Always a little tongue-in-cheek, Vanessa Farinha's work explores the symbols and signs that we hold onto in order to understand who we are and what it means to exist in the in-between spaces.

At the Crown, she'll be showing painting and collage work that subverts some recognisable icons, giving them new forms to inspire action.

Vanessa Farinha lives & works in Hastings.

Nick Ballon and Alma Haser are both artists and photographers who live and (sometimes, in this case) work together. Nick has a background in portraiture and documentary photography and Alma more in fine art experimental portraiture, using paper cutting and folding, amongst other techniques. Together their practices add different elements and elevate their works. Both working to their strengths. They are showing two series of work, both in collaboration with Maharam, a New York fabric company.

The first, shot in 2020, started with Nick photographing on location, at Electric Daisy Flower Farm in Somerset. Where he began experimenting in their polytunnel. Its eerily soft, diffused daylight gave the images an almost clinical feel, as if the flowers were being propagated deep underground using artificial lights. Then working at home during lockdown, Alma layered the photographs with Maharam textiles, cutting the images to reveal the material/surface beneath and, in turn, adding a sculptural dimensionality that offsets the tactility of textiles. Then everything was re-photographed imatating the harsh mid day sun, creating shadows and a stark contrast to the original poly tunnel setting.

The second series, shot this year, was done in reverse. This time Alma started, by cutting shapes into the fabrics. Each cut shape, a window to photograph through. Nick then transported them to the Isle of Skye where he found beautiful rugged landscapes and man-made object to photograph.

Alice Powell and Molly Stredwick are artists based in St. Leonards.

The two artists share an interest in the concepts of nostalgia and the use of text in their work. They have together developed a dynamic working relationship and friendship since meeting at Camberwell College of Arts.

Alice will be displaying a collection of found poems in the snug, while Molly fills the restaurant and bar with a series of works on paper and wood.

Alexandra Ffion (b.1993) is a mixed media artist based in St Leonards on sea, East Sussex.

Working with painting, collage and photography, her work draws inspiration from the infinite abstract patterns of nature that fill our past and present landscapes. Her passion for colour and texture has become a lifelong pursuit - from the everyday manmade palettes to bold contrasting colour combinations found in the natural world.

My name is Charlie I have just turned 11 years old. I live in Hastings and I love to paint and draw. I am passionate about animals and nature and how we can look after our planet. Most of my paintings are inspired by the natural world around us and how we interact within it.

I will be donating 10% of all sales of these paintings directly to the World Wildlife Fund.

Rachel’s bold, quirky and apparently playful works often carry a brooding gritty undertone. By employing an agglomeration of printmaking, painting, collage, stitching onto a variety of surfaces her work is a lively regurgitation of current obsessions. Drawing on references from news and current affairs to cave painting and primitive depictions she explores subjects such as politics; the ravages of war; the plight of endangered species and their ingenious adaptations.

Laura is fascinated by plants and the way in which we coexist with them. Her works re-examine our relationship with plants and a desire to find solace in nature. This will be Laura's first solo exhibition in Hastings and features a range of paintings, created in her old town studio over the last 2 years, all are available for purchase.

Justin has been working with resin for many years, producing bespoke furniture incorporating colourful resin inlays. Recently he has extended his use of resin into illustrations, sometimes combining the resin with acrylic to enhance the illustration.

"The dramatic coastline of the UK and in particular the South Downs has always been a sanctuary for me. An opportunity for reflection and thought-provoking meditation. This has led me to explore the use of resin to create seascapes using striking colours with dramatic effect."

Since moving back to East Sussex, I have found inspiration from my surroundings living by the sea and near the South Downs. I have enjoyed experimenting more with different media, such as acrylics, watercolour but then I discovered ink and bleach!

I love the energy and unpredictability of using a few colours of ink and achieving many more when the bleach does its magic! It literally develops before your eyes…I have found my medium.

I particularly enjoy painting sea themes and moody skies as they seem to suit this type of watery medium so well. Occasionally I include fine liner to add more detail, and for this exhibition, I have painted some iconic Hastings scenes which I love, and I hope you will too!

Saffron Streeten is a young British artist who specializes in oil paintings and limited edition art prints.

This seaside exhibition will include some of my most recent artwork on seascapes and portraiture as well as my interior design (LE) art prints. Currently in my gap year I have been able to practice my portraiture through "The 100 Faces of Hastings", in which I will exhibit some of my original sketches. This project introduced me to 100 new people and 1000 new opportunities.

Therefore in this exhibition I want to celebrate our supportive community and highlight our beautiful environment.