An Art Event Rejuvenates Bottle Alley
In an exciting new venture, about 50 artists will display new work in a variety of formats against the glass bottle wall of Bottle Alley. The space will be transformed into a vibrant community event that reflects the diverse artistic community of Hastings and St. Leonards.
At this free event visitors will be able to meet and buy work directly from artists, who will come together to create a pop-up gallery. Artists will be selected via an open call. There will also be some very interesting guest artists curated by the Stella Dore gallery
Designed by Sidney Little, the ‘Concrete King’ of Hastings, Bottle Alley was constructed in the 1930s as part of Hastings’ sea defences, and decorated with glass bottles which reputedly came from Hastings town’s legendary knees-ups. Over the years it has undergone, like the sea, waves of change. One such wave was created by Bottle Alley Art Market (BAAM) founders and artists Daniel Hardiker and Neil Hetherington, aka ZEROH.
Originally conceived as a temporary installation and commissioned by Hastings arts festival Coastal Currents in 2017, the Wavelength installation received an overwhelmingly positive public response and unexpectedly became a long-term fixture. Unfortunately despite the best intentions and efforts of the artists, Hastings Borough Council and the Foreshore Trust, it became impossible to restore the paintwork each year, so the boldly coloured columns were whitewashed. Restoration is currently taking place, however, and should be completed over this summer. This offers an opportunity for celebration not only of the restoration, but also of the eclectic mix of artists and creatives here in Hastings and St Leonards.
BAAM is jointly run and organised by ZEROH, Steph Warren from Stella Dore Gallery, and Gina Hewitt, Operations Manager at The Other Art Fair. This is the first event in what they hope will be an annual art carnival, an opportunity to showcase the diverse, eclectic and talented artists and creatives that live here or have links with the town. We also want the day to be an opportunity for artists to meet each other and make connections, and generate sales and exposure.
The Art Market will take place on Saturday 26 August from 10am to 6pm. So far over 80 artists have applied for the 50 spaces. For full details of artists and work selected go to Instagram instagram.com/bottlealleyartmarket For further information please also visit bottlealley.org/baam or contact [email protected]
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