Being a Host in 2023 Q&A
Our hosting families are vitally important to the quality experience we offer the featured artists and hosting is the most prestigious of all the event's components.
But for 2023, our first responsibility is to the health and welfare of our artists and community, so help us think outside of the box to find accommodations for everyone's comfort and safety.
What are suitable accommodations? If you are comfortable with guests, it can be shared space in your own home. Other properties could equally be appealing....think - river houses, garage apartments, in-law suites, pool houses, campers, boats, condos. A few artists will stay at Emerald Isle, so beach property might be considered and independent entrances are an extra plus. The host does not have to be present on the property.
What is expected of me as a host? While the standard southern welcoming phrase has always been...."Make yourself at Home". In 2023, that just isn't expected. Restricted areas of the property are certainly ok. Coffee and a muffin would be a nice offer in the morning, but most artists are on location painting before their hosts are up for the day. A plein air event, while a lot of fun for the artists is also exhausting, so having an early and quiet evening may very well be the norm. Many artists also paint nocturnal scenes. These are pros and are experienced house guests so they will do their best to fit comfortably within your schedule.
What about covid etiquette? Looking forward to 2023, masks may still be required at all of our planned events, but we suggest individual hosts and artists discuss openly what would be the expected mask protocol when together.