Our Team of 2025 Volunteers
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Gavin Rookledge
Trustee
I am an Artisan and am proud to have been working in The Triangle since the late 80s; initially at the Artists Cooperative and now in Coopers Yard Studios which I founded in 1998.
I also live in Crystal Palace and all three of my children have gone to school here.
I am passionate about the vibrant creativity within our local community and have continually and consistently strived to help nurture it and encourage it to flourish here
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Glen Keegan
Graphics & Printing
Words & Pictures Ltd has been a staple in Crystal Palace since 1981. I joined the company in 1995, dedicating nearly 30 years to working in the Triangle and the last five years living here as well. My passion for community involvement runs deep—I’ve supported the CP Festival and have been a part of the Artist Open House from its inception. I relish the vibrant atmosphere, the lively buzz, and the opportunity to explore and connect with all the incredible art and artists.
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Ian Smith
Marketing & Social Media
After recently moving to Crystal Palace, I've been completely drawn in by the creative energy and the fascinating stories people have to share. I trained as an artist, but my career led me into education marketing. Volunteering for the Artists' Open House is a perfect way to bring these two worlds together.
I love that the Open House gives artists a platform to reach a wider audience. The event truly celebrates everyone who has taken that courageous leap—from creating art for themselves to bravely sharing it with others.
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Jessica Jane Charleston
Emerging Artist Initiative
I’m an artist with a studio in Cooper’s Yard where I have delighted in the open studios events over the last few years. Very happy to see behind the scenes on this year’s Open House!
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Leo Crane
Emerging Artist Initiative
I established my first animation studio in Cooper’s Yard in 2012 and have loved being part of the growing creative community here. Today, I run the Figuration studio, where our main project is the feature animation The Masterpiece of Tamagata. Alongside this, I advise people and organisations on art business and technology and I lead courses at Sotheby’s Institute, V&A Academy, WIRED Summer Lab, as well as community spaces across the city.
I’m looking forward to discovering the talented artists who apply for the CPAOH Emerging Artists initiative and then being part of their journey as a mentor.
Advisory: OmenaArt Foundation
Teaching: Sotheby's Institute / WIRED Summer Lab / V&A Academy
Tech & Creativity: AIFA Ventures
Art: Artistic Portfolio
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Liz Stovell
Events Coordinator
I’ve lived in London most of my life and was always looking for that elusive community spirit; I’ve genuinely found it in Crystal Palace. As a local creative business owner myself I strongly believe in the importance of creativity in community. The open house embodies that and I love coordinating the event and highlighting the talent we have on our doorstep.
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Luana Asiata
Launch night co-ordinator
I'm an abstract artist based in Tulse Hill, originally from Aotearoa (New Zealand) and enjoy the vibrancy of life and culture in South London. Beyond my practice, I’m deeply passionate about supporting fellow creatives. I recently took part in the SoHo House x Creative Mentor Network programme, mentoring a young art director as part of the Balham cohort. I believe in nurturing talent, especially in underrepresented communities, and I'm always looking for ways to create meaningful opportunities.
This year, I'm excited to be part of the Crystal Palace Artists’ Open House for the first time—championing the wealth of talent that thrives across South London.
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Maddy Shine
Website & SEO
Hello there! I’m Maddy, the blue haired loud laughing woman who runs three businesses
Maddy Shine - helping women get visible through courses and free resources
Sassy and Soft - helping businesses get found at the top of Google (SEO)
I’m also the proud host of Pints and Purpose a local meetup group for women + non binary founders and freelancers who meet in the pub.
I’ve been living in Crystal Palace for over five years and the sense of community is palpable. I’m delighted to be involved in the Crystal Palace Artist Open House project as the website and SEO expert.
You can find out more about me here:
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Philip Hewson
Exhibition curator
I’m a painter, living and working in the Crystal Palace triangle since 2020 - but I've known and visited Crystal Palace since 1990. My work explores themes and ideas of masculinity and sexual identity through retold myth and allegory.
Philip is curating the Preview Exhibition being held at The Paxton Centre
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Roy Joseph Butler
Emerging Artist Initiative
I'm a writer, producer and creative entrepreneur based in Crystal Palace. My work is centred on generating content for creative collaboration, convening talent, supporting artists' growth and providing platforms for development and showcasing new work. In 2021, I founded Packed Lunch Productions, a registered charity with the mission of advancing visual storytelling by nurturing learning and growth through creation.
It's a pleasure and a privilege to be partnering with CPAOH in 2025 to support its Emerging Artist Initiative and help make the Open House an ever-greater presence, a real tour-de-force, in the South London art scene.
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Silvia Giardini
I’m an event project manager and have been living in Crystal Palace for the past five years. Since moving here, I’ve been inspired by the neighbourhood and the creativity of its community. I’m really excited to be joining the volunteering group for the first time this year.