Light artist Keith Arnold of Catford. Pic: Nicholas Thompson

[masterslider alias=”leegreenartgallery”]Gallery included artwork and pieces by Keith Arnold, Paul Adams, Mini Soan, and Pic ‘n’ Mix. Photos: Nicholas Thompson

Southeast London artists opened up their homes and studios to the public over the last two weekends for the ‘Lee Green Open Studios’ event.

Visitors were able to walk into artists’ homes free of charge to view and purchase art.

One of the featured artists, Catford-based Keith Arnold, said: “The community art scene in London is extremely vibrant, but suffers from a lack of current government interest.

“The whole idea of creativity, inspiration and expanding ideas seems to be lost to the Tories, who see art as nothing more than pretty pictures and a financial investment, [and have labelled] it as a soft subject.”

“Art is a powerful tool, and can be used to change lives and the way we think. London artists are on the move, and will be the source of the next revolution.”

“The whole idea of creativity, inspiration and expanding ideas seems to be lost to the Tories, who see art as nothing more than pretty pictures and a financial investment.” – Catford artist Keith Arnold.

David Weekes, Chair of the Lee Green Open Studios committee said: “We started Lee Green Open Studio seventeen years ago when we realised how many artists were living in the area.”

“Many of the artists who take part live within the historic Lee Manor conservation area. We wanted to raise awareness of the artists and art in the area and to encourage interest and participation in local art.”

This year 48 local artists exhibited their work, which included up and coming as well as Royal Academy trained artists.

There was a variety of artwork on show, including: print, photographs, paintings, jewellery, sculptors, ceramics, as well as textiles, mosaics and crafts.

The event took place over a stretch of area in Lee, from Micheldever Road to Lee High Road and from Burnt Ash Lane to Hither Green Station.