The Big Heart Auction 2016 is supporting Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice and Brighton Dome’s Umbrella Club. Candida Stevens Gallery, in Northgate, Chichester, hosted the launch this week, showcasing a wonderful range of donated artwork. One highlight is a piece by popular children’s illustrator Sir Quentin Blake, from Hastings. He said: “I am delighted to donate The Art Bird painting to Chestnut Tree House for their Big Heart Auction. “As a children’s book illustrator I’m particularly pleased to be able to support this wonderful children’s charity in this way and I hope that my contribution will enable them to continue their invaluable support for so many families.” All the works will be available via an online auction on Ebay from July 1 to 10. Visit www.bigheartauction.org.uk to view the lots. Selected pictures will be taken on a roadtrip around Sussex to give people the chance to see and experience the art available. This includes an exhibition at the Dome Cinema in Worthing on May 16 and 17, Towner Art Gallery in Eastbourne from June 7 to 9, St Mary in the Castle in Hastings from June 21 to 23 and Brighton Dome from July 1 to 5. Liz Ganney, head of fundraising development at Chestnut Tree House, said: “Our Big Heart Auction returns after the phenomenal success of last year, where we raised more than£30,000. “I am overwhelmed at the generosity of Sussex’s artistic community and very proud to reveal the artworks we have in our Big Heart 2016 collection. “We have a terrific breadth of work available to bid on and will continue to add artworks in the coming months.” Andrew Comben, chief executive of Brighton Dome, said: “Buoyed by the success of last year’s auction, it’s a delight to partner with Chestnut Tree House for an event that is becoming a real highlight of the local art scene. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1 – Make our website your homepage 2 – Like our Facebook pages 3 – Follow us on Twitter 4 – Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out! Sussex Newspapers – always the first with your local news. Be part of it.