Participating Artist / Studio Information

Registration Deadline: Monday, September 16th @ 11:59pm.
Deadline will not be extended.

What is Open Studio Weekend?
Open Studio Weekend is an event organized by Louisville Visual Art and the University of Louisville's Hite Art Institute. Artists across Louisville open their doors to the public once a year for this event, which is a wonderful opportunity to see artists at work, get a glimpse into their process, and take advantage of studio sales. It's also a fun way to discover new favorites. Visitors create their own self-guided tour using printed/downloadable maps and mobile-friendly online directory. Open Studio Weekend is an exciting way to celebrate Louisville's creative community.

Who can participate?

*Note Changes
Fine/craft artists who maintain a permanent studio or can set up a temporary demonstration/display space in the following zip codes: 40202, 40203, 40204, 40206, 40208, 40210, 40211, 40212, 40217 & 40292.

Temporary studio spaces are allowed as long as the artist is present and actively engaged. If your studio is not located in one of the listed zip codes, you may still participate by joining another venue. Please call for further information and assistance.

For questions about these changes please email taylor@louisvillevisualart.org or 502.584.8166.


When is it held? 

OSW 2024 will take place on November 16th & 17th from 12-5 pm.

Where is it held?
Studios are open throughout Metro Louisville in the 10 eligible zip codes: 40202, 40203, 40204, 40206, 40208, 40210, 40211, 40212, 40217 & 40292.

Is there an exhibition for Open Studio Louisville?
The Cressman Center for Visual Art (100 East Main Street) will host a juried exhibition from October 18-November 16. All OSW registered artists may submit work for consideration to be included in the juried exhibition by filling out the optional section on the OSW registration form. The closing reception for this exhibition is November 15th.

Does my studio qualify/will I be accepted?
• Studio must be in the Louisville metro zip codes: 40202, 40203, 40204, 40206, 40208, 40210, 40211, 40212, 40217 & 40292.
• Studio or temporary/pop-up space must allow you to actively demonstrate your artistic processes or share aspects of your working methods during OSW open hours.
• Studios will be screened for quality and eligibility. If an ineligible studio is registered, LVA will first work with the artist on an alternative. If an alternative cannot be found, registration fees will be refunded.

How much does it cost to participate and have my studio promoted through OSL?
OSW studio registration requires a non-refundable $70 fee, which allows participation on one or both days. Groups of 5 or more artists at a single address/venue/location qualify for a discounted fee of $50. You must indicate the other four artists in your group to qualify for this discount. Please email Taylor at taylor@louisvillevisualart.org BEFORE registering if you are unsure whether you qualify for a group discount.

If I am with a group of 5+ other artists at a multi-studio venue, do I still need to register for myself?
Each artist receives equal publicity in the directory and marketing materials. Therefore, each artist must submit their own application and pay the appropriate registration fee. Contact LVA with further questions.

What do I need to do to complete the registration form?
Before you begin, make sure you have a high-quality digital image in jpeg format. This is the image that will be used in the online directory. This image must be of one single artwork that represents your work, no studio shots, head shots, or gallery shots will be accepted.
*Note: images in the directory will be cropped into a square format. Please make sure your image can be cropped without loosing an important details of your image.

What type of artwork image should I submit?

The image you submit will be used in the directory and other OSL marketing materials and publicity efforts. It is your most visible marketing tool and the primary way visitors select which studios to visit.

  • Be sure to choose an image that is high quality, clear, sharp and well-lit. Avoid showing frames, mats, stands, or anything that distracts from your actual artwork.

  • Images should not contain text or watermarks. Out-of-focus images may be rejected.

  • Consider having your art photographed by a professional photographer.

  • The format of the catalog listing image is square. We understand a lot artwork is not square, in this case, your artwork may be cropped down to a detail of your work . Focusing on details in 3D art also works, or you can allow enough space around your piece when photographing to be able to crop to square. This is done to prevent horizontal or vertical images appearing smaller than the square ones in the catalog.

Can I apply in person or mail an application instead of online?
The application is online only. If you encounter difficulty completing the form, LVA staff can help over the phone, or you may make an appointment to come into the office and complete the form with staff’s assistance.

Why is it beneficial to have a studio profile in the OSW Directory?

  • OSW provides an online directory (which will include a studio location map). This directory is an informative guide to artists in Louisville and is availble year-round on our website.

  • It is a effective tool to increase your visibility and customer base.

  • Many potential customers and businesses review the OSW Directory year-round for purchasing art, curating exhibitions and/or commissions.

  • A link to your website and/or social media will be included in your studio profile.

I am new to Open Studio Louisville and I have questions that aren’t answered here.
LVA staff is available to answer your questions. Email Taylor at taylor@louisvillevisualart.org

I would like to participate, but I don’t have a space where the public can visit. Can I show my work at a business or other venue?
OSW studios must be accessible to the public and able to showcase working methods/tools as well as completed artworks. Temporary spaces will be considered. You may also partner with another artist or join a multi-studio venue that has extra space. Please contact Taylor at taylor@louisvillevisualart.org or 502.584.8166 if you are unsure of your studio’s eligibility.

Do I have to demonstrate my artistic process?
Participating artists are not required to demonstrate, but we do ask that those who aren’t actively working be ready to share tools, works in progress, or insights into their artistic practices. This is an impactful way to connect with visitors and provide them a memorable experience (word of mouth is always the best promotion).

Do I need to be open both Saturday and Sunday?
No. But you must choose which day(s) you will participate at registration and then be open on the indicated date(s) from 12-5pm.

Can I show reproductions of my work?
Yes, copies of your original art may be included in your display along with your original work. These items may include prints, tiles, greeting cards, etc. You may not mislead the public and claim them as originals. You may not display art from another artist not participating in your studio or any other items that weren’t made by you. Proceeds from your OSW sales at your studio are 100% yours — LVA does not take any commission.

How can I promote myself for the Open Studio Louisville?
In addition to your directory studio listing and mobile-friendly map, LVA members participating in OSW will have the opportunity to be featured on Artist Talk with LVA. LVA promotes OSW as a whole. Artists are encouraged to help promote the tour and their studios — the more buzz, the better the publicity, visibility and people visiting your studios. For a suggested promotional timeline click here

OVERVIEW: Reasons to Participate in Open Studio Louisville

  • Two days of commission-free sales opportunities

  • Promote your services (i.e., workshops, lectures, etc.)

  • Build relationships with the community and network

  • Educate the public about your artwork - what time, training, tools and equipment go in to producing quality original artwork

  • Inclusion of your studio information in the 2024 Studio Guide and Artist Directory

  • Inclusion on the LVA mobile app

  • Opportunity to be featured on WXOX FM

  • Proceeds from your OSW sales at your studio are 100% yours — LVA/UofL does not take any commission

  • Link to your studio website on LVA’s OSW Artist webpage