Local artists are preparing to open up their private homes and studios to the public as part of the tenth annual Wandsworth Artists Open House event.
 
Doors will be open to more than 100 venues across the borough on the first two weekends in October (1-2 October and 8-9 October).
 
The event, which is organised by Wandsworth Council's arts team and an artists' steering committee, offers a unique opportunity for professional and amateur artists to showcase and sell their work.
 
It also gives art lovers a rare glimpse inside the artist's working environment as well as the chance to engage with them directly.
 
This year's programme embraces a wide variety of mediums including craft, design, sculpture, painting, jewellery, photography, drawing, film and installation.
 
Many visitors buy their first piece of original artwork at an open house and return again year after year.
 
The 2010 event attracted in the region of 8,000 visitors to more than 100 venues across the borough. It generated around £150,000 in sales for the local arts industry.
 
This year there will be more artists taking part and more venues opening up to the public including front rooms, garden sheds and scout halls.
 
Wandsworth Council's arts spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said: "This year's programme is the most ambitious yet and involves a record number of local artists. It's a fantastic opportunity for residents to discover more about the borough's arts scene and to buy some original pieces direct from the artist.
 
"The sheer scale of the event demonstrates the wealth of creative activity taking place across the borough. I invite everyone to pick up a brochure and decide which artists they would like to visit.
 
"Last year open house generated around £150,000 for the local artists. The best possible way to mark the tenth anniversary would be to beat that total in 2011."
 
The event brochure includes a map with the location of every open house. It allows art lovers to build their own trail, stopping off for a coffee or bite to eat along the way. It will be available in Wandsworth libraries and online from mid September.
 
For further information and a  brochure, contact the Wandsworth Arts Team on 020 8871 8711 or email arts@wandsworth.gov.uk, Staff yard, Battersea park, London SW11 4NJ or www.wandsworth.gov.uk/aoh

September 9, 2011