FAQs for Artists

  • I live in Arlington, but my studio is elsewhere. May I participate?

    Studios outside Arlington cannot be included, but you may open a space at your Arlington home where you make and display art. (Exception for StudiosAt307)

    I live elsewhere but my studio is in Arlington. May I participate?

    Absolutely!

    What are the tour dates and hours?

    The 2025 tour is September 27 and 28, from 11-5.

    In 2025, North Arlington zip codes will be open on Saturday and South Arlington Zip codes will be open on Sunday. See registration page for specific zips.

    If you require a date change, please contact us at arlstudiotour@gmail.com before registering.

    I work in a team with another artist. Do we have to register separately?

    You must register separately unless the majority of the works you are presenting are made collaboratively.

    What is the registration fee?

    Registration in 2025 is $45 per artist, and includes entry into the AVAST exhibit at MoCA Arlington.

    I’m having trouble with the registration form. What can I do?

    Check that all blanks are filled in. Make sure that your artwork image is a jpeg, jpg, or png file, and that it is less than 3 Mb in size. Then try a different browser. If you still have trouble, email us at arlstudiotour@gmail.com.

    What if I need to cancel?

    If you withdraw after June 30 your information may remain in the printed Tour Guide/Map, but will be removed from the website listing. If you have an unforeseen, unavoidable conflict, email arlstudiotour@gmail.com. Registration fees are nonrefundable.

  • Any tips for getting the most out of participation?

    • Add arlstudiotour@gmail.com to your contact list and check regularly.

    • Recruit Arlington artists you know to participate, especially those who live/work near you.

    • Participate on social media – see below.

    • Keep a sign-in sheet or guest book during the Tour, to add to your and our mailing lists.

    • Record the number of visitors you have. This will help us obtain future funding.

    • Complete the provided follow-up survey after the event.

    • Visit others’ studios on the day you aren’t open.

    How can I let people know about the tour?

    AVAST promotes the tour through local event calendars, social media, press releases, and printed materials. We expect all Tour artists to help! Past experience shows that artists who make the most effort get the most visitors. Suggestions:

    • Through social media: Post on our Facebook page. On Instagram, tag pictures #arlingtonartstudiotour, and follow/mention @arlingtonartstudiotour.

    • Send our digital postcard to your mailing list. It will arrive by email in August.

    • Include a link to www.arlingtonartstudiotour.org on your website.

    • Invite friends and contacts to the Tour’s Facebook event and post it on your own page.

    • Create an event posting on Nextdoor.com.

    • Hang our posters in your neighborhood and at local businesses.

    • If you would like to help with social media, contact us at arlstudiotour@gmail.com

    How will visitors find me?

    • In September, your studio address will be printed on the Tour Guide/Map and online Artist Directory, at AVAST’s website: www.arlingtonartstudiotour.com.

    • Printed Tour Guides/Maps will be available at libraries and art centers, and you will receive some for distribution before and during the Tour

    • Place a lawn sign at each intersection near your studio, directing people there. You may also create and put up your own sign.

    What do I do with Tour Guides/Maps and Posters?

    We will email you the dates and locations for pick-up of Guides, posters, and lawn signs. If you can’t make those dates, contact us to make different arrangements. Prospective visitors will also be able to find Tour Guides at various businesses and art centers across Arlington.

  • Does AVAST provide insurance?

    No; artists are responsible for their own property and/or liability insurance, if desired. For in-home studios, we recommend checking with your home insurance policy or agent.

    What is considered a “safe space for public visitation”?

    There should be a reasonable expectation that the public can enter without risk of injury. Hazards should be removed or marked off.

    Must my space be wheelchair accessible?

    Wheelchair accessibility is not required, but if it is accessible, please check that box on the registration form.

    My studio is in my home. Should I be concerned about allowing the public access to my residence?

    Many artists host open studios in their homes and have a great experience. Precautions are always a good idea. We recommend that private hosts ask a second person to help staff their studio. Make it clear which spaces are open and which are private. Put away valuables and never leave your cash box unattended. In the unlikely event of a problem, have the Arlington Police non-emergency line handy.

  • How do I sell my work?

    You are welcome to sell your work during the Tour, if you wish. Artists keep all sales revenue and are responsible for any sales tax. Pricing is up to you.

    How can buyers pay me?

    You can choose to accept any payment you like, and we recommend offering visitors several options. Make sure to have change in case of cash purchases. You can order a free card reader for your smart phone or tablet. Click for information about Square. Click for Information about Paypal.

    Please read the Artist Agreement for more information.

  • How do I submit my work?

    There will be a link to the submission form on your registration confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation, please email us at arlstudiotour@gmail.com.

    If I register for the tour, am I required to exhibit at MoCA?

    No, participation in the exhibit is optional.

    How much does it cost to be in the exhibit?

    Entry into the MoCA exhibit is included in your tour registration.

    Do I need to use the same image for the directory and for the exhibit?

    No, we encourage artists to use different images for each. But if you prefer to use the same image, you may. You will still need to upload it in both locations.

    How about sales?

    MoCA will handle sales, and artists will retain entirety of sale price. Artwork does not need to be for sale, but you must enter a value for insurance purposes.

    What art can I enter?

    You may enter one artwork. 2D art is limited to 24” wide and 36” tall, framed. 3D art is limited to 12” wide and deep.

    Summer camps will be in session during the exhibit, so avoid submitting particularly delicate work (especially 3D). Please submit artwork appropriate for all ages.