When you greet visitors you make them feel welcome and at ease in your studio space. This allows them to stay long enough to learn more about you and your studio.
People want to learn about you and your work so sharing some of your history as an artist allows visitors to connect with you. During busy times, it also keeps them in your studio till you are free to give them your attention.
Plan in advance by creating a display, handout, or oral explanation about your materials and creative process.
Once you have greeted them and shared a bit about what you do, allow them to roam and explore your studio. Interject bits of conversation as they do. When they seem drawn to a particular piece offer some information about it.
Visitors become more engaged if they see you working on a piece. When you share information about your materials, how you use them and your inspiration it is interesting to guests. This knowledge also adds value to your art.
Meeting you, the artist, and learning about your process allows people to feel more confident in purchasing your artwork.
This is part of hospitality but doesn’t have to be expensive. Cold water can be the most wonderful thing on a hot afternoon. Offer what your budget will allow and let your guests know they can help themselves. Individual servings, rather than a communal bowl, plate, or pitcher are a much safer option for your guests. As an example, wrap cookies individually or prepare small bags of nuts or dried fruit. There is no reason not to offer what you enjoy. COVID-19 just means we all need to keep safety in mind for ourselves and our visitors.
Prices should be visible to your visitors so they don’t have to ask how much each work costs. If not priced individually, at least make a sign letting people know that the parameters are. There is a benefit to having a range of price points, if your medium allows. First-time buyers might take home small, less expensive works and then come back in future years to purchase pieces they admired on their first visit.