FAQ
The SOMA Studio Tour is our community’s annual celebration of visual artists, designers and craftspeople who live and work in South Orange and Maplewood.
FOR VISITORS
Q: How much does it cost? Do I need to purchase tickets?
A: Attending the Studio Tour SOMA is FREE and no tickets are required.
Q: When is the tour? How long does it last?
A: The 2026 Tour dates are November 7th & 8th, 11am – 5pm
Q: Are ALL artist studios open both days?
A: Some artists studio and venues are only open one day. Check the artist’s profiles or map for details. These pages will be available once artist registration is closed and all artists and venues are confirmed.
Q: How do I get all the names and addresses of artist locations?
A: The names and addresses of artist locations are available on our online map, the printed tour guide, and individual artist profiles. These pages will be available once artist registration is closed and all artists and venues are confirmed.
Q: How can I find out more about individual artists?
A: Our Artist Directory offers detailed profiles of each artist and gallery on tour. This page will be available once artist registration is closed and all artists and venues are confirmed.
Q: What are the regions for the tour?
A: The townships of South Orange and Maplewood.
Q: How does an artist get on tour?
A: The Tour is open to artists from South Orange and Maplewood. If you’d like to join, Please register here.
Q: How can I support the Studio Tour?
The SOMA Studio Tour is fully volunteer supported and directed! Your support goes a long way. We are always looking for Volunteers and can use sponsors and financial support.
FOR ARTISTS
The Tour gives visitors to your studio an opportunity to view and purchase your work directly, get a feel for your creative environment, have conversations about your process and motivations, and connect with you and your art on a personal level.
How do I register for the Tour?
- Compile your bio and samples of your work for easy retrieval during the application process.
- Read through the application and print the Artist Checklist to guide you through preparing your application.
- Once you begin your application, you must finish it in one session. You CANNOT pause and resume the process.
- When finished, you will be directed to pay your fee online. Please note your application is not complete until payment is received and the application is approved.
A: See registration fees here
Q: What if I don’t have a place to show?
A: If you would like placement at a venue specify this when registering or contact us.
Q: How do I show at a venue?
A: Indicate your desire to show at a venue on your registration form. We will do our best to match you with a venue. Please note, venue space is limited and we can not promise a specific venue. Or, if you have a place/business to partner with, share that on your form.
Q: Do I still have to pay the registration fee if I show at someone else’s studio?
A: Yes. Registration fees go toward promotion, printed maps and bookkeeping.
Q: I live outside of town, can I still show?
A: Due to the increasing popularity of the Tour, we are limiting participation to 10 out of town artists only.
Q: Do I have to show both days?
A: No. You may choose to show one day. Please indicate this on your artist profile. You must, however, be open from 11am to 5pm. Most venues require that you participate both days.
Q: Can I pay by check?
A: Yes, but by the time we receive your payment, registration may be closed. We highly recommend using paypal during the registration process. If that is not an option, you may send checks to:
Studio Tour SOMA
PO Box 323
South Orange, NJ 07079
Q: If I show at a business do I have to pay the registration fee?
A: Yes.
Q: Do businesses who host artists have to pay a fee?
A: Yes, $100 to assist in paying for promotion on our website and printed material.
Q: How do I edit my Artist Profile
A: To edit your profile, login, or go to the Dashboard at the top of the menu bar if you are already logged in. You will be on your artist account page. Select your profile name in the middle of the page under “Title”. This will bring you to your Artist Profile Page. In the upper right corner, you will see a gear. Press the gear and select “Edit”.
