Formerly know as ‘The Cry of the Gulls’, this bright, contemporary gallery space is packed with a covetable and eclectic selection of painting, prints, sculpture, ceramics, handmade jewellery and unique crafty products. It’s a fabulous treasure trove if you’re looking for an unusual gift. Although you’re bound to walk out with something you can’t resist for yourself. There’s always an excuse to pop in, as new and exciting work is introduced throughout the year.

Walking around May’s AOH festival inspired Tom Cotcher’s new gallery on the edge of Kemp Town Village. “It gives people who take part in Open Houses a place to show their work in between the events.” Upstairs is a cunningly curated collection of accessible, affordable – and highly desirable – work including David Streeter’s photography; ceramics by Martha Mitchell; and handmade silver jewellery by Suzy Q. “People can be very reluctant to go into galleries – it takes a lot of courage,” observes Tom, who balances the bright, enticing welcome upstairs with a calmer, more considered downstairs gallery space. Here self-taught artist Tom shows his own landscapes alongside work by local favourites such as Simon Royer. When he’s not busy with his acting career, you’ll find Tom upstairs manning the gallery – easel on desk and paintbrush in hand.

Signed, limited-edition graphics by Bob Dylan and some seriously quirky amphibian sculptures by ‘Frogman’ Tim Cotterill set the tone for an extremely personal selection in this welcome new addition to the South Lanes art scene. Husband and wife team John and Karen Menetrier have indulged their passion for art by bringing together a diverse collection that includes the nostalgic Northern-inspired paintings of Alexander Millar; Caroline Shotton’s comically disgruntled cows; Simon Claridge’s graphic studies of female beauty; and much more. A snug viewing room at the back allows you to imagine how the artwork would enhance your own walls.

He still gets asked when he’s going to get a proper job. But Phil Kyle doesn’t need to defend his chosen field. History does it for him. “The oldest art in the world in tattooing. That and cave paintings,” he observes. “People have always put stuff up on their walls. And they have always had tattoos.”

It’s one of Brighton’s most exciting exhibition spaces – demanding an imaginative response from the artists who show work within its vast, ecclesiastical architecture. So if you’re one of those people who still pass by those daunting wooden doors without daring to enter: stop and go in. “You never know what you might find,” urges Laurence Hill, Fabrica’s development and communications manager.

In search of art but your feet can’t take another AOH trail? Then head down to the Arches on Madeira Drive. Because if you like your culture in a quick hit, there’s no better place to overdose on all things creative than JAG open studios. (If, however you’re in search of a loo, you’re going to need to hold on.) “When I came down here six years ago, this area was a public toilet and a bike shop,” explains JAG’s eponymous founder and local artist Julie Anne Gilburt.

If you’re around Arundel, make a point of calling into this exciting contemporary art gallery on Tarrant Street. Welcoming and friendly, its rolling programme of eight exhibitions a year means there’s always something new to discover from a mix of local and international artists – well known and not so well known. Artwork on show includes contemporary painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and original prints. If you are interested in commissioning an artwork or a large-scale garden sculpture, owner James Stewart is on hand to advise. Zimmer Stewart is licensed to offer Arts Council ‘Own Art’ interest-free loans. For advance notice of exhibitions and previews, join their mailing list.

Two Kats and a Cow is an artist-led gallery on Brighton Beach. It was started up under the arches in 2001 by artists Katty McMurray, Kathryn Matthews and John Marshall. The gallery shows paintings of landscapes/seacapes… and cows. Kathryn’s bold use of colour in contrast to Katty’s simplicity of line and the stunning cow paintings make it well worth a visit. They also have a wide selection of prints. Shown here (from top): Black Boardwalk by Kathryn Matthews; Alumchine by John Marshall; Suffolk Coast by Katty McMurray.

The Skyline Gallery at Brighton Marina is a large, well-lit space enabling works of art to breathe. It showcases the best in local art, photography and sculpture, including Susan Evan’s evocative Cloudscapes; Gill Orsman’s beautifully crafted photographic works; the stone sculptures of Penny May and Elvis Mamvura; and the talents of award-winning artist Serena Sussex. The gallery is pleased to announce its new fine art printing service, having headhunted Andy Cheesman – who has worked on the London scene for many years and includes The Tate and Dulwich Art Galleries among his clients. All printing is to Fine Art Guild standards.

A friendly, light-inspired gallery in the old Riverside Warehouse on the River Ouse. Showing the ever-popular woodcuts of Helen Brown, beach photography from Gill Copeland as well as proprietor Liz Jameson’s inspiring cloud and seascapes in oil.

In the quirky little village of Rottingdean eight artists are recreating the bohemian dream of an artists’ café, where people can view paintings, sculpture, crafts and poetry while enjoying hot snacks, cream teas and coffees in welcoming, stimulating company. Each table provides young artists with coloured pencils and paper, and there is a children’s art display area. The Gallery also runs workshops and art classes for children and adults including painting, mosaics, calligraphy, poetry, colour theory and jewellery. Gifts and artworks are on sale, and the ever-changing array of work ensures there is always a new reason to visit. The founding artists are: Christine Harfleet (fused glass sculptor, painter; poet); Mick Bensley (painter); Mike Jerrome (photographer); Sue Warner (painter and jeweller); Amanda Davidson (watercolourist, architectural draughtsman); Aimee Harman (mosaic artist); Marcus Harman (jeweller); and organiser Ray Warner.

