Extraordinary Art in Ordinary Houses

First conceived in 2008 with just three houses taking part, Art House had grown into a hugely popular local event and a permanent fixture in Leicester’s art calendar, until COVID and all the associated restrictions meant the 2020 plans were put on hold. Both the organisers and the artists who had signed up were extremely disappointed, as no doubt were all the regular visitors however the gap of three years has brought with it a few changes.

There have been two people at the heart of Art House since the early days, Kathy Klein and Sue Ryan. After many years of hard work and unstinting dedication, they decided it was time to pass the baton onto someone new. Fortunately a willing volunteer stepped up in time to ensure that 2023 would see Art House resurrected.

The ethos remains the same: extraordinary art in ordinary houses. This art trail gives artists the opportunity to display their work in the informal atmosphere of a domestic setting and promotes the idea that original art in any medium enhances a home and can be appreciated outside a gallery or commercial setting. Many visitors love talking to the artists about their ideas, their processes and the techniques involved. Many exhibitors are also happy to discuss the possibility of commissions.

This is very much a joint venture dependent on local householders and participating artists coming together and being fully committed to making this a unique and enjoyable experience for visitors. Spread between properties of different architectural periods, the houses themselves are of interest and demonstrate that across diverse styles of homes there is always a spot for a piece of original art of some kind. This concept is at the heart of the weekend and our hosts will soon begin to store away their own treasures to make room to show, between them, the work of over 50 artists.

If you’ve been before you’ll know the event stands out as one of the best showcases for original art in a wide variety of media in the city and by introducing new artists on a regular basis, each year will offer something new. Whatever your particular passion may be - paintings, prints, ceramics, textiles or jewellery - there will be something here to appeal to anyone interested in individual craftsmanship.

So if you’re interested in original art and you’ve never managed to make it to Art House Leicester, then get the date in your diary for an exciting new experience. Friday evening, 9th June from 6pm to 8.30pm is the first opportunity to look at what’s on offer. On Saturday and Sunday 10th and 11th of June venues will be open from 11am to 6pm.

There are nine properties opening their doors but with the usual abundance of quality items on show you will certainly need a whole day to really appreciate the event. To make life easier, a hopper bus will operate between venues on Saturday and Sunday.

Art House has always supported various charities and Tart House on Holmfield Road is the main fundraiser for the charities. On Saturday and Sunday they will once again be organising a willing band of volunteers to serve drinks and home-made cakes to weary art seekers. Local musicians too will provide an accompaniment of live music.

Profits raised through the hard work of the Tart House hosts will go to Bone Cancer Research and Mind. Music and refreshments will also be on offer on Springfield Road where Gelato Village will be serving their award winning ice creams.

Art House wishes to record its sincere thanks to Stoneygate and Knighton wards for their continuing support for this event.

For more information please see our website www.art-house.org.uk You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.