artists' open houses

Artists are producing engaging, creative and, sometimes, challenging work for the public to see during the May AOH festival each year. The Artists Open Houses offer the public the opportunity to buy artwork directly from the maker. Many visitors buy their first piece of original artwork at an Open House and return again year after year.

Many Open House venues belong to one of the 14 Open House Trails, which cover different areas of the city and beyond. Some venues are independent.  Most Trails are geographically grouped and houses are usually within walking distance of each other. Entry is nearly always free.

The Christmas festival marks the start of the Christmas season, offering an array of work from contemporary and original local artists and makers. Visitors can follow the Open Houses Christmas trail to discover unique and unusual Christmas gifts for friends and family whilst sampling home made mince pies and glasses of hot mulled wine.

As well as Christmas cards, wreaths, decorations and stockings, alongside home-made preserves, bunting, cake-stands, calendars, illustrated tins, otherworldly teapots, zines and comics, see Cold Comfort Farm milk bottles, quails egg cups, perspex pavilions, life sized kinetic African cranes and a traditional Victorian Christmas grotto.