West Sussex Art Society Unveils Annual Exhibition in Fresh Location

Holly Sellors, the recently appointed exhibition coordinator, has verified that the showcase will take place from May 16 to 31 at the Shoreham Centre, featuring approximately 30 artists and showcasing about 120 works of art.

There will be an exclusive viewing event on Monday evening, May 20th, between 6 PM and 8 PM, where visitors can admire the artworks along with some light snacks, socialize with the creators, and connect with other enthusiasts. Admission is free; you just need to secure your ticket.

As part of the exhibition, The Mark You Make collective of local artists will present Making A Start—an open, drop-in mark-making workshop suitable for all ages. This event runs from 3 pm to 5 pm on Saturday, May 17th. "Discover the origins of creativity"—visitors can engage in collaborative mark-making using recycled materials. All necessary supplies and an array of inspirational items—ranging from seashells to literary works—will be available. No matter whether you wish to participate actively, watch, converse, or try out something entirely new, everyone is encouraged to attend.

The Eventbrite link to reserve your spot for the Private View (May 20 from 6-8 pm) and the Mark You Make workshop (May 17 from 3-5 pm) can be found here. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/west-sussex-art-society-109505301651

Holly stated: "This year, the Society is delighted to back St Barnabas House as its selected charity. This hospice caters to individuals across the regions of Worthing, Adur, Arun, and Henfield, aiding them in living as fulfilling lives as possible despite having life-altering conditions. Owing to community backing, they extend their assistance far outside the confines of the hospice; nurses make house calls for patients and impart their knowledge to general practitioners, nursing homes, and medical facilities alike. At times when it becomes necessary, St Barnabas ensures that people can pass away with grace, frequently within the coziness of their residences. They also offer an attentive setting through their inpatient wing designed for those whose requirements demand additional complexity. To learn more about these initiatives, please pay us a visit." www.stbh.org.uk .”

Holly commented, "The West Sussex Art Society has been around for almost a century. Founded in 1929, we gather monthly in Worthing where we hold demonstrations and engage in collective activities. Each year, we organise one or two exhibitions as well. Finding this society brought me great joy; after living in Mid Sussex, I relocated to Worthing and discovered them at last. The membership includes roughly 60 amateurs and professionals."

Last week, our gathering was quite packed and very enjoyable; it really felt lively. A sculpture instructor from Northbrook College visited and shared insights into their artwork with us. Additionally, both the curator of Towner and the curator of the Brighton Pavilion stopped by to deliver talks.

It’s fantastic to be involved because you encounter new individuals and gain the chance to showcase your creations in an exhibition setting that might otherwise remain out of reach for some. Additionally, you get exposed to numerous distinct experiences and acquire extensive knowledge about art forms beyond what you typically engage with. The environment encourages conversation too. It’s truly an excellent space for connecting with wonderful, imaginative folks.

We’ve recently undergone a full rebrand. Our team includes a graphic designer who’s now handling the website and social media, giving everything a much fresher and livelier look.

Holly thinks that the Shoreham Centre would be ideal for the exhibition, offering 76 square meters of wall space along with a substantial regular attendance. She explains, "This year we have 31 participating artists, which is wonderful—last year we had only 25. The increase likely stems from our growing membership base." There isn’t a specific theme; instead, they feature an extensive variety ranging from abstract and modern pieces to traditional landscapes and florals. With such diversity among the 31 artists involved, she assures there’ll certainly be something appealing to every visitor’s taste.