Tucked away in the heart of the North Laine, Ink_d Gallery shows the cream of collectable and affordable art. From leading contemporary artists to the freshest of up-and-coming talent, Ink_d supports the already established alongside names to watch out for. From its regular changing shows to the permanent collection, you will find everything from paintings, prints, sculpture, ceramics, books and artzines to artist-made products.

Simon Royer is a remarkable artist who combines his deep love of painting with considerable artistic talent from evocative coastal landscapes to detailed studies of natural history. He uses mixed media, fine art, sculpture, prints, photography to produce contemporary works of stunning originality. This intuitive understanding of his subject, and the striking vitality apparent in all his work, has brought Simon many admirers: “If you think ‘blue’ is one colour, it’s time you saw Simon’s work. Words for blue – sapphire, indigo, cobalt, petrel, prussian – soon run out as your eyes glance over the multiple hues. Categories of artwork – collage, acrylic, etching, abstract and cartoon – are rapidly exhausted, as impressions ranging from concern to romance to cheekiness call out from the walls.”

This gallery, art framers and acoustic music venue is described by owner Tim Harbridge as: “just a sweet, laidback place with some wonderful art, people and music coming together inside its walls.” The ‘fair trade’ concept is that 80% of the money goes straight back to the creators. It started as an artists’ framing workshop six years ago, but has grown into one of the most exciting underground creative spaces in the city. “A space that punches above its weight and against the odds,” says Tim. The gallery boasts “the smallest stage in Brighton” with a view to promoting the simultaneous enjoyment of visual and performing arts via “word of mouth” gigs.

Chalk is a unique gallery in the heart of historic Lewes. Run as a co-operative of 21 artists working in 2 and 3D disciplines, the diversity of the work mirrors the patchwork of colours on the surrounding South Down hills. Visiting regularly pays dividends as a new hang takes place every six weeks, including featured and guest artist slots. This maintains a constant level of change and interest in this small but perfectly formed exhibition space. The Chalk artists pride themselves on offering high quality works at affordable prices, believing good art should be accessible to all. The gallery is manned in turn by each artist, giving a real hands-on flavour. Come and experience for yourself!

To discover what makes contemporary Polish art so very different – and so very desirable – there is only one place to go. Blue Dog’s owner and curator Maggie de Stroumillo constantly sources a very personal selection of paintings, vintage posters, handmade glass and individual jewellery from her homeland. The result is a colourful, compelling and meaningful collection with one thing in common – its ‘soul’. “Every single piece is passing on a message or metaphor,” says Maggie. Resident artist Krzysztof Musial’s bold, modern lines are set off beautifully by work that ranges from vibrant, characterful glassware and sculptural jewellery to appealing ceramic dogs. There’s something for everyone, and this is truly affordable art. Maggie is keen to support emerging talent, and shows the work of local artists such as Elizabeth Bridges. Upstairs, a gallery space is available for artists who wish to exhibit work. 20 Gardner Street, BN1 1UP 01273 622440 www.bluedoggallery.co.uk

Auricula Jewellery was established in April 2006 by Natasha Caughey. Inspired by the colour and texture of natural gemstones and freshwater pearls, Natasha creates contemporary jewellery with a timeless quality. The new collections feature vivid lime green serpentine combined with deep purple amethyst; icy blue aquamarine with rock crystal and silver pearls and a range of black onyx with white freshwater pearls. Auricula Gallery, a new source of British art and crafts, was established in January 2009 by Heather Barker. With a focus on functional as well as purely decorative designs, current collections include ceramics, textiles and pewter. An eclectic mix of affordable art (originals and prints) is always available and every two to three months the gallery hosts special exhibitions

A visit to artrepublic is a unique experience for anyone with an interest in art. You will find thousands of prints, including many hard-to-find limited editions and exclusive works from world-famous and cutting-edge artists such as Banksy, Sir Peter Blake and Mr Brainwash. The friendly, knowledgeable staff have over 25 years experience recommending perfect prints and frames. Choose from hundreds of frame mouldings and mounts, to frame prints from the gallery or your own works of art. artrepublic’s passion for prints also extends to its delivery service. Staff can personally deliver your pictures to anywhere in South-East England, for a small additional fee.

Art at five is situated in the heart of Brighton, in the famous Lanes, and over the past six years has established itself as one of Sussex’s leading contemporary galleries. Art at five represents a diverse selection of national and international artists and showcases an extensive range of original art at affordable prices. Its aim is to make acquiring art an easy and enjoyable experience in a friendly and informal environment. The gallery offers a free home and business consultancy service, and is an established member of Own Art, Arts Council England’s interest-free loan scheme.

Enter Bellis and there is an overwhelming sense of calm. In an instant the hustle of adjacent East Street is forgotten, and you are transported a million miles from the crammed intensity of the nearby South Lanes. Bellis is Latin for daisy. Back in 2007, when owner Sema Ugur was renovating this spacious Victorian building, she stumbled across fragments of tiles stamped with the flower’s emblems: “The gallery needed a name, and it symbolised the simplicity I was looking for.”

The clang of creativity is unmistakable as you head down St John’s Road, Hove. Admittedly it’s coming from beneath the bonnets of cars. But then this part of town is better known for mechanics’ workshops than the location of one of Brighton’s newest and coolest print galleries. The space has a split personality. Its front half is given over to an eclectic showcase of prints that range from popular editions by co-founder Graham Carter, to the finely drawn caricature art of Richard Beacham and the simple styled compositions of Ruth Green. At the back, in open view, is Graham’s print workshop. This diversity and ‘something for everyone’ provides Boxbird’s unique appeal, says its other co-founder, Alice Teague. 14 St John’s Road, Hove BN3 2FB www.boxbird.co.uk