We welcome all artists 18 years or older, from emerging to professional. Applicants must be current residents of San Luis Obispo County and must be present at their studio during the weekends of the tour that they register for.

An Open Studios studio is defined as the artist’s regular workspace, retaining the atmosphere of art-making with materials, equipment, works-in-progress, and processes visible. This can be a room in a house, a space in a warehouse, a garage, or something different altogether.

Your body of work should be well-developed and demonstrate your competency, proficiency, and skill in your craft. We recommend a minimum of 10 original pieces on hand for opening day of the Tour, though you may also sell reproductions, prints, cards, and other media.

The Open Studios Art Tour is a chance for artists to show a majority of their work in the space where it is created. It is not just an art show - visitors are looking to get an intimate experience of the creative process in addition to viewing artworks. To uphold the spirit of the Tour, the majority of stops during the Open Studios Art Tour need to be art artists’ working studios.

If your studio is in a remote or inaccessible location, has little or no access to parking, cannot be made open to the public, or if you’re unsure where you’ll be working on your art in October, you can be hosted by another OSAT artist. Artists are encouraged to arrange a host ahead of time (your host must be applying to the tour) - do not apply to the tour until you have secured a location! The SLO County Arts Council will try to help you find a host studio if you would like assistance.

Artists for whom 3 or more of the following characteristics are true are not eligible for OSAT: commercial or retail location, retail signage, employees and/or paid apprentices, the majority of business is by “drop-in” rather than by appointment.

• Up to two weekends to sell your work and your services (i.e. workshops), while keeping 100% commission

• Exposure and building relationships with the public

• Increased visibility and name recognition

• Listing in the official Open Studios Art Tour catalog with contact information

• Listing in the print and digital Open Studios Art Tour maps

• Provided directional sign, posters, flyers, and other promotional materials

• Preparation support for marketing

• Advertising and publicity in local and regional publications/media

• Help educate the public as to the value of your artwork and what time, training, tools, and equipment go into producing quality original artwork!