Sussex Downs Park College teacher named ‘Artist of the Year’

Tony Bowen’s unique photography won the judges over, in the Artists Open Houses Festival Awards 2014.

Teaching and leading art and design in further education is his forte, but it’s Tony Bowen’s own photography that’s captured a lot of attention recently. Mr Bowen, Curriculum Manager of Creative & Media at Sussex Downs Park College in Eastbourne, has been named ‘Artist of the Year’ in the Artists Open Houses Awards, alongside German sculptor and ceramicist Joachim Lambrecht. Curators of the exhibition announced the pair as joint winners at the recent awards ceremony held at Myhotel, Brighton.

The annual festival features the work of over 1,000 artists and makers, who open their doors to the public throughout May. Visitors follow the Open House trails across East Sussex, including Brighton, Newhaven and Lewes, and have the opportunity to buy work directly from the exhibiting artists.

Dividing his time between his personal practice and teaching, Mr Bowen originally trained as a painter but gradually developed an interest in photography. His recent work focuses on an exploration of found surfaces in nature and urban environments. Festival director Judy Stevens said: “The Artists Open Houses May 2014 festival has been a truly inspiring event, including an amazing range of work from a wealth of local artists as well as artists from around the world, ranging in ages from 18 – 80. Even the great weather conspired to make 2014 a festival to be remembered.”