We are pleased to announce the launch of our new online store for artist prints - ZS Editions.

On the site you can browse and buy original prints and edtions from a range of artists safely and securely.

All are still available from the gallery if you want to see them before you buy, or just prefer to shop in a real as opposed to virtual gallery.

The image shown is from a series of screen prints with wood block by Anthony Frost.

The site will be updated regularly with new editions from artists on the Zimmer Stewart Gallery website as well as ZS Edition exclusives.

On Tuesday 1 December at 10.35pm, BBC's arts documentary series "Imagine" will look at the Arts Council's Own Art Scheme.

The Own Art Scheme provides interest free (0% APR) loans to cients purchasing art from selected galleries across the UK. In order to qualify for the scheme galleries must be able to show that: they work directly with artists, show new original work and have an exhibition programme to promote their artists.

The Zimmer Stewart Gallery has been offering Own Art Loans since their inception 5 years ago, and in that time have be able to use the scheme to assist countless clients and collectors buy original art.

Please ask about this scheme next time you are at the gallery or click here for more information.

Arundel is full of history and culture most months of the year, with concerts in the Cathedral, Jazz at the Victoria Institute and two theatre groups putting on quarterly productions. The unique skyline and architecture of the Town Centre and Castle encourage people to return time and time again.

But it really comes alive during the run up to Christmas, here is just a selection of the events this festive period:

1. Fair Trade and Sustainable Christmas Fair in Arundel Castle on Saturday 28 November.
2. Rotary Club of Arundel "Spirit of Christmas" on Saturday 6 December.
3. Arundel By Candlelight, Christmas Shopping with Santa, mulled wine and carols till 7pm on Saturday 12 December.
4. Christmas Farmers Market on Saturday 19 December

You can find out more about these and other events on Arundel.org.uk

The final judging of the National Open Art Competition took place on Friday 22 October at Goodwood Racecourse.

In the first round 460 works were selected from the 1200 submitted pieces.

The range of work was broad in terms of quality, originality and skill - As a judge I was was impressed by the variety of artworks submitted by artists from all over the UK.

In the second round of judging Gavin Turk (chairman), Catherine Lampert (formerly director of the Whitechapel Gallery), David Barrie (from sponsors RK Harrison) and James Stewart (Zimmer Stewart Gallery) had to select just 120 from the 460 selected in the first round. With a total prize fund of £40,000 judging was taken very seriously.

James Stewart found it interesting to be in the company of Gavin Turk and Catherine Lampert, and to discuss works with arts professionals with their accumulated knowledge. He both learnt a great deal and drew confidence from the experience.

At the end of the day Judging a competition like this is highly subjective and we each bring to the task our own unique baggage - whether this results in a good or bad Open Art Exhibtion will be up to the visitors to decide based on the "baggage" they bring in viewing the works for themselves.

We are pleased to announce Zimmer Stewart Gallery was Highly Commended in the Tourism ExSEllence Awards 2009 in the "Small Visitor Attraction of the year" category.

This is in recognition of the work we have done in promoting tourism in the local area, as well as to the gallery itself.

Our philosophy has always been to encourage browsers so that the artists' work we show can be seen by as many people as possible.

The awards were handed out by Giles Brandreth at a "gala dinner" at Wentworth Golf Club.

Three of the five finalists in our categry were based in the Arts, including Zimmer Stewart Gallery, Cass Sculpture at Goodwood and the winner, The Lightbox in Woking.