Open Art Spaces Returns this Weekend and Next

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See work of around 100 local artists across Fulham, Chelsea and Kensington

Open Art Spaces in Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea is back this summer with a selection of free, informal fine art exhibitions all over the area.

Over two weekends, 24 –26 June and 1 - 3 July 2016, the popular art festival will give visitors exclusive access to the studios and work of some of the area’s most talented artists, including residency artists at the V&A and fine art graduates at Kensington & Chelsea College.

The festival will also include a diverse group show in the Earls Court Project Rooms as well as pop-up spaces at 352 Kings Road and 61 Munster Road.

Now in its fourth year, Open Art Spaces is turning from dates in autumn to a summer event. The free open access arts festival will see approximately 100 local artists, studios, colleges, and branches of headline sponsor, estate agent Faron Sutaria host informal exhibitions for the public.

The organisers say more than ever, the focus will be on presenting the high quality of affordable fine art present throughout the area. In addition to this there will be a number of creative artist-driven studio events and happenings in public spaces as well as a large group exhibition.

A broad spectrum of art forms - from fine art painters
and illustrators, to silversmiths and sculptors - are included, with work from established and emerging artists as well as artists' collectives.

At the core of everything is still the chance for the public to view and buy art in the very space it has been created - the artist’s private home or studio - and to get behind the scenes and talk directly with artists and makers. But to make it more feasible for visitors to buy art works, Open Art Spaces has this year also launched a new website and online shop, where visitors can read about the individual artists and view and buy selected works.

The event is organised by Kensington local Julie Brodsgaard, a Christie’s educated curator of modern and contemporary art. She says: " Open Art Spaces is all about showing how much exciting fine art is created in our local area and it’s about supporting these artists and the conditions for creative output.

" I’ve been amazed at the talent found amongst us and I feel that it is important to make this accessible to everyone in our area. Our festival is a chance for art enthusiasts to gain exclusive access to the work of their local artists through a platform that facilitates both affordable prices and exciting encounters and talks with the artists in their own studio, home or workplace."

form part of the festival; visitors can get a taste of the artistic diversity in the Group Exhibition, which will showcase works from all participating artists in one site.

Faron Sutaria will also be hosting a string of exhibitions in its local offices in South Kensington, Earls Court, Notting Hill, Chelsea and Fulham Road, where the works of artist Sarah Needham will be displayed.

Visitors can find artists, events and venues via the Open Art Spaces map and they can also sign up for a guided studio tour through the website.

June 21, 2016