So, it’s finally started. The Brighton Festival, with a big parade, celebrations in the streets and the beginning of the Open Houses, for many the biggest draw of the festival. And what does it do? As soon as I step out of the house, the heavens open. Just great, especially with the last few days of perfect sunshine. Still, mustn’t grumble.
I decided to catch 7 houses (3 of which are covered this week) because of the weather, taking in a delightful mix of trails- Beyond the Level, Fiveways and Seven Dials, and catching a spot of lunch at Sevendials Restuarant. It’s a tough life….
Starting out at the Dragonfly House, we wipe our feet in the dining room, tapping them in time to the old jazz music piped through the speakers. It’s humming inside, but no-one acknowledges my entry.  Plenty of time to look at the art on display, with the first catching my eye being the psychedelic clothes and fabrics of Karen Miknas. Nice price too, which is a realistic concern for any open house patron, unless they regularly mistake their bank balance for their phone number. But I digress, and as I wander around, several things get my attention, like Mark Gregory’s cartoon-like bronze bird, that and the massive dragonfly mounted on the side of house as you walk down the road are truly standout pieces, appealing to that part in me that wants a mad piece of sculpture for no particular reason. This is not to do it a disservice though. Helen Sinden's wooden boxes and other items are interesting as well, with cute detailing and good finishes. Heading upstairs, Alison Rankin’s austere but first-rate paintings catch my eye, with an impressive eye for detail. I can’t escape the feeling that if she had a bigger subject matter to paint, like landscapes for instance, she would truly shine. But, she has exhibited a lot in high profile places, so if it ain’t broke…

Hi this is my first article so excuse me if I’m a bit rusty. The first (wet) day of the festival I went to 7 open houses. They were all lovely and now I’m going to tell you all how lovely they were.
First we (we being my mum my brother and me) went to the Dragonfly house. It was clearly signposted that you had to go down to the basement door to enter the house. As soon as I stepped in the house I noticed Stacey Howarth’s work. At first all I saw were her hair clips which I would have bought if it wasn’t the first house. They were made out of felt with a little ceramic fruit at the end and at the great price of £3.50. She also did small ceramic bowls which were very delicate and pretty. Next my attention was drawn to Betty Bib’s work. She makes delicate little fairy models out of cloth and fabric. These were slightly different and not really to my liking though other people seemed to absolutely love them. We then moved into he conservatory where Jon Grayfox’s ceramics were. They were lovely and simple and would look lovely in a garden. He used pale blues and whites most of the time though sometimes went a bit darker. Helen Sinden was also showing her love token gifts in the conservatory. These were very pretty boxes with tiny wooden hearts in them , dusted with blue paint and hung on the wall. I then went into the patio area and admired their pet rabbit. We headed upstairs to see some lovely pictures by Alison Rankin. She only painted one vegetable on each canvas but this was very effective. They were a bit dark though but I didn’t mind that much. Sarah Bidwell was next. She made lovely bags, they were a very simple design and used very earthy colours. She also did purses which I was again tempted to buy (at £8) but it was the first house so I held back. Hannah Cole’s pictures were lovely and bold. There were however a few too many blank spaces but the rest was fine - very big and blocky which is nice in a painting. We went back downstairs and I spotted the bright pink display of Jenna Jones. Now I don’t like pink but it went very well with the delicate jewellery that she made. Maggie Arbid was the last I saw and did lovely coloured textile drawings. I recommend the Dragonfly House to anyone.