Artists open houses in run-up to Christmas

Adam Johnson and husband Dan Mackey are inviting people into their Rugby Road home

A finalist from the Great Pottery Throw Down is among dozens of artists to showcase their creations at home in Sussex this winter.

Adam Johnson is taking part in the Artist Open Houses (AOH) festival, which will see about 60 artists and creatives open their homes every Saturday and Sunday until 14 December, "stretching across Brighton along the coast and beyond".

Mr Johnson and husband, Dan Mackey, are inviting people into their Rugby Road home both this and next weekend.

He said he was delighted to take part in what he called a "Brightonian treasure" after a five-year break.

He told BBC Radio Sussex: "It's going to be an amazing year! It's the biggest one ever, with over 60 houses across the city... We've filled every room with craft creations, with different things to have a look at."

The ceramicist, who made it to the final of the 2021 Great Pottery Throw Down televsion competition, where potters compete to be crowned best at the wheel, said taking part elevated his pottery making to "a whole new level".

Eager to be returning to the free festival, he teased a potential involvement in the third weekend.

He said: "Who knows? If it's super festive, we might even open an extra day."

AOH director, Judy Stevens, said: "Artists Open Houses connects artists and makers with an audience of art-lovers, buyers and industry professionals – and is also fun to take part in, exhibiting with your friends in your own home."

A map of the festival can be found on the organisers' website.

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