A minute's walk apart, but a world of contrast between these two venues on the Prestonville Trail, a stone's throw from Preston Park Station:

The Dog House

Karen Barratt's substantial Victorian terrace just above Preston Park station has some of the best views down over the city from the front, and a vertical garden to the rear. Its cool, tranquil atmosphere is enhanced by the view from the back room; a little courtyard planted in pale green and white.

Karen is a photographer and collage artist, and is also the chair of the Prestonville Trail. In her own house for 2005, she has brought together an elegant mixture of contrasting artists' work, including her own photography and foodie collages.

Her guest artists' work includes enigmatic and absorbing etchings by Sarah Chrisp, Katrina Beattie's glass, contrasting richly coloured chunks and pale, delicate lattice pieces,
Jane Cope's robustly cheerful animal paintings and abstract silver jewellery from Emma Willcocks.

Emma Wood presents intricately detailed textiles; tiny patchwork pieces crafted into pretty and unique handbags, and Linda Calvert's hot water bottles, bags and cakes - all ceramics - are an intriguing surprise.

Other notable work includes Judith Fisher's smoky raku ceramics, handmade cards by Liz Lynch, a series of bright and striking mixed media paintings by Fernando Perez-Fernandez, a set of nest-like copper wire bowls from Simeon Smythe and Sarah Walpole's abstract paintings.