Crouch End Open Studios marks its 20th anniversary
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Crouch End Open Studios art trail. It was the brainchild of Kim Valdez who wanted to create an opportunity for people to meet local artists in their studios and to buy directly from the artist.
Back in 2005, Crouch End was known for being home to lots of actors, musicians and writers. Kim, who creates sculptures as well as drawing, painting and iPad art, knew there must also be a wealth of artistic talent out there.
“I approached Helen Linden who was the only other artist I knew in Crouch End,” says Kim. They started putting the word out.
One of the artists who responded was printmaker Richard Peacock who has taken part ever since and was the chair and organised the group show for many years. This is where one piece by each artist involved is shown and is a great starting point for people planning their art trail.
In that first year, twenty-one artists took part. The local community got on board too, with bars and cafes giving space to artists to exhibit their work.
Kim says: “It was amazing to make contact with so many talented local artists and they were all very enthusiastic about making it a success.”
The event grew from there, with more artists joining the collective over the years, including Mark Entwisle, who won the 2020 Sunday Times Watercolour Competition, Andrew MacDonald, who painted a series of portraits of volunteers and clients from Hornsey Food Bank, and Simon Gazzard, one of the participants in the recent Sky Arts television series, Landscape Artist of the Year.
Reflecting on how the art trail has grown in popularity, Richard Peacock, who runs print workshop Running Jump, says: “I remember the first year I was showing my work. We had 25 visitors over the course of the weekend! Last year, we had 200 visitors a day! And at the last group show we had more than 3000 visitors. A West End gallery would be jealous of those numbers!”
This year’s art trail is being organised by painter and sculptor, Helen Brough and mixed media and collage artist, Kiki Machado.
“We are absolutely delighted to have 64 artists taking part in the art trail this year,” says Helen. “There will be something to interest everyone with a rich selection of paintings, prints, ceramics, drawings, glass, mixed media, photography and sculptures.”
The 20th anniversary Crouch End Open Studios art trail takes place in June 2025. For more information about next year’s event please visit: crouchendopenstudios.org.uk
