London’s art scene can often feel intimidating to newcomers, but a new initiative is setting out to change that. Home on Me, a small arts business dedicated to championing emerging artists, is hosting its first-ever Emerging Collectors event, The Touch of an Invisible Hand, designed to help art lovers navigate the world of buying original artwork.
Initiative founders Sahara Hirani Harji and Zehra Marikar explained the motivation behind launching the event: “Through speaking to peers, family, and friends, as well as through researching, we found that many people who love art don't know how to get into buying it. The most common reasons we come across are finding it confusing or intimidating. So, we were keen to make an event for people to come and learn it can be easy, affordable, and friendly. We want to emphasize that patrons can ask all the questions they like without judgment.” They also highlighted that existing collector events often focus on networking among collectors rather than fostering connections between buyers and artists. “Our aim is that it creates a sense of security and tangibility, the whole experience in one evening from introduction to final purchase.”
Installation shots of Introductions at Deli Theatre, 2025, courtesy of Home on Me
One of the biggest misconceptions about collecting art, they explain, is that it requires investment knowledge or specialised training. “The notions of art buying being intimidating and confusing can be correct in some instances, and our events are to change that,” they note. “The biggest misconception is that it's done entirely for reinvestment and thus requires investment knowledge, or particular art business-like training. While art can both hold value and increase in value over time, it is indeed quite tricky to predict tastes and trends. Most collectors we know collect art for the love of it.”
When it came to selecting artists for this event, Home on Me wanted to create a balanced and engaging experience for attendees. “One artist being the focal point of a whole event can be intimidating for the artist and be a less holistic experience for emerging collectors,” they noted. “So, we approach artists on our radar who we think have something unique to offer and are at a point in their career where new connections and followers can prove useful. For our first event with Beatriz Santos and Lindsey Jean McLean, we wanted two artists with a decent degree of experience and stylistic confidence under their belt that we want to help propel even further.”
Home on Me hopes attendees will leave not only with an artwork but also with greater confidence in their collecting journey. “Hopefully the start of their original art collection!" they say. "But on the less material side, we want attendees to leave with confidence and passion in the next steps of their art buying journeys. Be it because now their misconceptions are dispelled, be it because they feel they have a place to turn for the future, or because they better understand what goes into a particular artist's practice.”
Taking place at The Haggerston (E8 4AA) from 6-9PM on April 8th, the gathering is tailored for both seasoned collectors looking to discover fresh talent and complete newcomers unsure where to begin, featuring work priced between £150 and £2,200.
The evening will kick off with introductory drinks and informal conversations, followed by a panel discussion where attendees can ask questions—either directly or anonymously—about the process of collecting art. Following this, featured artists Beatriz Santos and Lindsey Jean McLean will present their work, offering insights into their creative practices. For those keen to explore further, studio tours will also be available for prospective buyers.
RSVPs can be made at homeonme.com.
Cover artwork by Lindsey Jean McLean | Artist’s Labour, Oil on linen, 2025
Emma Lee is an arts news journalist. She has written for Vogue and specialises in art news and art market analysis.
