Artists Open Houses Returns to Brighton & Hove this Winter
More than 60 artists invite visitors into their homes for weekend opens in Brighton & Hove, extending across the coast and beyond through 14 December.
Brighton and Hove welcome a winter art trail as dozens of artists open their doors to the public. The Artists Open Houses (AOH) festival runs on Saturdays and Sundays, inviting visitors to explore contemporary crafts in real homes across the city and nearby towns.
Event at a glance
The festival features around 60 artists and makers who open their homes to visitors each weekend until 14 December. The route extends along the coast from Brighton to surrounding communities, giving art lovers a diverse look at local creativity.
Spotlight on a participant
Among the participants is Adam Johnson, a ceramic artist who appeared on the TV show Great Pottery Throw Down. He and his partner, Dan Mackey, will welcome visitors to their Rugby Road home this weekend and next, offering a display of handmade works.
A bright, festive experience
Johnson describes the festival as a Brightonian treasure, and he anticipates a particularly festive mood this year, with crafts filling every room. The event is designed to connect artists with audiences in a friendly, home-based setting.
Judy Stevens, director of Artists Open Houses, notes that the festival helps artists reach art lovers, buyers, and industry professionals while enjoying a social, collaborative atmosphere with friends at home.
A downloadable map of participating locations is available on the festival's official site.
Expert comment
Expert comment: Judy Stevens, AOH director, emphasizes that the festival links artists with a broad audience in a relaxed home setting. It also encourages organizers to collaborate with friends for joint exhibitions inside private spaces.
Short summary
The Brighton & Hove edition features more than 60 homes opening their doors for a free weekend art tour, welcoming locals and visitors to view handmade work. The event offers a valuable introduction to local crafts, from pottery to painting, across the city and nearby areas. The festival runs every weekend through 14 December, with a chance of extra days if attendance remains high.
The key insight: Private homes become welcoming galleries, turning art into a shared community experience during the Artists Open Houses festival. BBC News