What if art lovers from across Maryland could discover your work?

Having an open studio - even if your studio (like mine) is also known as the laundry room - is one of the best, tried and true ways to easily expose your work! And you constant readers know how I stress how artists need to work to get their work seen as much as possible!

This series was created to help all artists learn how to open their studios, but is especially focused on preparing for the upcoming Artist Open Studios tour of Maryland.

Since 2024, Maryland Artist Collective's Artist Open Studios Tour has brought Maryland artists and art lovers together for two days of studio visits, art discovery, and personal connection. Every year they have grown exponentially. More artists, more locations, and more sponsors that generate buzz around the state. This year, we’re building together an even stronger tour, and we want to show you how to be part of it.

In this free informational webinar, you’ll learn how participating in the Tour can help you expand your audience, build relationships with prospective collectors, and sell your work commission-free in your own space.

They cover:

• How AOS can expand your reach across Maryland through statewide marketing, publicity, and promotion
• How your work stays visible beyond Tour weekend through your year-round AOS artist profile
• How art lovers discover and find you through the interactive map and professionally designed Tour Guide
• What marketing tools AOS provides to help you promote your own open studio
• What resources and guidance you’ll receive to help you prepare for a successful Tour
• How to participate if you don’t have a studio, including options for sharing another artist’s studio or joining a group location
• What participation involves, including key dates, fees, deadlines, and registration
• You’ll leave with a clear picture of how the Artist Open Studios Tour works, what AOS provides, and what you need to do to participate.

Ophelia

 

Ophelia
Graphite & Conte drawing on broken, unfired Bisque by F. Lennox Campello

Homage to Frazetta

 

Homage to Frank Frazetta
Graphite & Conte drawing on broken, unfired Bisque by F. Lennox Campello

Ayn Rand

 

Homage to Ayn Rand
Graphite & Conte drawing on broken, unfired Bisque by F. Lennox Campello

Frida Smoking

Frida Smoking
Graphite & Conte drawing on broken, unfired Bisque by F. Lennox Campello

 

Rejected!

 Artists need thick skin!

Greetings,

Thank you for your interest in the Louisiana Percent for Art opportunity at Northwestern State University, and your patience throughout the review process.

The selection committee reviewed submissions through multiple rounds of evaluation and discussion. After thoughtful consideration, the committee has completed its selection process. Unfortunately, you were not chosen to move forward as a finalist for this project.

We appreciate the time and effort you put into your application and encourage you to stay connected through our website at www.louisianaarts.org or on Instagram at @lapercentforart for future opportunities.

All the best,

April M. Baham
Assistant Director, Percent for Art
Louisiana Division of the Arts
www.louisianaarts.org

REJECTED! (Again)

REJECTED!

I have an interesting relationship with the Washington Commission on the Arts & Humanities. For the last 20+ years they have rejected my artwork for their annual call for art for the city’s collection or any other proposal that I've submitted.

At the same time, they usually ask me separately to be in one of their panels selecting artists and artwork for fellowships, projects, or to acquire art. This year is no exception! Below is my annual rejection email... and yes, separately they've asked me to serve in one of their panels again!

Dear Lenny Campello: 

DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities (CAH) appreciates your FY27 Art Bank Program Grant application. Unfortunately, your application was not approved for funding.  

Please know that CAH makes every effort to gain valuable feedback from the advisory panelists and shares that information with applicants upon request. Many applicants have found these comments and insights from panelists helpful in furthering their endeavors, as well as in developing future applications to CAH. You may request a debriefing within 60 days from the date of this letter by filling out this form. Due to volume and staff capacity, please allow for up to six months for debrief processing. If you have further questions, please contact Curator Michelle May-Curry at michelle.may-curry@dc.gov or (202) 215-9486.

CAH appreciates your valuable contribution to the arts and humanities community and encourages you to apply to future grant programs. You may wish to consider participating in our grant workshops to obtain information about specific grant programs and best practices for applying to CAH’s grants. Once grants are open, a list of workshops may be found on CAH’s website at www.dcarts.dc.gov. 

Sincerely, 

Karyn Miller 

Public Arts Department Manager