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 space would be an exhibiting space that has regular storefront hours and represents several—or a group of—other artists on an ongoing basis. This would not include a group of artists that simply decide to exhibit together only for the Open Studio events.
Open Studio Registration
QWho is eligible to participate in the 2011 Open Studio Tours?
AAll returning 2010 Tour Participants (individual artists and Commercial/Gallery members) are eligible. New Tour participants are limited to individual artist participants only. New Commercial/Gallery locations are not eligible to participate.
Q When do I need to register for the 2011 Open Studios?
A The Early Bird Registration, (open to returning 2010 Tour participants only) deadline is March 21, 2011. Regular Registration begins March 22 and continues until April 15, or when the maximum participant limit of 70 is reached. Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Regular Registration is open to all individual artists and returning 2010 Tour Commercial Gallery participants. New Commercial Gallery locations are not eligible to participate.
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 15.
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, e-mail blasts, and postcards.
Q Will I receive any brochures and postcards that I may send out with my own personal mailing list?
A Yes, each artist will receive some brochures and postcards 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