Lynn and Slavica are local creators who have taken on leadership of the Wandsworth Artists’ Open House Event bringing fresh passion and vision to the annual event.
The Wandsworth Artists’ Open gives local artists from across the borough a platform to showcase and sell their work from their own homes.
It contains all types of art, from paintings and ceramics to photography and illustrations.
The Open House took place on the weekends of 5th and 12th of October and this year it was the biggest it’s ever been, with over 150 artists presenting their work, showcasing the success of the new leadership.
It was also used as part of Wandsworth’s submission for London Borough of Culture 2025, which the borough ended up winning.
Lynn runs a community gallery in Furzedown called Sprout, as well as creating her own paintings, and Slavica creates jewellery from mostly aluminium, copper and beads.
After taking it over from Wandsworth Council, they have been running the Artist’s Open House for 2 years.
When asked why she decided to take on the challenge, Lynn said, “I have always loved the Wandsworth Artists’ Open House event - so the idea that it might not return post-covid, saddened me.”
After initial discussions with the Wandsworth Arts team and other local artists, it felt right to Lynn to bring it back as an artist led event, so she and Slavica took up the challenge.
Slavica talked about how they campaigned to keep it going, “I talked to councillors, MPs, and they gave us a grant.”
Additionally, she talked about the benefits of the open house, saying, “It gives me a platform to show off my work, and it is a very social thing to do as you have no idea who is going to walk through the door.” She also mentioned how it “gives me something to aim for.”
The Artists’ Open House is supported by Wandsworth Arts and Wandsworth Council, and Lynn expressed how “we could not put this event on without the support of (them).”
Both artists also talked about their own art, and what inspires them.
They both find inspiration from the world around them. Slavica explained how the stimulus for her incredible chain-like necklaces comes from boatyards, and Lynn is inspired by living in London and its architecture.
Lynn described her process, saying, “I often take photographs of everyday objects and work on them to create more semi-abstract artwork, working on it to create something completely different.”
The Open House Trail will be back next year, bigger and better than ever.
If you live in Wandsworth, or are just interested in art, keep an eye out for the next Wandsworth Artists’ Open House in October 2025 as it is an amazing way to support local artists as well as bolstering your own creativity and passion.