MILL STREET is fast becoming a place for artistic expression and some members of the area’s art community are hoping one day it will become as trendy as the North Lanes in Brighton.

Last week saw the Art Collective having to say farewell to its premises which it had been using as a gallery since December 2006. But members are hoping to be able to find new premises in the street.

Equipped with various art tools and materials, they were given permission to use the walls as their canvases at a painting party to close 33A in style.

‘Everyone got on with their own work and created what they wanted,’ explained one of the founding members, Jonathan Skelton.

‘It was quite interesting as everyone did something different. It was good fun but tinged with sadness. We have had a good time there and the place helped put us in the public eye.’

The collective is leaving its current location because it needs more space for workshops and further facilities.

The property next door has recently become vacant and Mr Skelton is hoping the group can raise enough money through private funding and States sponsorship to move there.

He is hoping to broaden the collective’s appeal by holding more events that incorporate other forms of the arts, such as music and poetry.

If you are in a position to help the Art Collective or you are an artist, poet or musician, you can contact the collective by email: artcollective@hotmail.co.uk.

View our gallery of the Art Collective at work by clicking the green buttons to move to the next picture.

Collective member Louisa Dunn leaves her mark at 33A, Mill Street. The group is currently looking for a new home. (Pictures by Adrian Miller, 0557839)