Local cafes transform into mini-galleries celebrating Sussex artists - Creative Corners Easter Art Trail 2026
Published 11:05 on 1 Oct 2025
From 30th March to 10th April 2026, four local coffee shops across West Sussex will be transformed into vibrant creative hubs as part of the Creative Corners Art Trail. This unique two-week event will showcase original artwork by Sussex-based artists, bringing art directly into the heart of the community.
The trail is the brainchild of Jackie Matthews, a Chichester-based entrepreneur who retired in 2023 after selling her company, Co Prom Ltd, which she and her husband ran successfully for nearly four decades. Jackie explains her inspiration: "My mother and sister were both gifted artists, and after their passing in 2023 and 2024, I felt drawn to explore art myself. Since picking up a paintbrush again, Ive fallen in love with painting even having one of my pieces chosen for the Say it with Flowers exhibition at The Oxmarket in June 2025. Seeing how exhibitions are organised inspired me to launch the Easter Art Trail. Not everyone seeks out galleries, but most people enjoy visiting local cafés so this trail gives artists the chance to reach a wider audience in everyday spaces."
As well as celebrating local creativity, the trail has a charitable mission. Jackie has partnered with Dementia Support at Sage House, pledging a share of the proceeds to the charity. In return, the organisation will help promote the event. Participating cafés will benefit from increased visibility, with the trail promoted across social media, flyers, signage, and a printed trail map. Artists will also share their work online, creating an organic buzz and drawing in both locals and visitors.
"I've already met so many talented artists through local networks, societies, and studios such as The Old Dairy at Itchenor Park and West Dean", Jackie adds. "I cant wait to see the submissions though choosing the final selection for each café will be a real challenge!" We are taking advice from Neil Holland. Neil is an architect and landscape painter. His paintings and architectural drawings have been exhibited at the Mall Galleries, London and the Royal Academy.
The Creative Corners Art Trail promises to blend culture, community, and coffee in a celebration of Sussex talent while also supporting a vital local cause. We are also hoping families will join with the added attraction of under 12s collecting 4 egg stickers from each café, to win a small treat. The exhibition theme will celebrate food, drink, the South Downs, and the seaside, offering artwork that resonates with tourists as well as local retirees and downsizers looking to invest in meaningful pieces for their homes.
Quotes from the venues:
The Vale Café & Wellness Studio "We are very excited to be on the Cafes hosting Creative Corners Art Trail in 2026. We are all about championing local initiatives so welcoming artists from the surrounding area is a great fit with this mission. We are also proud to play our part in supporting Dementia Support at Sage House, this is a cause very close to our heart as it currently supports a family member. Weve seen first-hand how vital its work is to those diagnosed with Dementia and their families. We are honoured to be based in a beautiful part of the South Downs and cant wait to see the submissions that highlight the natural beauty of this area. And perhaps one or two coffee & cakes too! "
Huts & the Deck (same owner) "we are really looking forward to welcoming the arts trail to our unique waterside cafes & feel privileged to have been asked to host. We look forward to seeing what the artists have in store for our wonderful setting"
Lordington Park " All of us at Lordington Park are excited to take part in the Art Trail and to not only support Dementia Support at Sage House charity but talented, local artists. Many of our customers and visitors come to Lordington Park to soak in the countryside views and for us to be able to enhance that offering whilst also providing a platform for artists to display their work, raising money for charity is something we as a family run business look forward to supporting."
and from the charity:
"Sage House are pleased to be supporting you Jackie and are grateful that you have chosen our charity to benefit from your first Easter Art Trail event"
Images: The Vale, The Deck, The Huts, Lordington Park, Jackie Matthews
