York River Art Market gaining more momentum every year

Charlotte Dawson, organiser of York River Art Market, is putting the finishing touches to the free event happening over three weekends in August in Dame Judi Dench Walk.

More than 30 artists will be showing at each of the six days on the bank on the eastern side of the River Ouse close to Lendal Bridge and the organiser said she is celebrating a decade of the relaxed and vibrant atmosphere the event brings to the city centre.

Charlotte said there are comparisons made with the Left Bank of the river Seine in Paris (Image: Supplied)

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“Comparisons are made with the Left Bank in Paris – I hear it everywhere.”

The riverside paths on southern side of the Seine in the French capital offers tourists the chance to wander among artists and soak up some emblematic views of the city.”

Charlotte Dawson at the Make it York Culture Awards 2017, where the art market won best community project or event (Image: Supplied) York River Art allows visitors to buy directly from the artists, and they can expect to see ceramics, jewellery, painting, prints and clothing on offer.

Charlotte said she started out planning it on a year-by-year basis and didn’t expect to have to think longer term but said each market builds momentum from the last one.

She said: “I put that down to it becoming more well-known.

“I planned how to manage it and getting a good variety of artists and staying transparent about the applications.

“It really is an accessible event for the stallholders in that sense and the artists know they have my full support with communications and it has gained momentum over the years.

“The quality and quantity of applicants has gained the same momentum as the market’s popularity.”

More than 80 different artists are expected to be spread across the six dates and with around 30 stallholders setting up each day, Charlotte said there will always be something new to see during each visit for returning visitors.

She said: “We have had lots of new applicants as well as returning artists.

“It’s a broad marketplace.

“For me it’s about reaching the people – I’ve been out and about in the local community over the past few weeks.

“It’s all about working together with local businesses and artists and being a part of something for everybody.”

More information can be found at https://facebook.com/YorkRiverArtMarket/events

York River Art Market is happening over the first three weekends in August in Dame Judi Dench Walk, between 10am and 5.30pm.