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Applications are now CLOSED 

WHO

Visual artists and artisans in Clark County, working in all media.

WHAT

Clark County Open Studios is a juried art event, offering a unique opportunity for you to gain further recognition as an artist, open your studio doors to the public, and show and sell your work. For the community, Open Studios is a free self-guided tour that will enhance awareness of talented local artists while enriching the cultural life of Clark County neighborhoods.

WHEN

Open Studios tour: November 7-8, 2026, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Preview exhibit: First Friday, October 2nd

Art at the CAVE Gallery
108 E. Evergreen Blvd.
Vancouver, WA 98660

APPLICATION FEE: $25
PARTICIPATION FEE due on acceptance: $250

ARTIST BENEFITS:

  • Expand your audience by sharing where and how you work.
  • Take advantage of an opportunity to sell your work to the public. All proceeds from studio sales go to the artists unless your gallery contract specifies otherwise.
  • Gain exposure through Open Studios’ print, web, and social media marketing—including postcards, posters, local and regional advertising.
  • A 28-page 9″x6″ full-color tour guide will feature one image from each artist, contact information, and studio location.
  • An Artist Directory will be published on the Open Studios website, including 5 images, an artist statement, studio location, and contact information.
  • The Preview Exhibit at Art at the Cave Gallery will feature one work of art from each participant. The hosting gallery will receive a 50% commission on sales during the preview.
  • Networking opportunities: meet and work with other local artists.
  • Mentorship and support in preparation.

           Read the 2024 Open Studios Grant Report

COMMUNITY BENEFITS:

Open Studios goes beyond a traditional art show in fostering a greater understanding of the artistic process by providing the public with a unique opportunity to enter the world of the visual artist and experience how, why and where art is created. The Open Studios tour is designed to support key goals for Clark County’s arts community:

  • Increase visibility and public awareness of practicing and accomplished creative artists in Clark County.
  • Bring arts education and cultural enrichment to Clark County neighborhoods.
  • Expand opportunity and accessibility for residents of all ages to experience art.
  • Develop the county’s cultural climate, enhance its image, and support the growth of the local economy through the arts.

STUDIO ELIGIBILITY:

  • Participating artists MUST have a regular, ongoing studio workspace for creating art in Clark County, Washington.
  • It is not intended for temporary set-ups in businesses or pop-up spaces.
  • Participation is for artists who are actively creating and showcasing their work.
  • The studio should maintain the ambiance of an authentic workspace, with visible materials, equipment, and ongoing projects.
  • During Open Studios, participating artists must exhibit at least 15 pieces of original art created within the last three years.
  • Reproductions are limited to 20% of an artist’s Open Studios display space and must be labeled as reproductions.
  • Artists must agree not to exhibit, sell, or host non-participating artists in their space during tour hours. Artists working in cluster studios should encourage their fellow artists to apply. Artists not officially participating in Open Studios are asked not to represent themselves in any way as Open Studios artists.

SUPPORT FOR EMERGING ARTISTS

The Christine Rice Emerging Artists Scholarship was created to support young artists’ career paths in remembrance of Open Studio Artist Christine Rice. Thank you to her family and friends who made this scholarship possible. Learn more about Christine and this opportunity here.

  • For emerging artists ages 20-30.
  • Scholarship award of $500-$1000.
  • Mentorship from seasoned Open Studios Artists.
  • Option to be hosted in another artist’s studio.
  • The award is given on merit and is chosen based on the highest jurors’ scores.

Read an article in The Columbian featuring emerging artist Annika Larman and her mentor Pamela Sue Johnson, “Clark County Open Studios tour celebrates 10 years of art and artists.”

ART GUIDELINES:

  • Clark County Open Studios is open to a wide range of visual media, including painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, wood, metal, glass, fiber arts, jewelry, photography, digital art, and printmaking. Art displayed in Open Studios must adhere to these guidelines:

    • During Open Studios, participating artists must exhibit a minimum of 15 pieces of original art, created within the last three years.
    • Reproductions are limited to 20% of an artist’s display space and must be labeled as reproductions.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Your application must be SUBMITTED ONLINE through CaFE administration,  so have your information ready prior to applying.

  • Four images of your artwork created in the last three years.
  • One studio image showing multiple works.
    • Digital format: JPEGs up to 5MB with a minimum of 1920 pixels on the longest side.
    • The CaFE system will not take photos without a price; add a $1.00 figure to your studio photo’s price box.
    • These images will be used for marketing promotion.
    • One square or horizontal IMAGE is required for your thumbnail image in the printed guide.
    • If you have participated before, please submit new images.
  • Write a BRIEF artist statement (1000 Characters, approximately 150 words in the first person), describing your creative process and inspiration. This statement will be used by the jurors and for the online guide.

CaFE provides tutorials to help you make a strong application.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Clark County Open Studios will showcase art in a broad range of media and styles. The event contributes to public awareness of the quality and diversity of artists in our community. Application materials will not be judged on personal tastes or preferences. After your application has demonstrated that you meet studio eligibility requirements, the jury will view and score your submitted images and artist’s statement using these criteria:

      • Originality/Creativity: Does your art express a unique style/voice and vision? Are your submitted art pieces stylistically and thematically consistent?
      • Craftsmanship/Use of Materials or Media: Does your work show mastery over your medium or innovative use of materials/media?
      • Professional Presentation: Are your photos clear, and show your work accurately?  
      • Does your artist statement add insight and interest to your creative process? The statement and your art images should work in tandem, supporting each other.  Juries typically go back and forth between the artist statement and the art images to ensure the artistic voice is clear and consistent.

2026 JURORS 

  • Ben Rosenberg is an adjunct art professor at Clark College and teaches printmaking at Clatsop Community College. He has served on juries and art committees for organizations including the Regional Arts & Culture Council, Art in the Pearl, Portland Institute for Contemporary Art, and Portland State University, and currently serves on the board of the Hoffman Center for the Arts.
  • Ruth Armitage is a Portland-based painter and signature member of the American Watercolor Society, the National Watercolor Society, and many regional watercolor groups. She has received awards in numerous national exhibitions, served as a juror for national and regional shows, and teaches workshops nationally and internationally. 
  • Helen Schmidling, owner of the Sisters Gallery and founding board member of the Sisters Arts Association, has curated and juried numerous regional exhibitions. She previously spent more than two decades as a reporter, editor, and columnist covering arts and culture.

If you have any questions about participating or applying, contact Jennifer Williams, Clark County Open Studios director.

ACCEPTANCE

Artists will be notified through the CaFE system after jurying is complete. $250 Participation Fee  DUE by May 10th. This confirms your acceptance and is paid through your CaFE account. Upon acceptance, you will have access to the Artist Login page, which includes Open Studios tour essentials to guide you on studio preparation, marketing plans, and a timeline of events. 

While Artstra provides administrative event planning, marketing, and promotional support for participating artists, your active involvement is required. This includes one artist’s meeting, one community meeting, the distribution of printed marketing material, and online promotions.