Artists Open Houses Celebrate 40 Years!

Latest TV’s Stephanie Prior speaks to Artist’s Open Houses Director, Judy Stephens about the festival, which is celebrating its 40th year this year. The community aspect and inclusivity is at the heart of Artist’s Open Houses, with a lot of schools, artists with disabilities and community groups taking part.

For the 40th Anniversary, a series of special exhibitions connect through the theme ‘Towards the Light’, taken from a title of one of Ned Hoskins’ paintings and reflecting his concerns with nature and the natural world. 150 houses are taking part in the festival, with exhibitions from students, , emerging artists, neuro-diverse and learning-disabled artists, established AOH artists and some of the earliest members of the Fiveways Artists’ Group.

Open House festivals are now happening all over the country, but as Judy mentions, we must commemorate Ned Hoskins, who, by just opening his door to people and allowing them to take a look at his art, created a movement allowing everyone to have access to amazing art.

William Ranieri went along to the exhibition at Regency Town House to speak with Judy Stephens about the festival.