Last weekend, Hand on HeArt, a pop-up art exhibition and sale, finally took place after being delayed by the covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The event was organised by volunteers and the BHT Sussex fundraising and publicity team, and featured art donated by over 30 artists from Brighton and beyond.
After the very successful private view and open exhibition, we have sold over £3,800 worth of art! This money will fund the essential work of BHT Sussex’s First Base Day Centre who provide vital support and advice to people who are rough sleeping or vulnerably housed.
After volunteers spent the week setting up the exhibition at 35 North Gallery, a private view was held on Friday night. The event was attended by enthusiastic supporters and some of the artists themselves, as well as BHT Sussex chief executive, Andy Winter and chair of the board, Kelvin MacDonald.
Conversation about the donated art and the work that BHT Sussex does was flowing all evening.
Many of the artists who kindly donated pieces have a personal connection to homelessness or BHT Sussex, so were delighted to see the event be received so well.
On Saturday, the free pop-up exhibition was open to the public for one day only. The exhibition proved popular as many local supporters stopped by to offer their support and admire the eclectic range of artwork on display.
Volunteer event organiser, Alison Boyce, had this to say:
The generosity of the artist community has been truly amazing, and I have been touched by their personal testimonies of why they wanted to contribute. I want to thank Clive Emson Auctioneers and 35 North Gallery for their unwavering support, along with everyone who bought some art. Homelessness is awful; and organising the event has reinforced my belief that there are loads of decent people in our community, who care about those less fortunate, and, given the opportunity, are prepared to pitch in and help.”
We would like to thank our volunteers, as well as 35 North Gallery, who kindly donated their gallery space, and Clive Emson Auctioneers, who kindly sponsored the event.
To get involved in future fundraising events, head to the Fundraising Events and Appeals page on our website. You can also follow us on social media to keep up to date: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
