Artists in the Orange County Artists Guild showcase pieces at the annual Open Studio Tour

Susan Soleil moved her bookbinding business from Rochester, N.Y., to Carrboro two years ago, just as the recession started to hit.

“It was not a very good time to start a business,” she said. “But now, everything is fine.”

She was one of more than 60 artists at the 15th Annual Open Studio Tour, some of whom said the art profession is unpredictable enough that the recession hasn’t hurt business.

The event, hosted by the Orange County Artists Guild, which was held the first two weekends of November, provided members of the guild with the opportunity to showcase and sell their work to the public.

Gordon Jameson, the guild’s artist liaison and a painter, said the tour helps Orange County artists build relationships with potential buyers.

“The local economy is probably fairly strong,” he said.

Although many artists said their sales have been slightly down this year, they can still make a living.

“People are probably more cautious with spending their money now,” Jameson said. “They are less eager to buy art, since it is considered to be a luxury item.”

Clay Carmichael, a children’s book author and illustrator who lives in Carrboro, said most buyers work in the Research Triangle Park, which is an area less affected by the recession.

Carmichael said artists also know how to live on fewer resources. She said because they aren’t used to regular paychecks, the recession has not greatly changed their lifestyles.

“When you are an artist, you’ve got to learn how to live on what you get,” she said. “Art is a chancy business.”

Jameson said many artists have other jobs as well to make ends meet.

Carmichael, who recently published her new book, “Wild Things,” said she also visits schools and teaches classes. But due to budget cutbacks, less schools have invited her this year, as they have less funds to give to artists.

“But we are recession-proof,” Carmichael joked.

Jameson said the area has a high artist population, which fosters a creative atmosphere and productive competition.

He said Orange County has the most artists per capita in the state, with around 1,500 residential artists total.

“It’s a very good place to live as an artist,” Jameson said. “It’s a very creative place to live.”



Contact the City Editor at citydesk@unc.edu.