A new arts collective is preparing to make its public debut.
The Quayside Arts Collective, a group of artists from Seaford, Lewes and the surrounding area in East Sussex, will host its first exhibition, Moments Gathered, at BN9 Studio in Newhaven from August 6 to 23, 2026.
The group, made up of both established and emerging mixed‑media artists, focuses on the everyday rhythms of life and the landscapes of the South Downs. Their work spans painting and experimental mixed media.
The collective said: "It’s a really exciting time for all of the artists involved.
"We want to create a friendly and welcoming, unpretentious space over three weeks where visitors can enjoy and buy affordable art made by local artists who live and breathe the South Downs and East Sussex.
"What inspires all of us is not just our love of the sea, cliffs and the hills, but equally the creative process behind producing works that are vibrant and full of life and personality."
The group is keen to ensure the exhibition feels accessible to all.
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The collective said: "We’re keen to make sure the exhibition provokes curiosity rather than intimidates the viewer, so expect a wide range of styles and subjects, from abstract explorations of colour and texture to expressive landscapes, figurative work and playful mixed‑media pieces.
"All works are available to buy, offering an opportunity to support local artists and take home original art at accessible prices."
While this is the collective’s first exhibition under the Quayside name, its members have shown work at the Artwave festivals, the Sussex Contemporary, the Crypt Gallery in Seaford and Newhaven’s BN9 Studio.
Several artists have also been shortlisted for the 2025 Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
The group originally met through Brasspoint, a weekly art class in Newhaven’s Enterprise Zone.
Over time, they formed a supportive network, eventually evolving into the Quayside Arts Collective.
The exhibition is free to attend and will feature work by Allison Welburn, Angela Race, Carole Hunter, Gill Blackwood, Jo Kemp, Lesley Faux, Lindy Dunbar, Liz Newns, Lucy Lean, Margot Little, Penny Lower, Ruth De Mallet Morgan and Sarah Roebuck.
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