Step into a world of imagination with our installation, Stack the Deck, of five large wooden playing cards, proudly displayed at Art in the Park in Alexandra Park. Each card serves as a canvas for creativity, designed by a diverse group of artists responding to an open call themed around ‘Play.’

On one side, the cards feature painted numbers by artist Rachel Mammone—10, 6, 6, Jack, and King—symbolizing a nod to the historic Battle of Hastings in 1066. These playful elements invite reflection on our town’s rich heritage, while inspiring curiosity about what’s to come.

The reverse of each card showcases unique designs from five talented local artists, with the final designs chosen by children:

Ashlyn Milsted captures the playful spirit of two cats tangled in balls of string.

David O'Brien pays homage to Harold, who fell in the iconic Battle of Hastings, blending history with creativity.

Apparan illustrates a wave filled with floating toys, inviting the viewer to dive into the playful depths of imagination.

Gilda Silva brings life to falling acorns adorned with cheerful, whimsical faces.

Luke Garvey incorporates quirky characters that blend elements of play, including gaming motifs and vibrant designs.

Ashlyn Milsted: "I am an artist and tattooist from Hastings and I am currently a resident at Locked Out Tattoo in Bexhill. I have a background in Illustration and enjoy drawing portraits and creating mixed media work. Colour is important to me as I love creating bold and eyecatching work.

Instagram: @ashlynmilstedtattoo or Facebook: Ashlyn M tattoos.

David O'Brien: "I'm a costume designer / stylist but my passions are art and tarot - I'm currently creating my own Oracle deck through mixed media. Collage, paint, photography, illustrations etc. My card is inspired by the Bayeux tapestry and elements of the tarot. The tarot was originally a card game using standard suit playing cards we still use today. The first picture deck was designed in 15th century Italy known as The Visconti-Sforza Tarot.

My design incorporates elements of the Pamela Coleman Smith - Ryder Waite deck. The Harold card is reminiscent of the 'Fool card' where the fool is about to embark on his own journey. Harold's journey is about to come to an end. He is surrounded by 'The Sun' , another card in the deck (it also portrays an eye as a nod to Harold's demise). He is accompanied by Fire,Water and earth and the arrow represents air."

Instagram: @tarotcafe_collective and @davidobrien75

Apparan: "I am a London based street artist, educator and curator from the Canary Islands. As an artist, I strive to be a storyteller of emotions, social issues, and the interconnectedness of women experiences. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant interplay of vibrant colours, female features, specially focusing on the hair flowing and eyes expression, my work seeks to evoke a sense of wonder, introspection, and connection with the viewer."

Instagram: @apparan or Facebook: Apparan Art

Gilda Silva: "I am a Brazilian artist based in Hastings, mother of three who loves dancing and is passionate about nature and working with children and adults too. I have been working with children doing arts & crafts for over 16 years, including working with the Hastings Contemporary for the last two years on the 'Pearls of the Sea' project."

Instagram: @gildadasflores

Luke Garvey: "I’m an artist and photographer that loves creating whenever, wherever and with whatever! Since childhood I always drew monsters and as I got older that never really went away, it just evolved through different mediums and materials then more recently dimensions. Going from 2D drawn art to experimenting with several 3D techniques including ceramic, glass, foam carving"

Instagram: @Ljwgarvey

Art in the Park is run by Arts on Prescription, providing creative activities, reminiscence and confidence building workshops designed to enhance mental health, wellbeing and promote social engagement.