‘Merton Arts Trail’ is an Open House arts event held each September, where all participating artists collectively open their doors to the public to show and sell their art on the same days. Visitors create their own Trail by using our map and catalogue, and enjoy speaking directly to the artists about their work; if they buy art, the artist will benefit 100%.
To participate, each artist signs up by paying a very reasonable fee (much less than Wandsworth or Brighton Open House, for example) and this is subsidised by a LBM Grant along with our sponsors & advertisers who support the arts here in Merton. Merton Arts then creates a catalogue for the Trail, listing all the artists’ details, and 15,000 copies are distributed around the borough.
For the most part, people exhibit at home or in their studio. However, this isn’t always possible, so its a question of being creative and asking shops or cafes if they would like to host an exhibition. Church Road shops in Wimbledon Village have really got things started this year.
Our deadline to sign up has now passed for this September. Thanks to all those who have decided to be part of this growing arts festival here on our own doorstep !
Farrow & Ball in Wimbledon Village have expressed an interest in hosting an exhibition next year, also the Fire Stables in Church Road.
Merton Abbey Mills organisers also offer tables to exhibitors for a mere £5 a day during the Trail. Speak to Peter in the Wheelhouse Office onsite for details.
Many framers, shops, studios, schools and cafes are very willing to exhibit art work during the Trail (and possibly beyond), all you need to do is go in and ask. They benefit too !
Other possible venues are Galleries in our libraries, and Merton Hall Gardens have a space.
Merton Arts Trail 2013
Merton Arts Trail is run and organised by Wendy Bliss and Chrissie Craig on an entirely voluntary and not-for-profit basis. We turn all the funds we earn (sponsorship, advertising, artists entry fees, council grant) into an event we hope you will enjoy - and whilst we are serious about making this a regular and fun festival for the London Borough of Merton, we couldn’t operate if we didn’t know you enjoyed it as much as we have enjoyed creating it and making it happen.
The research we commissioned last year told us how much you enjoy it, how it motivates you and how you enjoy being part of an artistic community here in the London Borough of Merton.
Our sponsors include Marcus Beale Architects, Hawes & Co Estate Agents, WSM Tax Advisors, Wimbledon Fine Art Gallery, ACAVA, Fielders Art Supplies, Wimbledon College of Art, Julia Boggio Photography, Robert Holmes & Co., Crown Lane Recording Studios, Gleesons Picture Framers, Time & Leisure, Darling and SW19 Magazines.
We are always looking for more support, and welcome all suggestions. Do get in touch also, if you would like to be listed as one of our ‘Angels’ who donate simply because they wish to support the work of the Merton Arts Trail.
Thank you for visiting our site, we hope you join our Open House event.
Wendy Bliss & Chrissie Craig
Co-Founders of Merton Arts
email: info@mertonartstrail.org.uk