Brighton’s Arty: Alison Krog

Christmas shopping heaven

If Dante had made it to the 10th Circle of Hell, it would have undoubtedly been called ‘Shopping’ and looked not dissimilar to Churchill Square in the run up to Christmas. So this year, why not eschew tinsel-strewn tat and support those wonderful local arts and crafty types who make gift buying a sheer joy (that’s if you can bear to give their work away once you’ve got your mitts on it!)
Over the next few weeks, you’ll be spoilt for choice for opportunities to visit art fairs and open studios and houses in Brighton, where you’ll come face to face with makers and creators showing unique, affordable artworks and artefacts ranging from painting and printmaking to jewellery, textiles, ceramics, fashion, basketry… and much more. First big date for the diary is MADE at the Corn Exchange on 20-22 November. It’s the 10th anniversary for the city’s annual contemporary craft and design fair, and you can look forward to original and exceptional work from the best local and national makers.

21-22 November also marks the start of Brighton’s Christmas AOH festival, with four weekends to trail around the houses and studios that open their doors and provide art lovers the chance to browse and buy direct from the artists. With its focus on quality and value for money, there’s truly something for everyone. In the South Lanes, Kellie Miller Arts is celebrating AOH and her gallery’s second birthday with the opening of her winter exhibition showcasing four new artists including Alison Rankin’s twist on still life paintings (featured here). Well worth popping in.
Then – for something funky at the end of the month – on 28 November Art Junky is the indoor market that combines a love for quirky jumble sale culture with local artistic talent at the Open Market on London Road.
More must-visit shopping venues for December in next week’s column.
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