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Explore a wealth of exciting art in homes around Hove through the renowned Hove Art Trail, and have a blast doing it, writes Crispin Gair.

Hove Art Trail-goers are easy to spot. We appear in May, a brochure and an A to Z in hand, wearing an expression halfway between intrepid explorer and devout pilgrim. We fly in twos and threes, like starlings to the West Pier, flock a while in one spot then suddenly take off for the next. We do it because we love to search – for inspiration, for beauty, for something provocative, for something to own, for the unexpected…

What surprises many first-timers on the Hove trail is the fun and friendliness of the event. A world apart from the stuffy, hushed galleries of the art establishment, Artists Open Houses are a month-long hum of warm welcomes and infectious enthusiasm, as well as being home to genuine talent and accomplished work. The quality of the trail has been recognised in recent years, with awards for Best Open House and Best Art in a Garden.

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artrepublic introduces two special pieces by Brighton artist Graham Carter, both brand new to artrepublic

Giclee, signed limited edition of 80. Print size 59 x 42 Frame with acid-free mount £150 from artrepublic, Bond Street or at www.artrepublic.com

Graham Carter has given artrepublic two new and utterly delectable prints, Poladroid and Waterfall (with bear). Brand new in for spring, Graham’s pieces transport you into the innocence of pure imagination. His art takes you on a journey into a mystical world of folk tales, folklore, a landscape lovingly crafted with ingenious use of found objects, strong narrative and charming characters. Take the time to explore each image and you will be rewarded.

Because you never know when inspiration will strike!

Back in the days when there were no such things as digital cameras, mobile phones and ASBO teenagers recording ‘happy slappings’, the world was amazed at the instant camera – a big behemoth of a machine that took a photo and noisily spat out a blurry image at the end. Read the rest of this article »

A Patcham artist will be displaying local art in her home and opening it up to visitors

Tina Gunstone exhibited her retro jewellery successfully last year in the house of the sculptor and trail coordinator Karen Norfolk at Patcham. Hearing that the Patcham trail was to be discontinued prompted Tina to open her own home with the help of her friend and fellow jeweller Lesley Smith. They invited Karen and also Karren Urben, the founder of the Patcham trail, to join them along with other popular Patcham exhibitors Wendy Dolan, Tania Corbett and Bill Phillip.

In total, 13 artists will be showing an eclectic mix of jewellery, paintings in pastel, oil and acrylic, sculpture in bronze and metal, photography, textiles and ceramics. Along with six other exciting artists, this is the exhibition to put on your ‘must see’ list.

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Award-winning Stanmer House is the perfect business and conference destination

Situated in the historic Stanmer Park, Stanmer House takes great pride in hosting all types of conference and corporate events, offering unrivalled facilities and state of the art technology. The restoration of Stanmer House won the Sussex Heritage Trust Award 2007.

The flexible corporate meeting and conference rooms are built to cater for all training, meeting and conference needs, whether you need an intimate meeting space or a theatre style set-up, rooms can be customised and technology utilised to your requirements.

Your timetable is their timetable. The staff will strive to do all they can to make sure you have a hassle-free meeting. Throughout your time with Stanmer House you’ll have direct communication with your meeting host and if required, an agreed messaging service that ensures prompt attention and minimum disruption to your day.

The library and grand lobby make comfortable pre-function spaces preceding the meeting rooms and allow for a wonderful atmosphere for networking, small impromptu gatherings, registration, or food and beverage service. Furthermore, after your day you can meet in the bar to discuss the day’s events, or just kick back and relax.

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