…along came Hastings with a rather fantastic arty idea! Hastings’ Old Town is a fantastic place to visit, and this summer the growing number of local galleries are launching a new initiative to make a visit even more interesting. From April to September and December 2009, on the ‘First Thursday’ of every month, the galleries are staying open into the evening. Visitors to Hastings Old Town can follow the gallery trail, see some great art and buy some if they’re in the mood for treating themselves! There are eight participating galleries and two open studios, all of which will be open till at least 8pm, allowing for some leisurely art browsing either side of a good meal in one of the many quality restaurants.
The range of art on offer is extensive; The Work Ship Studios, one of the two open studios opening to the public exclusively for the First Thursday events, houses eight artists specialising in painting, ceramics, installation and photography as well as jewellery, sculpture and metal-work – and that’s just one studio!
Usually associated with 1066, Hastings probably wouldn’t spring to mind as a notable arts town so a community-centred regular arts event such as this is a fantastic way to put it on the art map. With such a quaint town, great food and beautiful art on display in the (fingers crossed!) balmy Summer evenings, this should prove to be a successful and thoroughly enjoyable set of Thursdays!
The first ‘First Thursday’ is April 2nd, 2009.
http://www.firstthursday.org.uk/
