Many artists wonder whether participating will truly help their career, lead to sales, or connect them with real collectors. The answer is yes. Open Studio offers authentic visibility by inviting the public into your working space, creating meaningful connections that often turn into lasting support. Artists frequently make sales, but the long term value reaches further through commissions, new contacts, press opportunities, exhibition invitations, and expanded collector lists.

Most importantly, opening up conversation about your work is where the real impact happens. When visitors step into your studio, they are meeting the artist, not just the artwork. Sharing your process, influences, challenges, and ideas transforms a casual viewer into an engaged supporter. These personal exchanges build trust, spark curiosity, and create a deeper understanding of your practice in a way that no gallery label or social media post can replicate.

Attendees come intentionally to explore local art, and they include collectors, designers, curators, writers, and neighbors eager to connect. With shared marketing and citywide promotion, artists benefit from collective visibility, increased studio traffic, and the momentum of a connected creative community shaping Long Beach’s cultural future.

Q: How will promotion be handled?

A: It is each individual artist’s responsibility to share their event by any means they deem necessary: social media, word of mouth, email, blog posts, printed flyers, etc. You can make your own promotional material (see below for examples from previous Tours), or use the ones provided by Long Beach Open Studio Tour (the Tour logo can be found below. Download or copy and use it freely).

In addition to the artist’s responsibility to promote the event, Long Beach Open Studio Tour will also do their own promotion of the event as a whole.

Q: Does the Long Beach Open Studio Tour provide promotional materials?

A: Yard signs, printed maps, and other material will be provided upon request. If you have already received a yard sign from a previous year, please reuse it. You will also be provided maps/brochures to hand out. Consider placing these in various businesses you frequent as promotional materials.

Q: Am I responsible for directions to my studio?

A: Long Beach Open Studio Tour will provide a paper brochure/map and a digital interactive map on our website that has directions and suggested routes between studios. However, if you would like to create signage for your neighborhood directing people from major streets to your studio that is up to you (see examples below). As mentioned before, we can provide signs upon request, and you can modify those signs with more directions at your discretion.

Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?

A: Create a clean and organized space in your studio where people can view your art. Provide chairs and shade for those who want to sit and relax.

Q: Can I have multiple artists at my studio?

A: Yes, it is highly encouraged for multiple artists to be at one address as it increases the chances of having a higher turnout. Please be sure to set aside areas for each artist so that they do not interfere with each other. Make clear lines between one artist and the other to avoid confusion. The website and maps will accommodate for the fact that multiple artists are at one location. Please be sure to include this in your own promotional materials as well.

Q: What should I do during my scheduled time during the tour?

A: Think of it as inviting people into your home to view your art. Spend time talking to people and explaining your art. Have refreshments, snacks, music, and other amenities to welcome guests. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors, but remember to prioritize time in speaking to people who have never seen your art/studio before and be welcoming to strangers.

Q: Can I sell my art during the tour?

A: Yes, during your specified weekend you may sell your art and Long Beach Open Studio Tour will not take a commission. It is recommended that you offer multiple ways for people to pay you. Please look into setting up a PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, or other payment service. In addition, please ensure that you have affordable pieces on display to entice people to purchase your art. Consider having items between $20 and $40.

Q: What can I expect during my time during the tour?

A: Each year the tour is different and unpredictable. The amount of people you get may depend on the weather or other factors surrounding the event. The amount of sales you get may depend on someone visiting your studio that identifies with your work. Art is highly subjective. However, you can expect people interested in art to attend your studio.

Schedule & Dates

4/1/2026 Accepting artist’s registration with fees. We recommend that you submit early for the $50 fee. After 6/1 registration is $75.

You must register by 6/1 to be on the printed maps. Registering after 6/1 only guarantees your studio being on the digital maps.

Registration ends 8/1/2026.

Begin promoting the tour (followup on your volunteer responsibility – we ask that each artist signup for at least one item to help promote the tour. That sign-up sheet can be found HERE) by distributing maps, emails, social media, and word of mouth.

9/1/2026 Printed maps and yard signs available for pickup.

Dates of Tour

Oct 3-4 Belmont (1st weekend) 1-5pm – Belmont (post yard signs)

Oct 10-11 Uptown (2nd weekend) 1-5pm – Uptown (post yard signs)

Oct 17-18 Downtown (3rd weekend) 1-5pm – Downtown (post yard signs)