2020 is a leap year. We’ve been given an extra day to live our best lives, and what’s more it falls on a Saturday - this only happens every 28 years! If you’re stuck for ideas on what to do with your bonus 24 hours, here’s 5 ways to spend the day creatively:
- Visit Stephen Wright’s House of Dreams Museum; 45 Melbourne Grove, East Dulwich, SE22
Having lived in East Dulwich for over seven years, I must have walked past number 45 Melbourne Grove thousands of times. But other than being a little brighter than its neighbours, and the pretty mosaics clinging to the wall, there was nothing to suggest there was anything remarkable about the house standing behind the tall blue fence.
Little did I know it was the home of artist, Stephen Wright. Stephen’s life project has seen him turn his house and garden into a museum dedicated to forgotten and unloved objects that would usually be thrown away.
The house is open one day a month (including February 29th) from 10am to 5pm, last entry 4pm. Tickets must be booked in advance via the website; stephenwrightartist.com
- Take a trip to God’s Own Junkyard; Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Walthamstow, E17
Need some light in your life? Then hop on the Victoria Line and head over to God’s Own Junkyard - Europe’s largest stock of neon artwork. For over 30 years Chris Bracey has been the ‘Neon Man’ creating iconic art pieces which has gained him a cult following in both London and Los Angeles.
Their brilliantly named ‘Rolling Scones’ café offers cream teas and a selection of freshly baked cakes and food, and they also have a fully licenced bar.
Open weekends. Friday & Saturday - 11am to 9pm and Sunday - 11am to 6pm.
godsownjunkyard.co.uk
- Join an Alternative London Street Art Walking Tour; Spitalfields, London E1
If you’re after some exercise while getting the creative juices flowing, why not take a walking tour of London’s street art and graffiti? Described as ‘
A cultural journey into the vibrant east end and the first tour to showcase London’s incredible street art scene’, the tour is led by street artists and local experts
.
And if you are inspired by all you see, you can sign up to one of the street art workshops or graffiti workshops and try it for yourself.
alternativeldn.co.uk
- Life Drawing with Secret Sketch – Saturday Daytime Life Drawing; Vaulty Towers, 34 Lower Marsh SE1
The human body is complex and life drawing allows the artist to observe the shape of the human form, to study every subtle curve and line found in nature.
If you’ve ever fancied giving life drawing a go, then come along to this daytime drop in session, organised by London Drawing. Suitable for all abilities, you can buy materials in the class or bring your own.
londondrawing.com/drop-in-classes
- Meet Vincent van Gogh Experience; Upper Ground, South Bank SE1
Ever stared at a painting and been so captivated, you’re transported right there in the middle of the scene?
Well, now’s your chance to jump inside some of the most recognised paintings in the world.
The Meet Vincent van Gogh Experience allows you to get up close and personal with some of van Gogh’s most famous works.
Nothing is off limits, you can touch everything in the Experience, climb a golden haystack in Arles, take a selfie sitting on Vincent’s bed, or pull up a chair at the Potato Eaters table. There is an audio guide to give you the stories behind his artworks and tell you everything you need to know about Vincent van Gogh.
The exhibition runs from 7 February - 21 May
ticketmaster.co.uk/meet-van-gogh