Christmas Open Houses. Various Locations, Dec 6-7 and Dec 13-14.
Friday 5th December 2008
By Nione Meakin
Hundreds of tiny origami paper birds are suspended from a ceiling as part of an installation by Ingrid Plum in the Bristol Estate Artist Studio, In Donald Hall Road.
In the Badgers Hill Workshop, in South Heighton, near Newhaven, kinetic sculptures and wire automata await visitors to bring them to life,
while in St George’s Terrace, Brighton, Mel Evans’ striking, modern oil portraits look down from the walls (whether the eyes follow you around the room remains to be seen).
Now in its sixth year – hence the “six geese a-laying” illustration of the brochure – the Christmas Open Houses event offers a showcase of local art and craft. More than 77 houses open their doors to the public, to display a dizzying variety of prints, ceramics, furnishings, photography, accessories, textiles, jewellery and paintings.
A popular complement to the May Artists’ Open Houses event that takes place as part of the Brighton Festival Fringe, organiser Judy Stevens says: “It’s a great place to go Christmas shopping away from the crowds, where you can drink mulled wine and enjoy open fires as you shop.
“The items on sale are more individual than anything you’d get on the High Street, and most of it’s very affordable too.”
Knowing where to begin can be tricky, but the brochure (and website) offers a map listing all the houses opening in an area. Because many are clustered close together, visitors can easily cover a good proportion in one trip. Judy, whose own house, 6 Clifton Street, will be welcoming visitors, is particularly looking forward to seeing what is on display at The Handmade House, off Lewes Road (paintings, ceramics, jewellery), the Bungaroosh Gallery, in Marine Square, Brighton (illuminated toy houses, vintage fabric clothing) and the Bristol Estate (new art, handmade books, decorations). The latter has only recently opened and will be a key feature in next May’s Open Houses event.
Unlike other, similar events, Christmas Open Houses has an open policy that means any artists or makers with an interest in taking part are included, making for a wide and varied programme.
