The Story of Art House
At one time, if you fancied going to see some art, you would have to take yourself off to the local museum or gallery. More recently, there has been a welcome trend to make art more accessible. Visit a country park, National Trust property or even a reservoir, and the chances are you may be offered a map of the local arts trail, with activities to keep the kids happy and maybe even a backpack and some crayons. In June, Art House Leicester offers a different take on the art trail. This trail takes you through city suburbs, with houses taking the place of galleries. You might not get a backpack, but this trail gives you a chance to see "extraordinary art in ordinary houses" and meet the artists who have made it.
Art House Leicester started in 2008, when Hannah Devine-Wright went round to her neighbour, Katarzyna Klein to buy a couple of her paintings for gifts. Amazed by the amount of work that Katarzyna had stashed away in boxes, she suggested that she should open her house and try to sell some. One thing led to another and the first Art House weekend took place with 3 houses and 8 local artists taking part. Something about the event struck a chord with the public and the annual event has gone from strength to strength.
The range and background of the artists taking part is also impressive. As well as full time professional artists, many of whom have had solo exhibitions, are represented by galleries across the country and have also sold work internationally, there are a number of participants who manage to fit their creative activities around alternative careers or who now pursue their creative talents in their retirement.
Katarina Klein and Sue Ryan have been the organisers since the start of Art House in 2008 , curating the trail to showcase a mixture of genres and mediums in each household. This year they stepped back and passed the baton to Nancy Thomas and Kate Moore who have been involved in the event for some years.
Nancy and Kate have worked with a small group of artists and volunteers to keep this wonderful annual event alive. We are certain it will be as successful as before .
Applications are now closed for Art House 2024. We have had an amazing response; thank you to all those who have applied. Successful applicants will be notified by the end of February.