Welcome to Hassocks Artists Open Houses information page. Here you will find our most recent information about the event.
See also, Hassocks Artists Open Houses on Facebook
2026’s event is 4th & 5th July.
Wile away a summer’s weekend with an inspirational stroll around Hassocks, dropping into see a range of bespoke, unique and thoughtful pieces displayed in the welcoming studios and homes of local artists. Use the map on this page or pick up a trail guide at a village shop and meander from one location to the next. Explore the work of over 40 local artists and makers from 11am to 4 pm on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July. A wide range of art will be on offer, including original art, prints, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and much more. Find out what inspires these local artists, whether that’s the Sussex landmarks and terrain, fascinating cultures and abstract ideas or the rhythm of the sea. To give you a head start, a handful of the artists would like to introduce themselves to the readers of Hassocks Life.
Chris de la Nougerede - Painter (BN6 Craft Beer & Tap)
Brighton-based artist Chris de la Nougerede is returning to Hassocks - where she grew up and went right through the local schools - for this year’s Artists Open Houses. Their bold, colourful work draws on vintage tattoo culture, sailors, and folk art from around the world, with influences ranging from Mexican iconography to Sicilian and Indian traditions. Alongside paintings, they often upcycle furniture, transforming everyday pieces into vibrant, characterful designs. Expect strong lines, rich colour, and plenty of storytelling throughout. With family still in the village, it’s a special homecoming as well as an exhibition.
Joanna Townsend - Oil painter (22 Newlands Close)
Raised in a family of artists, Joanna grew up with a paintbrush in her hand. She studied Fine Art and Teaching at Warwick University before settling in Sussex and falling in love with the local landscape. The Downs, the coast and the urban lines of Brighton are a source of constant inspiration, and she loves exploring ways to capture the light and energy of her home on canvas. Joanna lives in Hassocks with her two children and works as a teacher. She paints primarily in oils, though also enjoys experimenting with acrylic sketches and lino prints. She has previously exhibited in galleries in Seaford and Lewes.
Ruth Waters - Collage artist (22 Semley Road)
Originally from Haywards Heath, Ruth’s lived in Hassocks for 7 years. In 2015, after a 17-year career in theatre, she moved to Australia with her family. It was here that she made a picture book for her young child and then, on a whim, sent it to some publishers. She was amazed when it got selected. Ruth went on to author-illustrate four more picture books. In 2018 they returned to the UK. It was during Lockdown that Ruth got inspired by all the walks along the South Downs and decided to apply her collage technique to create landscapes of the local area. Ruth now works on art commissions and exhibits at various galleries. Highlights include being shortlisted for the World Illustration Award and receiving the Highly Commended Artist Award at Brighton’s Artist Open House, 2024.
Hannah McInnes - Chalkware artist (32 Ockenden Way)
Hannah founded Kitsch Fish in 2015 out of a lifelong fascination with mermaids and a passion for collecting kitsch, vintage ornaments. From her home studio in Hassocks, she creates nautical-themed chalkware wall plaques inspired by the charm of the 1950s and ’60s. Featuring mermaids, fish, seahorses and starfish - each piece is cast from original midcentury moulds and crafted from durable chalkware, then lovingly hand-painted to capture the whimsy of the originals. Originally from West Yorkshire, Hannah settled in Hassocks with her family 3 years ago. After living in Brighton for over a decade, she loves village life and still being close enough to the sea!
Nicola Twaites - Painter (43 Chancellors Park)
Nicola is an abstract painter, using acrylic and watercolour to create enigmatic images inspired by The Elements: fire, water, air, earth and spirit. She has worked in other creative media such as Photography and Film, but Abstract painting has always been the practice she has enjoyed the most. Nicola attended school in Sussex and has lived in Hassocks since 1988, bringing up her family here. She is a qualified teacher and runs a weekly abstract art class in Adastra Park, Hassocks.
Ginny Pickles - Prints (32 Ockenden Way)
Ginny Pickles is an illustrator and designer known for her bold, colourful work inspired by everyday beauty. She spent 20 years living and working in London, beginning her career at agencies including JWT, AMV Fallon and Landor, before setting up her own business. In 2021, she moved from South East London to Hassocks with her family, a change of pace that continues to shape her work. Her illustrations draw on nature, interiors and overlooked details, evolving from sketches into bright, characterful prints. Alongside this, she collaborates with businesses, creating brand identities, websites and collateral for clients across a range of industries.
Melojmosaics - Mosaics (7 Woodsland Road)
Melody has lived in Hassocks with her husband and kids (now flown the nest) for almost 30 years. For as long as she can remember, mosaic art has always been an interest, and she loves how this medium of art doesn’t have to be perfect to look good! Every piece created is individual, in how it looks, and also how it feels to touch. She enjoys upcycling old mirrors and tables to give them a new lease of life, along with making mosaic art as presents and gifts for family and friends.
