Christmas 2015 Artists Open Houses, Brighton and Hove

Catch the last weekend of Brighton and Hove Artists Open Houses!

This Christmas edition of Artists Open Houses (AOH) has been running for four weekends, ending on Sunday 13^th December 2015. It’s an excellent opportunity to buy arty festive gifts that you won’t find on the high street.

Featuring over 50 venues, the AOH festival is spread across Brighton and Hove and even extends to the surrounding villages of Rottingdean and Ditchling. Not only is it the largest and oldest event of its kind in the UK, but it also takes place twice a year, in May and December.

Over the years AOH has diversified beyond the original concept of artists presenting works in their own homes. Today the full range of venues encompasses houses, workshops, studios, commercial galleries and pop-up shops. Here are some of the favourites this Christmas:

11 Rugby Road

Brighton BN1 6EB

An Aladdin’s cave of festivity and creativity greets visitors at 11 Rugby Road. Dan Mackey’s contemporary graphics can be seen on the walls, while cards, jewellery and other crafts fill every nook and cranny. Adam Johnson’s marine-inspired ceramics appear as tentacles on the landing and  “crunckles” (sea urchin-like tea light holders) glowing in the bathroom. The kitchen has been transformed into a “candy wonderland”, overflowing with sweets, chocolates and cupcakes amid the gentle aroma of mulled wine. Proceeds from the sale of these sweet treats are going towards Superstar Arts, a charity that specialises in projects for adults with learning disabilities.

Glass in Fusion

Unit 9, Beaconsfield Studios, 25 Ditchling Rise, Brighton BN1 4QL

Close to London Road station is a maze-like complex of studios where glass artist Stephanie Else is based. Her kiln-formed works use a combination of transparent and translucent glass, embedded with metal fragments that shimmer in the light. Jewellery, bowls, coasters, wall panels and sculptural pieces are all part of her bold and colourful repertoire. Unsurprisingly the bestsellers have been the delicate glass snowflakes that dazzle as they hang on ribbons. A few pop-up shops can also be found in Beaconsfield Studios, selling textiles, jewellery, leather accessories and other gifts. Sophie Darling’s intricately detailed hand-printed scarves and kimonos are a must-see.

Atelier 51

51 Providence Place, Brighton BN1 4GE

Atelier 51 is an exciting new venture just opposite St. Bartholomew’s Church. Here five artists have opened their recently created workshops for the public to browse. The ground floor features quirky ceramics by Elaine Bolt and Silvia K, which sit among the kilns and tools used to make them. Walls upstairs are adorned with the mesmerising “paperscapes” of Rhoda Baker and Sarah Young’s imaginative screen prints. The venue is also showcasing the works of 22 guest artists and makers, providing a real feast for the eyes.

Bailey & Daughter

Flat 4, Grand Avenue Mansions, Grand Avenue, Hove BN3 2NA

Geoff Bailey’s atmospheric photographs fill the walls of this tastefully decorated apartment. They convey the sights from his many travels, including Bali, Provence and Cuba. Bailey’s love of the medium is obvious, as is his fondness for the places and people he portrays (including those here in Brighton). In one of the bedrooms are beautiful life drawings and paintings by his daughter, Samantha, as well as contemporary jewellery by Rosalind Winnard. The hosts are welcoming folk, offering mulled cider to guests in dinky handmade cups.

The Claremont

13 Second Avenue, Hove BN3 2LL

This five-star Victorian hotel is one of the more unusual venues on the AOH list. Works by over 30 artists are displayed throughout the building, including the communal areas, a few bedrooms, and even the bathrooms. Art works have been chosen to compliment the décor in the rooms, creating an ambience that surpasses that found in many hotels. All tastes are catered for with an eclectic mix of media and subject matter, plus tasty seasonal complimentary fare.

The Christmas AOH festival runs until 13^th December 2015. Most venues are open 11am until 6pm Saturdays and Sundays, but opening times may vary (check the online brochure at www.aoh.org.uk).