Littlehampton artists shine alongside the big names

Residents of care homes in the Littlehampton area have had their artwork exhibited alongside pictures by famous artists such as David Hockney, Tracey Emin and the Daily Telegraph cartoonist Matt.

By The Newsroom

Published 3rd Nov 2012, 10:00 BST

Art tutor Joan Carpenter, who runs classes in residential homes and at a day centre for the elderly, entered the work of adults with learning difficulties in the exhibition, The Big Art Secret, at Eastbourne’s Towner Gallery last month.

Famous people including David Cameron, Nick Clegg, David Dimbleby, Ronnie Corbett and Frederick Forsyth were also asked to submit pieces, and everything at the show was then bid for in a secret auction, with the identity of the works’ creators not revealed until afterwards.

The contributions from the Littlehampton artists were well-received by event organiser, Charles Grimaldi, said Joan. “He was delighted with the quality of work and noted that one piece received up to 30 bids,” she added.