November is New Bedford Open Studios month – guide to all you need to know!

These studios and galleries are in re-purposed former mill buildings around the city. It kicks off on Saturday, Nov. 7 at Kilburn Mills Studios, 101 W. Rodney French Blvd. from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Then, it moves to The Ropeworks, 123 Sawyer Street, on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Finally, it winds up at Hatch Street Studios for a grand finale over three days: Fri. Nov. 20 5 – 9 p.m.; Sat. Nov. 21 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 22 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Your details can be found at NewBedfordOpenStudio.org and Facebook.com/NewBedfordOpenStudios.

Okay – the New Bedford Open Studios tour is on your calendar. But…you may have some questions about just what an Open Studios tour is all about and what you can expect.

We’re here to help with this handy guide to the New Bedford Open Studios tour in 2015.

Frequently Asked Questions are:

How much is the New Bedford Open Studios Tour?
It’s FREE.

How does it work?
Artists open their doors to some of the most inspiring spaces in the city for a day or weekend and you walk in and check it out. Some artists will be guest artists from outside the area simply displaying their work. That’s it. You make the tour your own. You can spend 1 hour or 4 hours in any one building visting the different studios.

These buildings are big. Are there a lot of stairs to climb?
Surprisingly few. The Ropeworks is all on one floor. You could roller-skate through it. Hatch Street Studios has a gazillion stairs to the fourth floor – BUT there is an elevator and a very friendly elevator operator who will whisk you up faster than Scotty beamed Spock through space. Kilburn has a few stairs here and there but hey, you need some exercise.

Why should I go on the New Bedford Open Studios tour?
You want to support an artist you know.
You want to see a lot of art.
You want to buy art.
You want to get inspired making your own artwork.
You want to expose your kids to the creative life.
You never miss a chance to see the insides of beautiful old mill buildings.
You are curious about what contemporary, working artists are making.
You want to support living artists rather than dead ones.
You want to talk to artists about how they create their work.
You wonder what it would be like to be an artist.
You need a good dose of inspiration in your life.
You really need to get out of the house.

Do I have to talk to the artists?
Nope. Not unless you want to. These are experienced professionals who are accustomed to having people view their work in art galleries. Don’t feel the need to chat unless you want to. But…

Should I talk to the artists?
Absolutely! Ask them about the medium they work in. Is it oil? Acrylic? Printmaking? Ask them about the process. How did you make that? Ask about their inspiration. Where do you get ideas for your work?

Don’t worry about asking “dumb” questions. There are none. All artists participating in the New Bedford Open studios tour want to hear what you think. They will appreciate your curiousity.

Can I buy some art?
Absolutely again! While there is no obligation to buy art on the tour, there is no reason why you shouldn’t. The New Bedford Open Studios tour is an opportunity for artists and art patrons to connect. If you want to support working artists, you’ll find plenty to choose from on the tour.
Some artists and artisans will have their prices displayed. Some will have a price sheet. Some will negotiate a price. Some accept commissions – and this is your chance to find them.

In case you see something that you love, bring cash, a checkbook, and some artists – but not all – do accept credit cards. If you buy a piece, some artists will let you walk away with it, some might ask you to come back to pick up.

How do I keep in touch with artists after the tour?
When you find an artist whose work you like, there are several ways to keep the connection going.
Sign their guest book and include your email so they can keep in touch with you.
Take their cards, post cards, or other take-aways to help you remember them and their work.
LIKE their artist page on Facebook and follow the artist on Instagram and/or Twitter if they’re on social media.

The New Bedford Open Studios tour only happens once a year but many artists and patrons enjoy year-round relationships. And that all starts this November in New Bedford.

Find out more at NewBedfordOpenStudio.org and Facebook.com/NewBedfordOpenStudio.