Glad to see someone else going to do this, We have done the open house and are on the 4th annual fall show. It has taken some time to build up a client base and it is slowly growing every year.
When we decided to do this we wanted variety as well. So we went to several art and craft shows looking for quality work. We found a variety of artists and have many that have been with us for the 4 years running, I am the lucky and only turner.
The variety gives much more options for your potential clients, Yes you invite the ones who say they love your work and have them bring a friend as well.
Other places are schools, churches, local businesses, etc to put up flyers for the show. Be sure if you have other participants that they agree to provide potential clients as well.
Be sure to select a catchy name for your show that will get the attention of the people. We have an open house for the invited guests. It is for an afternoon and evening. This works well and gives the invited guests first choice!!!! and makes them feel special.
We open the house to the public for the final day and a half. This has also worked well, not many thefts we have only lost 1 or 2 small items ugh.
Be sure to have a guest registry so that you have contacts for the next year when you decide to do this again, if you decide to do this again. Ask for help do not be shy, you may have alot going on and if you are the artist you need to talk with the clients, you can not be busy running the cash register. You are there to promote interest in your art.
I am fortunate to have a very supportive wife and she is very good with running the show and displaying all of the items. The way that things are displayed is very important, you want them to stand out. Down side, our house is basically non functional as a house during this time but it is worth it.
Time to have the show, Watch when there are alot of open house type shows going on in your area, the local craft shows and art shows for the holiday season. They kick off pretty early in our area and October seems to be the best for us. This will have the most traffic out and about if you use the public, besides you want to have your items to be first on the list.
I am sure that I have not covered everything and I do hope that I have not discouraged you, It is a very fun time and you get to see a house full of friends and future friends.
Brian