St Dunstan’s To Open Its Doors For Artist Open House Weekends In May
Published 28th Apr 2011 by Jessica Lambert

When the auctioneer announced that the next painting was by a blind artist a ripple of laughter was heard throughout the room as people assumed it was a joke. It wasn’t and when the painting was unveiled the bids came fast as the painting outsold an original by Salvador Dali. The painting was by Matt Rhodes, one of the talented artists who learned his skills at St Dunstan’s art workshop.

For Artist Open House St Dunstan’s will open its door to the public each weekend throughout May to allow them to experience the magic created by the blind veterans in the craft workshop at its Centre in Ovingdean, near Brighton.

Esther Freeman, Craft Manager, said: “At this free event we hope to raise awareness of art and visual impairment, showcasing the wonderful work produced by the fantastically creative former service men and women and staff. The exhibition will include drawings, paintings, mosaics, sculptures and many other items. We will also invite visitors to explore the idea of what it is like undertaking creative activities when visually impaired. We will highlight the importance of access to art activities for all visually impaired people and encourage an engagement with the arts.”

As part of the Brighton Festival Artist Open House starting on Saturday 7th May and running for four weekends, St Dunstan’s is delighted to host this event.

Matt Rhodes a 35 year old former soldier who lost his eyesight after a motorbike accident in Germany said: “I have the staff in the craft workshop, and in particular Dave Bryant an instructor there, to thank as he devised a very industrial style of painting for me that is quite Warholesque. I go to the craft workshop four mornings a week where I paint as my guide dog Karlo sits patiently under the table. Since I discovered art each day is like being a kid on Christmas morning as I wake up and think about what I’m going to paint that day and it’s incredibly exciting. I’m thrilled that people love my work and it’s an honour each time someone commissions to do a painting.


Admission is free and there’s no need to book. Doors open at 10am to 4pm on May 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 28th & 29th. St Dunstan’s Centre is located at: Greenways, Ovingdean, Brighton, East Sussex BN2 7BS.

611 Views