Artist died days before start of new exhibition

Sid Benyon had become a leading light at The Arts Forum - the town's main gallery and artist networking group - helping to run and curate a host of exhibitions for other local artists.

But tragically he died last Wednesday from a heart attack aged 54, just two days before his own show was set to start at the seafront venue.

That show - Art and Science to a Degree - has gone ahead and organisers at The Arts Forum are hoping people will visit the gallery to remember Mr Benyon.

One of his former Arts Forum colleagues, Hilary Totah, led the tributes.

She said: "Sid was a true friend of Arts Forum where, as a volunteer, he found a passion for curating and presenting exhibitions.

"He contributed so much to the success of the many exhibitions he worked on, giving unstintingly of his time and energy."

Born and bred in Hastings, Mr Benyon left school at 14 with what he jokingly told friends was little more than a few swimming certificates.

His life changed when he was accepted at Hastings College of Arts and Technology in 1998. There he nervously began to draw for the first time, inspired by his tutors. A year later he was accepted onto a BA Honours in Fine Art course at the University of Wales Institute, Cardiff. He never looked back.

He begun to experiment with his own designs with stones on the beach and a natural, artistic talent emerged.

He also gained a reputation as a beach entertainer and crowds would often gather to watch his work take shape.

In recent years, mindful of his route into art, Mr Benyon spent time working with young artists to help them develop their skills in the same way his tutors had inspired him.

Hilary added: "Sid was a generous, quietly humble and thoughtful soul.

"He loved nature, taking great joy from the simple but significant pleasure of the moment.

"He was a passionate and exciting man. In essence he embodied the intrinsic qualities of this amazing town."

Mr Benyon's exhibition, which includes pieces on some of his heroes including Grey Owl and Che Guevara, is at The Arts Forum, Marina, St Leonards, until Tuesday.