Top tips for visiting Artists Open Houses
Regular AOH artist Faye Bridgwater’s shares her top ten tips for making the most of your Open Houses weekend visits:
TOP 10 TIPS for visiting Artists Open Houses in Brighton By Faye Bridgwater www.fayebridgwater.com
Oh my, I blooming love May in Brighton. The whole city awakens and Artists Open Houses doors are open. It’s honestly my favourite time of year.
Hi, I’m Faye Bridgwater a contemporary artist known for bold florals and landscapes and for many years I’ve opened my home and studio as part of AOH. This year I’m taking a little pause as GCSEs have taken over our house, so instead of hosting I’ll be out visiting… which I’m so so so looking forward to!! Over the years, both opening my house and wandering around others across the city, I’ve picked up a few things that make the whole experience easier, smoother and a lot more enjoyable. So I thought I’d share my top tips with you, just as I would a friend.
- Plan your route
First things first, get your hands on a copy of the Artists Open Houses brochure. They’re dotted all over the city, cafés, libraries, train stations. You’ll know it when you see it (look out for the cover by Alej Ez, Modern Bathers Brighton). If you’re not local, or prefer a digital plan, the full brochure is online with maps and listings. Keep an eye out for Artists Open Houses, Hamptons boards most (not all) have them displayed so its super easy to locate each venue.
See AOH festival online listings
- Check (and check again)
Every house is independently run, which means we all have slightly different opening days and times. It’s part of the charm… but it does mean it’s worth double-checking. Make a little plan, circle things, scribble notes, anything to avoid turning up to a closed door and wondering what went wrong. The small calendar boxes in the brochure are your friend. Some people open every weekend while others are just one :)
- Parking: be the person who doesn’t get a ticket
Brighton is beautiful, creative… and very well patrolled. There’s usually parking nearby and you can pay by app or phone, just don’t risk it. https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/parking/paid-parking/paybyphone-parking
- No car? No problem
Brighton’s buses are brilliant and very easy to use. Google Maps or the Brighton Buses app will guide you. www.buses.co.uk/app And if you’re feeling up for it, the city is very walkable. Pop on some comfy shoes and aim for those 10,000 steps. It is a bit hilly, but that’s part of the joy you’ll be rewarded with some gorgeous views, and you really get a feel for each area as you wander between houses.
This is the Pepper Pot often missed by visitors but if you are on the Hanover Trail you’ll see it. - Dogs
I absolutely love welcoming dogs when I’m open…some of my favourite visitors have four legs! That said, do remember that Artists Open Houses are exactly that… people’s homes. Some venues may have carpets, artwork at paw height, or allergies to consider. If you’d like to bring your dog, it’s always best to message the venue first to check. Or come with a friend and take turns – one of you can enjoy the art while the other waits outside, then swap.
- Children very welcome
Most venues are really welcoming to children, and it’s lovely seeing them enjoy the artwork too. Some houses have little activities or trails, others are more of a quick browse. Just keep in mind these are homes and working studios, often filled with delicate pieces. A gentle reminder not to touch goes a long way and it’s all part of learning how to look at art.
- Food, glorious food
Never look at art on an empty tummy. Brighton is full of brilliant places to eat, and many Open Houses offer tea, coffee and homemade cakes (look out for the teacup symbol in the brochure). If you’re making a day of it, or staying longer, the BRAVO Awards are a great place to find tried-and-loved restaurants. You could quite easily turn your Open Houses visit into a full weekend of art
and food https://brightonrestaurantawards.co.uk/
- Card or cash? Both!
Most venues take card these days (even for small purchases), but it’s still wise to carry a bit of cash just in case. A mix of both means you won’t miss out on anything you fall in love with.
- Group visits
It’s always so lovely when a group turns up, it brings such a great energy to the house. If you’re planning to visit as a larger group, it’s a really good idea to email the venue ahead of time so they can be prepared. Some artists may even be able to open early or during the week to accommodate you. I’ve had the most glorious visit from an art group from Iceland and I’ve opened up at other times of year for local groups too, it’s always worth asking!
- Take photos (future you will be grateful)
You’ll see so much art that it can all blur by the end of the day. Take photos of anything you love it really helps if you want to come back to something later. And if you share on social media, artists always appreciate a tag. It helps others discover their work too.
And that’s it – my ten tips!
If you fancy making a weekend of it, May really is the perfect time to visit. The city is buzzing not just with Open Houses, but also Brighton Festival, Brighton Fringe and The Great Escape. Book a show, catch a gig, have a dance… there’s something happening everywhere you turn. The first Saturday of May the Festival opens with the Children’s Parade which is a super start to this glorious month.https://brightonfestival.org/whats-on/XdH-childrens-parade/
I hope you have the most wonderful time exploring. And I’ll be back opening my doors in 2027 but until then, you can always follow along on Instagram or via my website. https://www.instagram.com/faye_bridgwater/
Here’s to blue skies and brilliant art this May. xx
See Visit Brighton
Faye is taking a pause this year, but will be back with her own Open House again next year.