As a visitor, I’ve enjoyed myself enormously. I’ve collected a range of artist’s visiting cards scribbled, for the purposes of this column, with cryptic notes like “Ounissa Benali strange box things”. I’ve acquired a new word – giclée – and really must find out what it means. I’ve discovered someone who has a cooker nearly as old as mine. I’ve bought a gorgeously simple ashtray by Katrina Beattie. And of course I’ve developed thighs of steel. If only.
Inspired by John Carey, I’ve been investigating what the great and good have had to say about art – preferably in a quote which cleverly catches something of the Artists Open Houses Experience.
Venue owners may agree with Saul Bellow that “Art has something to do with the achievement of stillness in the midst of chaos.” Artists may or may not agree with Cyril Connolly that “There is no more sombre enemy of good art than the pram in the hall.” Either way, I think Hippocrates got it about right. Ars longa, vita brevis. With my O level Latin (failed), I think that means “So much art – so little time”.
I hear this website will be back next year, even bigger and better with even more throbbing parts. I may even be back myself.
In the meantime, thank you for having me.

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