Festival Open Houses in North Laine, May 2009

'Smoking Girl' by Sharon Tancredi (at 26 Tidy Street)

'White Parrot' by Sophie Coryndon (at 40 Tidy Street)

'Peace Statue' detail by Rob Ollerenshaw (at 12 Kemp Street)

'Untitled' by a Sussex County Arts Club artist (at 3 Bond Street Cottages)

Rich and diverse works

By Robyn Dillon, North Laine resident

As every art lover in Brighton knows, May brings not only our world-class Festival, but the unique, community-based wonder that is the Artists Open Houses. An opportunity for all to showcase their talents or be amazed at the rich and diverse works on offer, this event brings out Brighton at its best.

Seven open houses in North Laine

This year was no exception and heralded an especially exciting time for us North Laine residents living, as we do, in the most vibrant part of our city. The trail of which we are a part, Central Brighton Artists (CBA), is growing and we were pleased to welcome 9 new venues, with 7 of its 15 open houses being here in the North Laine.

An eclectic mix of talents

Please take some time to be inspired by our eclectic mix of artistic talents, free, every weekend in May. If you've never visited an open house before, we guarantee a stimulating experience alongside a chance to check out what your neighbours are up to in their own homes! And - who knows - you may find that perfect piece for the chimney breast. All in all not a bad way to spend a weekend.

Follow the Central Brighton Artists trail

The CBA trail began this year at the Eagle Bar on Gloucester Road, and proceeded through the North Laine to Tidy Street and Kemp Street (then on to Upper Gloucester Street, North Gardens and Crown Gardens). The trail continued back through North Laine toward the seafront with excellent houses and galleries in Bond Street and New Road (then on to King's Road Arches, Ship Street Gardens and West Street). Our trail expanded westward this year, including Dyke Road, Dean Street, and Silwood Road.

The brochure

Full details about our trail was in the Artists Open House brochure available in local shops, cafés and pubs.   You could also download it from the AOH website: www.aoh.org.uk

North Laine venues

Here is the North Laine trail, with some additional information to whet your appetite:

1) The Eagle Bar, 125 Gloucester Road: Photography

2) The Shadow Box, 26 Tidy Sreet: Shadow Box returned with old favourites and exciting new work. Photography in many forms - panoramic, pinhole, quirky and traditional - exhibited alongside figurative painting, abstract oils, graphic illustrations and recycled jewellery. Also tempting from our zany artists: Iain Faulkner (panoramic photography), Mike Faulkner (photography), Jasmine Fish (precious recycled jewellery), Anna Foca (alternative photography), Kabyn (photographic faffing), Alan Patch (painting), Cheryl Pierce (figurative painting), Sharon Tancredi (illustration).

3) 40 Tidy Street: Exciting and eclectic collection of artists

4) 12 Kemp Street: In a stunning contrast of styles, photographer Torben Krog and painter Rob Ollerenshaw bring to life local landscapes and seascapes around Brighton & Hove. Working mainly in watercolour and pastels, Rob captures the detail of favourite landmarks and views, while Torben's abstract photographic art imbues the familiar with new vibrancy and drama.

5) Sussex County Arts Club, 3 Bond Street Cottages: Annual summer exhibition showcases figurative artwork produced by club members in a variety of media, much of it created during some of the many sessions run throughout the year at the club. The club offers many classes for beginners and professionals (check out their website for further details).

6) Fitzherberts Pub (upstairs): Jemma Johnson showed textured mixed media paintings and Jennifer Roberts recent figurative oil paintings.

[Previously published in the North Laine Runner, No 197, March/April 2009]