Art Group Wanstead – A Community of Artists in Wanstead, Redbridge

UPCOMING EVENTS & NEWS

Plans for the Wanstead Festival 2026

Art Group Wanstead members will have a big presence at the annual Wanstead Festival on Sunday 13th September at Christchurch Green, off Wanstead High Street. Our artists will be displaying and selling their art, and running free drop-in workshops for adults and children. A couple of art tutors will also provide some one-to-one sessions, while other artists run demos and stalls.

Much of the art shown on the day will take its inspiration from AGW’s current theme, The Shape of Water, which can be interpreted very widely. And, of course, the theme enormously suits our many watercolour artists!

This large festival, run by Redbridge Council’s partner Vision, will be open to the public from 11am-6pm. Admission is free. Thousands attend this event. Attractions include music on two stages, food and drinks, a myriad of stalls, activities, displays and plenty of great community spirit.

Artist: Alison Stenhouse

Plans for the Wanstead Fringe Festival

Art Group Wanstead will also be involved in the Wanstead Fringe Festival. AGW will be running a sociable pop-up art event on Tuesday September 22 from 3pm-8pm, upstairs at The George & Dragon pub on Wanstead High Street, opposite Wanstead Tube station. Many artists will display their work and will also encourage the public to produce and swap heir own small works as Art Trading Cards (ATCs), measuring 3.5 x 2.5inches. Come along to get the full picture – and bring along your ATCs if you can. Just use your own card or sturdy art paper, cut to size. Admission to the event is free.

The Wanstead Fringe Festival runs from September 5th-26th. For the full listings go to: wansteadfringe.org

Recent project

An AGW art oak tree, to help beautify Wanstead, has gone up on the hoarding fence around the “Evergreen Field” building site on Wanstead High Street. Our tree faces Christchurch Green, where the hoarding is likely to stay up until at least October 2027.

The art tree was a collaborative effort by members, who were asked to work to a short deadline. We decided to incorporate Wanstead landmarks into the tree as well as give a flavour of the varied artwork produced by local artists. The hoarding project was the brainchild of lovely local resident Bronagh Byrne, who contacted the developer and then approached local groups.

The developer, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing Association, paid for the artwork to be reproduced and attached to the hoarding. This image is taken from a copy of the Wanstead Village Directory, as the editor has kindly added the names of all the individual artists involved. We are also grateful to Fiona Eastmond who volunteered to do the graphic work and art co-ordination for this community project. To appreciate the full details and colours, go along to see it, and the other colourful work on the hoardings.

As not all our artists can be easily found online, we have stated that any enquiries can be sent via AGW founder donnamizzi@btinternet.com She will pass on any messages.

Past Events & News

Art Group Wanstead is showing a wide array of bluebell-inspired work at Stow Bros estate agent in Wanstead until mid-June. Members of the public can just pop in to enjoy it. Work can also be purchased. The artists’ contact details should be with the artwork. If there are any difficulties, email Art Group Wanstead organiser Donna Mizzi and she will endeavour to help. Email: donnamizzi@btinternet.com

Art Group Wanstead were among local groups showing work at the Woodford Arts Spring Exhibition. - We had a very enjoyable and successful event!

AGW Bluebells & Spring Event: Monday April 17th to Sunday 23rd 2023

Organised by Art Group Wanstead at St Gabriel’s Church, corner of Park Road and Aldersbrook Road, E12 5HH. The exhibition was organised to coincide with the enchanting natural show of bluebells in Wanstead Park’s Chalet Wood. It has become a growing annual attraction, attracting visitors from miles around. Just a walk away from this forest-land park, so stretch your legs and visit both.

On Saturday April 22, the show was accompanied by art workshops for adults and children, demos, tea and cakes.

Some images from the event!

Our Pop-up Shop & Art Show

Art location, location, location …

Sab Citro_London Liverpool street skyline (1)

Forest Reflctions Alison Stenhouse JPG (1)

Art Group Wanstead artists are showing work in a number of venues this autumn and winter.

First, there will be a display at the Wanstead Festival on Christchurch Green on Sunday October 2. On the same day, Christ Church will be showing more work by members.

From Friday October 14, the group’s generous supporter The Stow Bros is putting on a three-month changing art show at its premises at 117a Wanstead High Street. An opening reception will be held there on Thursday October 13 from 6.30pm with drinks and nibbles for artists and local residents. Drop in if you can, or pop by to see the exhibition during office hours.

During the first weekend of this show, the display area is being extended with extra art also being shown at Allan Burgess House, a few steps away from The Stow Bros. This centre, also known as the “Corner House”, will be open from 10am-3pm on Saturday October 15 and noon-3pm on Sunday October 16.

Artists from Art Group Wanstead are being encouraged to show some of their work on the link fencing, for visitors to the high street and green to enjoy and contemplate. “At the very least, it will add extra colour and interest to the area,” said the art group’s founder, Donna Mizzi. “But, who knows? The idea could even eventually become a Little Bayswater Road,” she said, referring to the landmark display covering Hyde Park fences on Sundays. Group artists also have some innovative ideas that could be added to the Christchurch Green art experience if it proves to be a big draw. Admittedly, much of its success will depend on the weather.