Artists Open Houses

If you're an art lover, don't miss the annual festival of Artists Open Houses. It involves over 1,000 artists opening their homes to the public to display their works in unusual and original surroundings. It's the biggest free arts event in Britain and covers everything from painting, printmaking and sculpture to furniture, jewellery and stained glass.

Artists Open Houses are a great way to see art in a different, more intimate setting, and a great opportunity to buy affordable works direct from the artists. Most Open Houses belong to a Trail - where the houses are grouped within easy walking distance of each other.

Artists Open Houses happen all over Britain, but Brighton is the original and most well-known location. The concept started in 1982 when artist Ned Hoskins filled his home with his and other artists work in protest at the lack of visual arts in the Brighton Festival. This started a new phenomenon, and other artists began to do the same.

In 2007, around 1,000 artists exhibited work in 198 houses, divided into 14 trails, plus independent houses. There are also awards for the Best Open House, Best 2D, and Best Art in Garden, which you can vote for.

So if you want to discover a new artist, buy your first piece of art at a cut price direct from the artist, or just want to buy an unusual gift, make Artists Open Houses one of your stops when you come to Britain.

For more information on this year's trails, visit Artists Open Houses (www.aoh.org.uk/2008/).