Harrow Open Studios is an independent and diverse collective of artists who live and work in and around Harrow
Since 2008 our members have annually thrown open their studio doors and galleries inviting our community to visit and explore their work and process. Visitors can see work in progress, chat with the artists about their materials, tools and methods; buy or commission art or attend workshops to have a go themselves. Entry to all studios is free.
We also hold at least one annual group exhibition and are growing our events calendar and engagement with our community.
The organisation is run by its members and generously supported by local sponsorship. We aim to build links with the community and to increase awareness of the work of artists in and around Harrow.
What is an Open Studio?
Open Studios are a chance for you to explore the diverse creativity usually hidden in the homes and gardens of your community.
As artists / designers / makers we spend most of the year being creative alone in our studios only showing our work in external exhibitions. This annual opportunity to invite people into our creative spaces is an exciting chance to share what we are up to.
By visiting us you will get some insight into the creative process and some inspiration from our work; and you may fall in love with a piece and take it home with you – or book a workshop to inspire you to be more creative too.
Why do we open our studios?
Being an artist / maker is a largely solitary occupation which evokes an air of mystery – what does an artist do all day?
During Open Studios we are able to spend time meeting with and talking to others about how we create our work. For you and our community it is an opportunity to see our workspace, our new collections, how we work: from our initial ideas through to the finished piece.
Will I be able to buy pieces or ask the artist/designer to create something bespoke for me?
Yes! We love it when you find a special piece that makes a connection with you and watching our work go to its forever home.
Most artists / designers are also happy to take on commissions to create the perfect piece for you. We will be able to walk you through your idea and the creation process and design something to suit you.
It is not necessary to make a purchase though ! We are happy to make a connection and spread our love of creativity to our community.
How do I plan my Open Studio visits?
Using this website, and/or our brochure (which can be picked up from local libraries and many other venues in the area) you can plan a trail or several trails. Not all studios are open all of the days, so you can mix it up over the weekends we are open. You will find details of open days, accessibility and the type of art you can expect on each artists page and the map summary.
Click on a cover to view a brochure.
Interested in becoming a Member?
We open applications for new members each Autumn. If you are interested in finding out more, see this page.
Steering Committee
Chair: Vacant
Vice Chair and Acting Chair: Nicole Lyster
Treasurer: Achal Kapoor
Secretary: Kate Thomas
Advertising and Sponsorship: Zalina Dewan
Brochure Design: Harinder Sahota, Arati Devasher, with Charlotte (of Dinosaursdoingstuff)
Information Management: Neeta Popat Kataria, Bindu Morjaria
Publicity: Colette Moscrop
Exhibitions: Headed by Nicole Lyster
Membership: Headed by Nicole Lyster
Social Media: Kota Sambandan, Palak Patel, Khilna Shah, Kerry Slack, Arati Devasher
HAC liaison: Cheryl Gould MRSS
Social Secretary: Riecha Kapoor
Web: Adamina Turek, Alka Kapoor, Arati Devasher, Shalini Bharadwaj, Koola Adams
Our members run our community event as volunteers. We are a dynamic committee and change each year as new members come in and old members go on to new things. Our Chair for last year has started a new venture and whilst Nicole is happy to remain as Vice Chair acting as Chair, she would prefer a new Chair to oversee us all. If you have an interest in Art and Community we would welcome your application as a volunteer to chair our meetings and oversee our event. The job description is simple, you can see it here.
Contact us
For further information please feel free to email us at: info@harrowopenstudios.com