Join the Conversation:

ArtSpan provides forums for working artists in San Francisco to share their knowledge base and pose questions about the professional/business aspects of art-making, including helpful resources, tips, studio listings, and suggestions with regards to marketing, pricing, gallery representation, SF Open Studios, and other topics. 

Professional Development Resources:

ArtSpan produces 90-minute workshops designed to sharpen your business skills as a professional artist, prepare you for exhibiting work inside and outside your studio, and help you build community with fellow artists and the public. These workshops are Free for all current SF Open Studios Artists, ArtSpan Members, and Friends of SOMArts. Click here for upcoming workshops and information from past workshops. 

SF Open Studios Toolkit 

A guide to hosting a successful open studios event, created by successful Open Studios Artists. Tips on verything from building a marketing strategy to serving snacks!  Check out the Artist Marketing Toolkit.

Facebook Community Forum

The SF Artists Resources Facebook Group is now over 3,000 artists! This is a great place to ask questions, share your best tips, and find listings of opportunities for artists.  It is NOT for promoting yourself or your events, but it’s a great place to get ideas and guidance on how you can.

Open Studios Mentorship Program

New since 2015, a program for matching newer exhibitors with more experienced members to help strategize a great event!  https://www.artspan.org/mentorship  

General Artist Resources:

The list below is intended for reference and does not indicate particular endorsements of products or services.  If you have suggestions to add, or you find outdated links, please write info@artspan.org

NUTS and BOLTS

Business & Sales Tax Information

 

Artist insurance

CREATING

General Art Supplies

Metal and Jewelry

  • Alan Steel and Supply - 505 E Bayshore Rd, Redwood City, CA 650.369.2526
  • C & V Sheet Metal Co  - 1430 Yosemite Avenue, Bayview 415.671.2230
  • Rio Grande -metals, tools, equipment, findings, jewelry display and packaging
  • Sculpt Nouveau -patinas, sealers for metal sculpture 
  • Wire Sculpture -metal wire from 10 to 34 gage
     

Framing

Artwork Photography

Making Prints Of Artwork

Packaging & Shipping

Exhibition & Fine Art Services

Marketing

Signage

Printing-Postcards/ business cards and other promo

E-mail Newsletter Services

Website Building Resources

OPPORTUNITIES

Calls for Artists

LEARNING

Blogs and Newsletters

Business and marketing workshops

COMMUNITY

SF Galleries and Alternative Art Spaces

Bay Area Arts Organizations