Open House Brings Art Into The Heart Of The Home
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One of Leicester’s most distinctive arts events returned on Friday 12th to Sunday 14th June, as Open House welcomed visitors into homes, studios and creative spaces across the Clarendon Park area.
The annual event offers a different way of experiencing art. Rather than visiting a conventional gallery, visitors are invited into domestic settings where artists display their work, discuss their creative practice and engage directly with members of the public.
Rob Watson visited several Open House venues and spoke with artists, hosts and visitors about their experiences of taking part.
Printmaker Peter Rapp described how his work draws inspiration from sketching, literature and mythology, including the writings of Jorge Luis Borges and Italo Calvino. He explained that Open House provides an opportunity to engage directly with audiences and receive immediate feedback from visitors.
Artist Lucy Stevens discussed her ongoing exploration of nature-inspired themes, including her well-known bird studies and more recent experiments with automatic drawing and painting. She reflected on the value of meeting visitors face-to-face and the conversations that emerge through shared interests in wildlife, gardens and local environments.
Sculptor Phil Woolley highlighted the variety of work on display across the event and praised the enthusiasm shown by visitors exploring different venues throughout the weekend.
Photographer Julian Sahou spoke about the role of art in encouraging discussion about social and ethical questions. He noted that some of his work had prompted strong emotional responses and meaningful conversations among visitors.
Textile artist Zaza Lewis, participating in Open House for the first time, described the positive reception she received from visitors interested in her mixed-media techniques and creative process.
The programme also includes a conversation with Tracy Howard, who is developing a creative space beneath one of the city’s historic railway arches. Her vision combines workshops, arts activities, music and opportunities for people to gather, create and relax in a welcoming environment.
One of the homeowners taking part reflected on the unique atmosphere created when artwork is displayed in a domestic setting. Rather than encountering art in a neutral gallery space, visitors can imagine how creative work might sit within their own homes and daily lives.
Across all of the conversations, several common themes emerged. Artists spoke about experimentation, inspiration and process. Visitors were often interested not only in finished works but also in how ideas develop over time. Hosts described the pleasure of opening their homes and meeting new people, while returning visitors highlighted the sense of continuity and community that Open House has established over many years.
Open House continues to demonstrate the important role that artists, volunteers, hosts and audiences play in sustaining cultural life. By bringing people together through creativity, conversation and curiosity, the event offers an accessible and welcoming way to engage with the visual arts.
