As Registration opens for the AOH Christmas 2019 Festival, we’re taking a look back at the wonderful May ’19 Festival!

Our visitors told us what they liked best about Artists Open Houses

“I love meeting the artists, looking at the lovely work displayed in their homes, talking to the artists and makers about their work. There is a vast variety of art in just about every conceivable form and medium.”

“It’s a chance to see beautiful art and to chat to artists who are so generous in sharing ideas with no pressure to buy. There is a wonderful variety of beautiful, creative, magical soulful art, spaces and people.”

“It’s a great opportunity to see all the creative energy Brighton has to offer! To talk to the artists about the influences that inform their work – they are often working studios, not shops!”

“I just want to say I love Open Houses – it is such a lovely thing to do in May – I really look forward to it. I have bought many gifts and bits and pieces for myself from the artists.”

“I love seeing the variety of artwork on display and visiting parts of Brighton I wouldn’t normally see and discovering new artists emerging.”

“ Its great to see original work and discover artists I don’t know. There is incredible talent & some gorgeous kitchens! There’s always something to buy… either as presents or to keep!”

“I like walking and discovering new parts of the city, finding hidden gems and supporting local artists.”

“I like to meet genuine artists who are not necessarily big names or mainstream.”

“Its great to see the latest works of artists I’ve seen before, also exploring new venues and finding new artists. I enjoy the food the walks and the friendly welcomes of the hosts. Also its great to support some charities showing their artists’ work … like the YMCA.”

“I like being surprised. AOH is incredible. There’s nothing like it!”

 

Visitors to AOH told us about their favourite Open Houses:

“The 9A Hove Place exhibition was very well laid out with complementary furniture and there was plenty to see in one place. It is always a treat – I am a fan of ceramics, and every year they have some of the very best, in a wide variety of styles.”

Photo credit: Mike Daniels

“169 Preston Drove is such a beautiful space, really well curated and with carefully chosen artists.”

“8 Charles Street has a lovely friendly vibe, fresh new work, brilliant curation!”

“12 Scott Road has tons of interesting artwork and friendly artists!”

“There was excellent curatorial work at Encounters – outstanding because it is so professional.”

“11 Rugby Road is such a warm and welcoming place – the two guys are lovely people. Every nook and cranny was beautifully decorated with art and crafts; the display itself was a work of art. And there were things for all budgets.”      

“Reflections on Light and Colour was a lovely exhibition space, lots of interesting and high quality work.”

“Ruth Mulvie’s wonderful artwork was displayed in a fabulous swimming pool setting.”

“At For the Man I Love they are always laughing, music playing, there are great artisans and they have some of the best cake! I never leave that house empty handed. They are fabulous hosts offering gin in the summer and hot toddy at Christmas!”

“11 Ditchling Road is so well designed. The whole house is a work of art in itself as well as the excellent art within. And a great garden!”

“Phoenix Open studios were particularly good this year.”

“ Artwork by Chris Shaw Hughes and Adele Gibson at the Regency Town House was outstanding. Both artists had produced work that was different, told stories and was displayed in a wonderful gallery space.”

“Jane Palmer & Friends has wonderful paintings, ceramics and sculptures.”

“I prefer the houses that show work by real artists and are not just trinket shops. Brian Mander’s sculpture installation had a serious message. Subterranean at 7 Dials was great too.”

“Abigail Bowen has a strong commitment to her practice and pushing her limits. Her work is not just commercial or decorative.”

“AT in Hendon Street has totally original work and vibrant colours and atmosphere.”

“I love Chris Lewis’s Pottery at South Heighton. His work has been consistently good over many, many years. This year in addition there was a superb exhibition of his ethnic collection, which has helped to inspire his ceramic work.”

What our visitors say about AOH:

“Thank you for continuing to put on my most anticipated event of the year!”

“A fabulous experience which I hope will continue for many years.”

“Keep me posted, I always love the artistic culture of the city. It is crammed with talent.”

“I brought my daughters (12 and 14) and they also can’t wait to go to more open houses next year!”

“My favourite event of the year – and I live in London!”

“It’s great that AOH is such an important part of the May festival.”

“A fabulous experience which I hope will continue for many years.”

“Congratulations on another great year of AOH!”

“Never stop AOH! They’re so wonderful to go to with friends and family – both, in the summer and winter. I love them!”

A big thank you to our wonderful visitors for all your amazing feedback. We’ll look forward to seeing you again at the Christmas Artists Open Houses.