A CELEBRATION of the artistic talents in Lewes and surrounding areas begins on Saturday, August 29.

Artwave 2009 kicks off this weekend giving art lovers the chance to visit open houses across the district.

The event, which is organised by Lewes District Council, runs from August 29 to September 13 and will showcases creative works by local artists in their homes and studios.

Artwave open houses are dotted all over district, including venues in Ditchling, Firle and Chailey, as well Seaford, Newhaven and Lewes.

A competition is also taking place entitled The Gods in the Landscape.

There is still time to contribute a piece of visual art, based on the title theme, which could be displayed at an exhibition in the Crypt Gallery, Seaford from September 18-24. Entries will be taken for two age categories, eight to 15-years-old, and 16-years-old and older.

There is also an opportunity to win a family ticket for a local visitor attraction by voting for your favourite open house of 2009. Voting forms are available at the venues and in Lewes and Seaford tourist information centres.

Artwave brochures are also available from the Lewes and Seaford tourist information centres. For more information visit website www.artwavefestival.org.

***WONDERLAND at the Foundry – an exhibition of exciting new work; animals, fashion and natural elements in unexpected situations by Gary Goodman, Nick Marsh and Helen Turner.

The exhibition includes drawing, prints, paintings, poetry and workshops and forms part of Lewes Artwave.

The show is being held at The Foundry Gallery, Market Lane Garage, 32 North Street, Lewes.

The Foundry Gallery was once part of the Phoenix Ironworks Lewes. It was converted for use as a public space in August 2006 by Artemis Arts.

Artemis Arts is a local charity set up in 2006 by Wenda Bradley and Christine Hall. This year it is offering a platform for the work of three artists who use fantasy and the imagination in their work.

Free drop in family workshops will be held each Saturday during the exhibition. Participants are invited to bring their favorite toys-Teddy bears, pandas, rabbits along as starting points for drawing, painting and collage.

There will also be two artist led workshops during the week for adults of all ages. Christine Hall of Artemis Arts said: “Last year we held practical sessions for adults for the first time. There was an overwhelming response from young school leavers to pensioners. They enjoyed experimenting and learning together in a relaxed atmosphere.”
More information HERE