Homelessness charity Sussex Emmaus is hosting a two-week exhibition titled "Local Life: A Retrospective" at its community in Portslade, Brighton, featuring the work of local artist Monica Long. The exhibition includes 29 paintings donated by Long's daughter Jacqueline, a friend of the charity, and showcases Long's contemporary observational style capturing everyday life, landscapes, and animals.
The exhibition matters because it brings local art to a community-focused charity that has supported over 1,500 people experiencing homelessness since 1997, blending cultural engagement with social mission. It highlights how art can be used to foster community connection and support local creativity while raising the profile of a regional artist.