Three Open Houses

We've been a little snowed under to visit too many Artists Open Houses in Brighton this May but the few we have made it too have generally been very good (although as always some are gloriously awful but they're worth a look too). I can recommend

THE ARTFUL FOXJoy Fox is opening her delightful house behind Preston Park Station for the first time this year with an eponymous theme.


Not all the artists have been able to respond to the foxy theme but Judy Dwyer's dangerous dolls and dogs have morphed to be dangerous foxes.
Betty Bib has produced small fox dolls specially and other foxes are seen throughout the house. The house has a lovely artists' feel to it and the work is well chosen to work well together and to suit the house.


The HOUSE OF NEWTS (South Avenue Kemptown)
The House of Newts has had quite a big change-around of artists this year although Sarah Young still has quite a key position - although showing new prints, her portraits of women from 1940's American yearbooks and her new Greek Myth's Book
Muir and Osbourne are selling their knitted Dogs, book "Best in Show" and kits and also cashmere clothing
Angela Charles' abstracted landscapes are in the Living Room along with Rachel Eardley's jewellery and embroidered pictures.


Steve McPherson's work made from collected strandline plastic have attracted a lot of attention and need a slow peruse. (House of Newts has a lovely sunny garden and Sarah serves tea, coffee and cake with proceeds going to the Marletts Hospice)


THE OLD FORGE - South Heighton Newhaven


Literally up the road from the Pottery mentions in a previous posting the Old Forge won last year's best open house and it well worth a look. Rhoda Barker puts together a great selection of artists and makers throughout the house, studio and garden which in all has something of a Bloombury feel to it.


Christian Funnel's sculptures, fire baskets and birdbaths line the garden - which incidentally is the best place to have a cream tea during the festival or just relax looking at the view across the Ouse. There are about 16 artists and makers exhibiting in this house including Robert Peel who won best artist at last years festival (so best house - featuring best artist!)