Artists Gearing Up For Open House Weekends

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Make a note in your diaries for October

Anyone with an interest in art is urged to save a space in their diaries for an event that will see artists open the doors of their homes or studios to showcase their work to passersby.

The annual Wandsworth Artists’ Open House event takes place in October – and already it is poised to feature the work of more artists than ever before.

On the weekends of October 5 and 6 and October 12 and 13, more than 150 professional and amateur artists will give visitors to their home or studio a unique opportunity to discover art in an informal setting and engage with them directly.

The event is organised by Wandsworth Council’s arts team in conjunction with an artists’ steering committee, and last year saw about 15,000 visits made to more than 100 venues across the borough – generating an estimated £250,000 in sales.

The borough’s culture spokesman, Councillor Jonathan Cook, said:
“The annual Artists’ Open House weekends have grown in popularity – so much so that 2012 saw nearly twice as much raised in sales than the previous year, which is fantastic for the local economy.

“The event is perfect for those familiar with the world of art as well as those who may be looking to learn more about it – or possibly even invest in their first piece. Whether it be sculpture, painting, photography and prints or ceramics, crafts and jewellery, there really is something for all tastes.”

Many new artists will be taking part in the event this year, with some open houses offering hands-on artistic activities as well as demonstrations and presentations.

An event website - www.wandsworthart.com - has been launched through which visitors can create their own personalised trail of open houses to visit. Links to local area websites and trail maps are also signposted from this site.

A fold-out listing of all open houses across the borough will be available from the borough’s libraries and arts venues in the near future.

Alternatively they can be obtained from the arts team by calling 020 8871 8711, emailing arts@wandsworth.gov.uk or visiting Staff Yard, Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ.

August 12, 2013