Jim Sanders brings his art to the people of Brighton at Phoenix Arts Association. © Phoenix Arts Association

Brighton-based artist Jim Sanders has unveiled a large painting in Brighton city centre on the front of Phoenix Arts Association.

The painting was unveiled on September 27 2007 on the front of the five-storey building as an accompaniment to the artist’s latest free exhibition at the Phoenix public gallery.

“This is the largest painting I’ve ever created, and I’m excited to have the opportunity to display it in such a prominent public location,” said Jim. “The image refers to the creative process - both the struggle involved and the freedom it allows. I have used symbols that relate to the work in my exhibition, as well as connecting to images in art throughout history.”

Sanders’ exhibition, Critical Mass, runs until October 20 2007 and consists of a mass of large totemic figures and paintings that use, among other things, salvaged wood and found materials.

Staff at Phoenix Arts Association, which is the largest artist-led organisation in the southeast, hope Jim's latest artwork will also raise awareness of the association’s ongoing exhibition, education and outreach programmes.

The painting goes up. © Phoenix Arts Association

“Through Jim’s piece we want to project a glimpse of the diverse activity taking place inside the building year round,” said Phoenix Gallery Manager Karin Mori. “Not everyone knows there are 100 artists’ studios and a contemporary art gallery inside the 'blue building'."

“We’re delighted to be working with one of Brighton’s most original and talented artists, and hope that this piece will encourage the people of Brighton to come into the building and be inspired.”

For anyone interested in exploring the work of Phoenix Arts Association a free three-day Open Phoenix weekend featuring free tours, workshops, kids’ activities, talks, music, food and more runs from Friday October 12 until Sunday October 14 2007. See the Phoenix Arts Association website for more details.