Wandsworth Artists at the Putney Exchange

A lack of galleries in Wandsworth is hitting local artists

The Wandsworth Artists Cooperative have had to look for empty shops or use display boards in shopping malls

Contemporary art collecting has become very popular in recent years, particularly in Wandsworth following the success of previous Wandsworth Arts Festival & the Affordable Arts Fair in Battersea Park. Most people prefer to meet artists to talk about their work in a more relaxed setting than the sanitised, clinical white cube of commercial galleries. This is the fourth collective show to be put on by the Wandsworth Artists Cooperative, a community of talented artists with a successful track record of exhibitions over the past 3 years. Their group shows cover a range of media and genres. 

This exhibition, comprising of work by 18 artists, is open to the public, 7th - 9th May between 9–6, opposite Waitrose. The work has been carefully chosen to illustrate the diversity of the membership.

Martin Ireland of The Wandsworth Artists Cooperative said:
" We are self-managed and self financed to maintain critical independence, launched in April 2008 at the Old Picture House, Garratt lane, WAC has continued to encourage the professional development of its members and increase public awareness of contemporary art by local artists."

"There were many other artists who had similar ideas about selling art direct to the public and forming an artists’ cooperative seemed inevitable at a time when interest in the arts had been steadily increasing in the borough."

The WAC provides local artists affordable spaces to exhibit & sell original artwork. The group currently comprises of about 16 core artists with a broad range of skills and styles. Work on display is available at prices to suit all pockets. For further information, call Martin Ireland on: 07946 354 852 or look at the website: www.wandsworthartists.com.

April 26, 2010