Dulwich Festival - Artists' Open House 2011

The Artists' Open House, now in its seventh year is bigger than ever, spanning most of the South East London area from Crystal Palace to Camberwell.

Starting this weekend over 200 artists will be exhibiting pieces in over 150 locations around Dulwich are opening up their homes and studios as part of the Dulwich Festival, giving you the opportunity to see works in intimate, inspiring and unusual settings.

Sponsored and supported by local businesses Franklin's Farmshop & Restaurant, Lordship Lane Carpets, Moxon's and Push Studios, there is something for everyone, whatever your artistic preference from photography, ceramics and print design to jewellery, furniture and textiles, most of the pieces are reasonably priced so you could take an 'exclusive' piece home with you.

The Open House weekends run on Sat/Sun 7th & 8th May and Sat/Sun 14th & 15th May and for the first time this year performance art will be showcased at various locations, as well as the Open House art trails.

In Crystal Palace we have a vibrant and thriving art community and there are plenty of Open House exhibitions around the Triangle to visit, some by well known local artists:

56 Gipsy Hill, SE19

Audrey and Martin Hammond exhibit watercolour and acrylic portraits, local views and still life. (Both weekends)

30 Tylney Avenue, SE19

Design team Hyperkit and Mentsen's studios include screenprints, tea towels, and bespoke enamel signs and tote bags. Refreshments available. (First weekend only)

12 Grazely Court (Off Gipsy Hill), SE19

Tessa Newmark is showing her collection of photographic work uniquely combined with miniature figures. (Both weekends)

106 Westwood Hill (Sydenham), SE26

Annie Price exhibits her semi-abstract work inspired by the landscapes of Scotland, Yorkshire and Spain. (Both weekends)

Helen Tyndale-Biscoe showing paintings of landscapes and still life from unusual angles. (Both weekends)

Poppy Eastwood showing still life compositions in oil, pen and ink. (Both weekends)

Mara Sculpture exhibits contemporary stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, in black serpentine, green verdite and dappled opal. (First weekend only)

20 Woodsyre, Sydenham Hill, SE26

Roddy & Ginger show off their original screenprints and textiles for the home, as well as retro and vintage goodies. (Second weekend only)

4 Longton Avenue, SE26

The Recycled House is exclusively furnished and decorated with discarded materials sourced from car boot sales, markets, skips, road sides and charity shops. Also includes pop up market and tea shop. (Both weekends)

9 Hassocks Close, (Off Kirkdale), SE26

Yoke Matze makes photographic fine art fibre based prints on watercolour papers and fabrics, which have to be seen to truly be appreciated. By invitation, visitors can also make their own 'photogram' printing in a traditional darkroom. (Both weekends)

This is just a small selection of artists' showcasing their work around Crystal Palace and Sydenham, there are many more exhibitions around Dulwich, Forest Hill, West Norwood, Herne Hill and Camberwell, so there is bound to be one not too far from where you live. Dulwich Festival, Open House 2011 guides detailing all the artists' works on show and locations are available for free in many venues around the Triangle.

If you're an aspiring or secret artist and would like to take part in Artists' Open House 2012, then email: rachel.gluyas@btinternet.com

Photo: cliff1066