A whopping 180 houses across Brighton, Hove and beyond are opening their doors to the public for four weekends this May for the Artists Open Houses spring edition and its 42nd year.
The gorgeous cover artwork is by artist Sarah Arnett, whose The Little Picture Palace venue (which she also rents out on Air BnB) is decked out in the artist’s trademark opulent maximalist style this year.
“I took inspiration from Margaret Atwood’s poem ‘Siren Song’. These beautiful but bored sirens floating in a wondrous dream like sea, a scene hiding the wrecks, hearts and dreams of men,” said Sarah of the cover artwork
Sarah will be selling original collages, new prints and some exciting new projects this year at the house this year. Her open house will also showcase jewellery from Vivienne Ridley, vibrant leather accessories by Holly M Atelier, cushions by Maria Tilyard and work by Raw Solace and Corpo Sancto. Her joyful venue is definitely one for your must-visit list. She’s also holding workshops every Friday and a Sunday salon each weekend.
The festival offers a perfect chance to explore the city, discover the designers and makers living on your doorstep, snap up some gorgeous unique handmade gifts and, more often than not, indulge in a wee festive treat. (And have a little snoop inside loads of different houses and buildings, obvs.)
As ever, the choice is immense, with the work available to buy ranging from ceramics and paintings to textiles, jewellery and many other artworks from established and emerging artists.
Other highlights include Story Maps, an exhibition by artists with learning disabilities, autism and neurodivdergence. The work will explore the rich folklore of the local area with a pop-up library and an opportunity to get involved with some painting.
The Dog Show is also back for the fifth year, showcasing over 200 pieces of pooch-inspired works of art, including Lorraine Corrigan’s papier mache dogs, Sophie Thurlow’s miniatures painted on teabags and Gemma Rees’ adorable Bedlington sculptures. Composer Orlando Gough has even created a specially composed dogscape – a polyphonic dog sound mash-up!
On a larger scale, don’t miss The Spire’s Festive Fair and The Stanley Road Department Store’s offerings either.
And, if the weather’s being a dick again (or in-person shopping is hard), there are also the Virtual Open Houses – think video tours around artists’ houses, online galleries, allowing you to find out about individual designers and their work – and buy it – without getting drowned/roasted/windswept/hailed on (delete as appropriate).
Saturday and Sunday 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 25th, 26th and Monday 6th May
Various times and locations (not all houses open every weekend)
aoh.org.uk