The 2026 Open Studio Tours Artist Registration is currently open, and we want Tucson creatives to seize the opportunity. Opening your studio to the public can feel overwhelming, especially for emerging artists; that is why we decided to sit down and talk to Yovannah Diovanti — owner of Casa Diovanti Studio, painter, and OST participant for the past 26 years — to hear her experience with the tour, plus some pro tips just for you.
David Gaxiola (DG): How many years have you participated in OST, and what makes you want to come back?
Yovannah Diovanti (YD): I have participated in OST for 26 years, ever since I became an artist and got my first studio. I am just as excited to open my studio doors to our community every year because I feel it’s important to allow the community the opportunity to have access to our local art scene, which they would not have access to otherwise, and it also allows us, the artists, to create relationships and sometimes long-lasting bonds with art lovers.
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My studio is in a low- to middle-income neighborhood between the central area and the south side of town. The neighborhood is a bit off from the main passage of art galleries and shops. Since many people lack transportation or time to visit galleries, having my studio nearby makes it easier to visit.
Every year, I see people excited to know I am in their neighborhood. There’s a phenomenon that happens when we meet: they walk around, and we talk about art. They mingle with others, and we eat. After the event, when they see me again, they greet me as if I am a good friend, and that is so worth coming back every year.
DG: Has participating in Open Studio Tours boosted your exposure to new audiences or your sales?
YD: Participating in OST is my highest sales event of the year. I get my repeat customers, my social media followers, and the visitors that come in for OST advertising. Last year, the event was competing against two large events, which had a huge impact on attendance, but sales were still great. I gained new supporters and followers.
DG: What piece of advice would you share with artists interested in participating this year?
YD: I recommend that new artists joining this year’s OST do so with the goal of bringing joy to the community. Set up your studio as if hosting family — include food, snacks, and drinks. Add multiple seating areas to encourage conversation and create a welcoming atmosphere in your studio. Show genuine interest in your visitors; don’t worry about sales. If they fall in love with you, your story, and your dreams, they will support you. And lastly, don’t depend only on the advertisement OST provides. Do your own advertising, spread the word with everyone you encounter, ask for their support in spreading the word about your open studio, and send them to OST’s website so they can get a list of all participating studios to make it a more memorable experience for them so they can return.
