Hastings' Old Town is a fantastic place to visit, and this summer local galleries have launched a new initiative to make your visit even more interesting. From April to September, on the 'First Thursday' of every month, the Old Town galleries and working studios are staying open late into the evening*.

Come to the Old Town on the 'First Thursday' each month and follow the gallery trail, see and buy some great art, eat a good meal at one of the many restaurants, catch a band or even a movie.Start your evening mingling with the artists in the Art Bar at St. Mary in the Castle and then stroll along George Street and the High Street visiting all the great independent galleries on the way.

THE HULDRICK STUDIO & GALLERY LIVE PAINTING EVENT
THURSDAY 6TH AUGUST 2009 from 11am - 8pm

Following on from the success of our first "Live Painting Event" Huldrick will again be painting live in The Huldrick Studio & Gallery in George Street during the August First Thursday Event.

Throughout the day he will be working on a painting live in the studio. Pop into the gallery anytime between 11.00 am and 8.00pm to see the painting in progress start to (hopefully) finish! It is a great opportunity to see a piece of art in the making and maybe even glean a few useful tips to inspire your own creativity.

Huldrick's live painting event is afeature of First Thursday events at the gallery and will cover a different medium each month from watercolours to oils and acrylics.

Right: The seascape painting in progress during the first Live Painting event
at The Huldrick Studio & Gallery on Thursday 2nd July.

The Huldrick Studio & Gallery is offering a 10% discount on all purchases made during First Thursday events making buying a limited edition print or original painting direct from the artist even more attractive.

First Thursday is fast becoming an established event in the Old Town bringing artists and buyers together in an open relaxed informal atmosphere. The event gives you an opportunity to browse the varied styles offered by the current growing pool of talented artists choosing to set up working studios and galleries in Hastings Old Town.

Other galleries taking part in the event include The Weekend Gallery, Rye Press, Leigh gallery and Martel Colour print in the High Street and the Claw Gallery, Tablet Gallery and The Old Gallery in George Street. All the galleries are open until 8.00pm after which you could continue the evening with a visit to one of the many fantastic eateries in the area.

For further information on First Thursday events and to download a map of the galleries involved (see below) visit www.firstthursday.org.uk

*All the participating galleries will remain open till at least 8pm, but opening times may vary