Crystal Palace Artists’ Open House: A Grassroots Celebration of Creativity Returns to SE19
27–28 September & 4–5 October 2025
Preview exhibition: 1 Sept – 5 Oct at The Paxton Centre
Back for its fifth year, the Crystal Palace Artists’ Open House returns this autumn with its biggest and boldest edition yet — showcasing over 70 artists and makers across more than 30 venues in SE19. From ceramics and sculpture to photography, textiles, illustration, and experimental media, the Open House invites audiences to step inside private studios, converted shops, and makeshift galleries — all within a walkable stretch of South East London’s most creative hilltop neighbourhood.
Taking place across two weekends — 27–28 September and 4–5 October — this is an event with grassroots spirit and serious artistic ambition. At its heart is a commitment to community, access and inclusion, bringing together emerging artists, established practitioners, and the curious public in a shared celebration of local creativity.
Among this year’s highlights is the Emerging Artist Initiative, a supported opportunity now in its second year. The 2025 recipient is Luka Gille, also known as Pinkwolf — a self-taught photographer and visual artist whose work reflects on masculinity, memory, and queer identity through a distinctly tender, introspective lens. Luka receives exhibition space, mentoring, a studio residency, and participation in a 2026 group show at West Norwood Library & Picturehouse.
Other participating artists include Luana Asiata (recent Women in Art Prize nominee), Jonny Kemp (Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year), Sylvia Piechulla (BizBubble Modern Maker Award winner), and Tom Cox, whose eponymous gallery is fast becoming a South London destination for accessible contemporary art.
Studios and venues across Gipsy Hill, Anerley and Upper Norwood — including favourites like Gallery56, Coopers Yard, and The Paxton Centre — will open their doors to visitors. Expect informal chats with artists, new work for sale, and a rare opportunity to see the processes behind it all.
A month-long preview exhibition featuring 55 artists runs from 1 September to 5 October at The Paxton Centre, offering a curated overview of the wider event. The launch night on 25 September also marks the beginning of the festivities.
This year also sees the introduction of artist-led workshops — from portrait masterclasses with Jonny Kemp to oil-on-glass animation sessions with award-winning animator and educator Leo Crane of Figuration. With drop-ins and pre-booked sessions available, these are designed to let audiences dive deeper into making, not just viewing.
“A celebration of local culture”
Organised entirely by local volunteers — from artists to small business owners — CPAOH has grown into one of South London’s most anticipated autumn art events. Last year it welcomed more than 1,200 visitors, with over 70,000 online engagements. The event continues to offer a platform for early-career artists and underrepresented voices, backed by local sponsors including Martin & Co, Packed Lunch, and The Paxton Centre.
CPAOH is not only an arts trail but a celebration of local culture, creative community and grassroots resilience — a chance to discover the unexpected, meet artists in their own environments, and take something meaningful home.
For more details and to plan your visit, head to:
www.crystalpalaceartistsopenhouse.com
Dates:
- 27–28th September and 4–5th October 2025
Key Highlights:
- Over 70 creatives
- 30+ vibrant venues
- Emerging Artist Initiative (featuring Pinkwolf)
- Month-long group exhibition at The Paxton Centre
Venues Include:
- The Paxton Centre
- Gallery56
- Coopers Yard
- Gipsy Hill Studios
And more!
Notable Artists:
- Luana Asiata
- Jonny Kemp
- Sylvia Piechulla
- Caron Clarke
- Tom Cox
Workshops Include:
- Portrait Masterclasses with Jonny Kemp
- Oil on Glass Animation Sessions with Leo Crane
Elena Leo is the Culture & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
