any art gallery in the defined SCA Region may become a member.
Q What is the South Coast Artists Region?
A The South Coast Artists Region is defined by the Massachusetts townships of Westport and Dartmouth, and the Rhode Island townships of Tiverton and Little Compton.
Q Is there any jurying process to become a member?
A No. South Coast Artists is an inclusive community of emerging and professional artists.
Q What are the benefits of becoming a member?
A See Membership Guidelines for more details. Click here.
Q Can I participate
in the Open Studio Tour(s) without becoming a member of South Coast Artists?
A No. You must first become a member.
Q Can I become a member without participating in either Open Studio events?
A Yes.
Q May I become a member at any time throughout the year?
A Yes, memberships are effective when paid; they all will expire annually on December 31.
Q What constitutes a Commercial or Fine Art Gallery status compared to the regular Individual Artist status?
A A Gallery is defined here as a permanent commercial art space representing and exhibiting the works of three or more artists.
Open Studio Registration
Q Who is eligible to participate in the 2013 Open Studio Tours?
A The Tour has two categories for Tour Registration, defined as follows:
A. Single Studio or Single Studio with one Guest: An artist displays artwork at a permanent structure such as their working studio or home studio. An artist may invite or share his or her studio space with one other local artist, whether the arrangement is long-term or only for the Tour weekends. Each artist registers individually for the Tour, each receives a thumbnail image plus text in the brochure, and the location is numbered on the Tour Map. Studio space is subject to SCA guidelines and approval.
B. Community Space: An approved venue that provides exhibition space for artists during the SCA Tours. Each artist registers individually for the Tour, each artist receives a thumbnail image plus text in the brochure/map, and the group location is numbered on the Open Studio Tour map. Note: Community Spaces are limited and approved by the SCA Board. Each Community Space has its own registration restrictions and terms. Interested artists should consult the SCA Registration Committee for contact information on Community Spaces.
Special note for Galleries: A gallery is defined here as a permanent commercial art space representing and exhibiting the works of three or more artists. Galleries do not register for the Open Studio Tour, but instead can become tour sponsors. Upon registration as a tour sponsor, the Gallery name and location is marked on the Tour map, with its logo featured in the Sponsor Gallery Section in the brochure. The SCA Open Studio Tour Banner, retail display, and map materials will be provided. See SCA Sponsor Kit for detailed information, map design and sponsor benefits.
Q When do I need to register for the
2013 Open Studios?
A The Early Bird Registration, (open to returning 2012 Tour participants only) deadline is March 1, 2013. Regular Registration begins March 2 and continues until April 1, or when the maximum participant limit of 75 is reached. Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first serve basis.
Q When do I need to submit photos and info for the printed brochure?
A Submit materials as soon as possible after you register. The deadline is April 1, 2013.
Q What exactly do I need to submit be included in the printed brochure (the Open Studios Tour Guide and Map)?
A Send us 2 to 5 jpg photos (300 ppi resolution, max 6" x 8") on CD/DVD (CD/DVD’s will not be returned) by mail or email to brochure@southcoastartists.org. Please send at least one image as a vertical 4:3 format in case the brochure layout requires a vertical. Also, send us your contact information (name; business or studio name, if applicable; address, phone, and website); your primary medium; a very brief description of your work; and your studio hours.
Open Studio Event Weekends & Promotion
Q Besides the brochure/pull-out map and the website, how else will the Open Studio weekends be promoted?
A Regional and local newspaper and magazine listings, press releases, summer guides, and e-mail blasts.
Q Will I receive any brochures that I may send out with my own personal mailing list?
A Yes, each artist will receive some brochures for mailings as well as for help in distribution.
Online Artist Directory
Q What will be included in the Artist Directory?
A Each artist member’s web page will include contact info, descriptions of work, images of your artwork and yourself, and up to 25 words of professional information.
Q Is there a deadline for submitting my images and
information to the directory?
A No. However, it is to your advantage to send in your materials as soon as possible. Material submitted by the end of the month will be online the following month.
Q How often will I be able to modify my page?
A The information in the Artist Directory will remain on the site all year. The directory will be updated annually. Membership renewal time is Dec 31. At that time the information and images may be updated and modified if desired. If membership is not renewed the artist or gallery member page will be removed.
Q How many images may I submit to
the directory?
A Up to 5 images plus a photo of the artist or studio/gallery.
Q How do I label the image files for the Artist Directory?
A For image files: Label each filename with your name and image #. Then, in a text file, include the following info for each image submitted: file #, your last name, medium, title of artwork, and size of artwork.
Q How do I submit the files to South Coast
Artists Inc.?
A Please try to submit all files together to Karen Raus at: membership@southcoastartists.org. Include last name in subject of email. Mail CD/DVD: SCA c/o Karen Raus, PO Box N98, Westport, MA 02790. Label CD with name and phone number.
Tips for the Tour
Be sure you are ready for the Tour
> Click for Tips