York Open Studios will once again be staging its popular cultural event next month when about 150 artists who live or work in the York area will welcome visitors to their workplaces.
The event which offers a rare look behind the scenes and an opportunity to meet many of the city’s creators is set to run across two weekends, from Saturday and Sunday, April 18 to 19, and April 25 to 26.
They will be showing and selling their work, with organisers saying that the event will cater for all budgets, styles and media.
Visitors can expect traditional and contemporary painting and prints, illustrations, drawing and ceramics, mixed media, glass and sculpture, jewellery, textiles and photography.
Applications to take part came from regular and new artists, including some long-standing York residents and other who are new to the city.
They were chosen by five independent selectors, who work within the arts sector and based outside the region.
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An interactive York Open Studios map will provide a guide of artists taking part to help people plan their visits. There is also a free printed directory from tourist hubs and arts locations through the city.
Fine art printmaker Jane Duke and sculptor and ceramist Tim Pearce will be among the regulars, as well as stained-glass artist Helen Bower.
Newcomers to the event will include jewellery designer Amelia Donohoe, printmaker Melanie Hill, textile artist Nicola Harper and studio potter Danny Aitken.
York artist Elliot Harrison who creates illustrations of York landmarks and scenes, such as York Theatre Royal, Rowntree Park, Terry’s and Clifton Cinema, will also be part of the arts trail – he will be located at Venue 23 near Rowntree Park’s Millennium Gates, showing off a large print of a map he was commissioned to do by York Conservation Trust which has taken months.
He has previously exhibited in York Hospital, Rowntree Park Cafe, City Screen and York Hospitium.
Elliot will be one of a number of artists in the South Bank area, including photographer Alasdair McIntosh at Venue 22 who captured a unique and striking photo of a fox in Shambles.
York Open Studios is an annual not-for-profit event which represents artists and makers living or working within a ten-mile radius of the city. It is popular among casual art enthusiasts and serious collectors alike.
For details visit www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk and access the interactive map. Alternatively, a free printed directory is available from various tourist hubs, libraries, shops and galleries all over York throughout the city.
The website provides full information regarding the event, illustrating details of participating artists, including their medium and a map of York and its surrounding areas which highlight where visitors will be able to visit them.
