Artists throughout Sussex are preparing to open their homes to the public once again next month.

The Artists Open Houses festival (AOH) is the UK’s first and now the largest event of its kind which sees around 200 houses and studios in Brighton, and beyond, throw open their doors over four weekends between May 6 and 28.

This year’s cover artist Daisy Jordan is “fascinated by non-human primates” and, for the Open Houses brochure, has let loose a colourful troop of monkeys over Brighton’s rooftops.

The Argus: Artists Open Houses May Brochure Cover Image by Daisy JordanArtists Open Houses May Brochure Cover Image by Daisy Jordan (Image: Artists Open Houses)

People can see more of her puppetry, cardboard assemblages and paintings at The Studio Gallery in Hove.

There are also opportunities to see art in the open air including Stuart and Mark and Friends, a large meadow garden with mosaics in Fiveways.

Seven Dials will have Alizeti Creative, which has a beautiful garden to accompany the display of mosaic sculptures, Japanese fabrics, ceramics and jewellery.

Hove’s Art in Bloom will feature painting, plus sculptures in ceramic, paper and bronze, all hung in a walled garden.

The Argus: Chris Lewis South Heighton PotteryChris Lewis South Heighton Pottery (Image: Artists Open Houses)

Along the coast in Ovingdean, Mike Levy Pots and Prints will invite visitors into a purpose-built home studio, surrounded by a garden, where domestic tableware, large garden pots and tiles, posters and cards are for sale. There are more ceramics even further along the coast, in Newhaven, at South Heighton Pottery garden, along with homemade food.

Other highlights include Patsy McArthur from Kemp Town, who is an established artist known for her renderings of figures in water, this year set off by her home, which is flooded with light and has views to the sea.

Swimscape and Musicpots, also in Kemp Town, features the colourful oil paintings of sea swimmer Alli Harmer Williams, who captures the spirit of her fellow swimmers and the energy of the sea.

The Argus: RaptureRapture (Image: Artists Open Houses)

Sarah Arnett: The Little Picture Palace in Seven Dials sees the designer showcase colour and exoticism in fabrics, wallpaper and fashion items. She promises cocktails in the garden and surprise weekend entertainment, too.

To see a full schedule of events, visit the Artist Open Houses website.