art trails & open studios

Summer is now in full swing, full of balmy days and long evenings. It is the perfect time of year to explore the heady abundance of creativity as, in towns and villages all over, artists and makers display their work in art trails and open studios events; from Artwave in the east of our region, celebrating their 30th anniversary this year, to the western reaches where the MADhurst Art Trail showcases the work of Midhurst artists. This is particularly significant as Midhurst was virtually cut off for three months due to a fire. The town is now fully open again, happily, and welcoming visitors – notable places to visit are The Midhurst Gallery (see ad p.52) where you can also find great quality art materials, and Mantis Art Studio & Gallery (see p.93). So grab your diaries and read on.

Artwave marks 30th year with record number of exhibitions

2nd to 17th September

Artwave is celebrating its 30th anniversary and this year’s festival of creativity is set to be the biggest in its history.

Running over three weekends from 2nd to 17th September, Artwave will feature artwork from more than 1000 creatives at over 180 exhibitions across Lewes, Newhaven, Seaford and the surrounding villages. The event offers the opportunity to visit artists’ private homes, studios and see art in more unusual locations such as farms, train stations and a windmill!

When Artwave began in 1993, the festival featured the work of 70 artists across 18 events and has steadily grown to become a popular fixture in the region’s cultural calendar.

Carole Buchan, who organised the first ever Artwave, said her aim as Lewes District Council's first arts officer was “to make the arts accessible to all. It is now a highlight of the cultural year with around a hundred venues open for three weekends in September, attracting visitors from all over the south”.

Visit www.artwavefestival.org for more details about Artwave 2023.

top: Helen Brown, The Sea Over Land, lino cut; opp top: Irene Marot, Into the Blue Together (both Celebrate Cuckmere Haven); above: St. Andrews Place Art School – Artwave Lewes trail; left: Ian O'Halloran – Artwave Rural trail

Celebrate Cuckmere Haven an Artwave exhibition