A celebration of Sussex folklore has rounded off a three-month exhibition that helped relaunch Worthing Museum this spring.

Figment Arts brought local legends to life in Another Sussex, featuring original works by its studio group members and large-scale collaborative paintings representing the combined brushstrokes of more than 580 people from its workshops.

Tales that inspired the artworks were told through singing and storytelling at the Another Sussex Wrap Party, held at Worthing Museum on June 18 to round off the exhibition.

The museum opened in March after a 12-month closure and significant refurbishment, and for some guests it was the first opportunity to see the changes.

placeholder image — Tales that inspired the artworks were told through singing and storytelling at the Another Sussex Wrap Party

Jo Chappell, project co-ordinator, said: “It was a wonderful evening full of music and stories and a real celebration of Sussex, summer and art.

“Artists from Figment Arts Studio, and workshop participants, responded to stories about local legends of Sussex folklore, such as the Knucker Dragon of Lyminster, the Midsummer Oak, and the spectral hounds of Sussex.

“This year is the 20th anniversary of the saving of the Midsummer Oak, the Worthing tree where skeletons are said to dance on Midsummer’s eve.”

Ace Armande and Joshua Crisp told the story of the Midsummer Oak, historian Chris Hare explained how a folk tale saved the tree, Liz Porter told the story of the Lyminster Knucker, Colin Hambrook spoke about Gil the Giant and there were songs from Bee's Mouth Folk Choir.

David Parker, Figment Arts director, speaking about the Another Sussex exhibition and the inspirations behind it

David Parker, Figment Arts director, spoke about the exhibition and the inspirations behind it. He will abseil at the i360 in Brighton on Sunday, June 28, to raise funds towards Port Studio at Shoreham Port, a new home for Figment Arts and the community.

Jo said: “We're delighted to announce the crowdfunder is creeping up. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far. If you'd like to help build our first ever home, take a leap of faith with David and donate £20. Every contribution will move us toward this dream, brick by brick.

“We will be in the café at the i360 from 9am to 10.30am, creating a wonderful collaborative painting to mark this special fundraising event. We will also create art with the participants in the pod to soothe their nerves as they ascend for their abseil.

“You are welcome to join us on the ground for this event. Alternatively, you could create your own seaside-themed drawing at home, to be collaged into the artwork later.”

Visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/figment-arts-port-studio for more information on Figment Arts Port Studio and to donate.

Port Studio will be an inclusive creative hub for workshops and community events, supporting artists to take leadership roles. It will build on the work Figment Arts Studio has been doing since it was launched in 2020.

An immersive exhibition was held at Nautilus House in Southwick in May, ahead of the launch of the new permanent studio at Shoreham Port. Stories and memories of Shoreham Harbour were collected and a larger display of the work is now planned at Marlipins Museum in Shoreham from August to October.