Art@57 Exhibitions and Markets is an initiative by local Artist and Curator Louise Ward and hosted by Suzanne James. Itis a lively street-facing window gallery with regular pop up art markets. It aims to showcase the work of local Artists and Makers, highlighting the quality of the creativity in and around East Dulwich.
Louise is a Fine Art Photographer who recently showed her work locally at the lovely Jeannie Avent Gallery. She has also exhibited this year with Shutterhub at their exhibitions in Cambridge, Rotterdam and at Pil’ours Festival in France. Louise has been a local resident in East Dulwich for nearly 30 years, and takes part in the Artists Open House Event every year in May. She is also a graduate of 2 local colleges Camberwell Art School and Goldsmiths College.
How Art@57 came about
Nearly two years ago, Louise noticed that the old pet shop in North Cross Road had closed and that the property had been refurbished, but wasn’t sure what the space was being used for. She loved the look of the shop front and how the window caught your eye. A little later on Louise was lucky enough to attend a lunch event there hosted by Suzanne James. It was Suzanne that had bought no. 57 and transformed it into a private hire venue and cookery school. Suzanne is also a local resident and native of East Dulwich, whose main catering business is based in Barry Road SE22.
Louise kept looking at the lovely windows at no 57 and thought what a brilliant place it would be to display artwork and perhaps to start a window gallery. So Louise got in touch with Suzanne who loved the idea and agreed to let her program exhibitions in the window showcasing different local Artists’ work each month, and the rest is history ! In its first 10 months Art@57 has shown the work of over 22 local Artists in the window which has quickly become a stopping place for locals who enjoy seeing what will be on show next, with many indulging their love of Art by purchasing works for their homes or as special gifts. This September we have the work of talented Printmaker and Actor Helen Adie in the window, followed in October by well known local abstract Artist Helen Ireland.If something in the window has caught your eye just email Louise for an viewing appointment (infoartat57@gmail.com).
The Art Markets have become a lively addition to the street market in North Cross Road. Over 40 local Artists and Makers have already bought their work to sell inside no 57. and there are many more lined up for the Autumn and Winter dates, all with unique beautifully crafted hand-made items.The dates for the Autumn Markets are Saturday September 21st and Saturday October 26th from 10am and the Winter Markets will be on Saturday Nov 30th, and Saturday December 7th and 14th from 10.30am.
To keep up to date with all Art@57events either follow them on instagram @artat57 or look in the window of no 57 for the notices. Visit infoartat57.wixsite.com/artatfiftyseven for more info.
57 North Cross Road, London, SE22.9ET.