North Yorkshire Artists Fling Their Doors Open For Biggest Open Studio Event In The UK

ArtsArts & CraftsSculpture

The artist-run collective, North Yorkshire Open Studios (NYOS), sees over 100 artists invite the public to take a peek into their studios across two weekends in June.

Anna Whitehouse, artist and Project Officer for NYOS, said: “It’s a chance to go on an inspirational art trail from rural villages to the Yorkshire coastline. The open studios offer a meaningful way to connect with artists and the landscapes they work in. It’s a unique chance to explore nature, beauty and creativity, and discover some truly hidden treasures.”

Visitors can plan and map their journeys with the help of the NYOS website, that gives a description of the artists’ work, as well as directions to the studios, including parking, accessibility and other information.

Anna said: “Many artists draw inspiration from their surroundings and there is a variety of studio locations to explore – from cottages and smallholdings in the remote moors and dales, suburban living rooms in Harrogate, and creative hubs in Scarborough and Starbeck. Artists will give an insight into the practical processes that they use, so they will be offering demonstrations, displaying work in progress and sketchbooks, as well as organising exciting hands-on activities.”

Sites include a studio built out of straw bales by artist David Beresford in Weeton, lit forge demonstrations by sculptor and blacksmith Adam Crane in Ripon, and sculptor Michael Kusz in Richmond, who is offering the chance to meet his pet crow, while touring his workshop.

Unique settings include the studio of Angela Hall who creates bold silkscreen prints, located in a working farm in York. Catriona Stewart paints in oil and acrylic at her studio in Norton, located in one of the most famous racing stables in Yorkshire with 60 horses.

Visitors can combine trips to traditional tourist locations, such as Whitby or York, with a studio visit to see the area in a completely unique and different way, as well as explore lesser-known areas of North Yorkshire.

Painter Lindsey Tyson’s studio in Scarborough is based in the once holiday home of the literary Sitwell family, and is a five-minute walk from either the town centre or the beach.

NYOS is a not-for-profit community that works to support the hundreds of painters, sculptors, print-makers, jewellers, ceramicists, photographers and creatives who live and work in North Yorkshire. 

The initiative offers a platform for emerging and established artists, working in different styles and materials.

Anna said: “Because of the diversity, and in some cases remoteness, of artists who live and work in North Yorkshire, this initiative is incredibly valuable to celebrate and showcase their work. Our collective is about championing North Yorkshire as a place for art, to discourage the traditional brain drain of talent to London. It’s a fun, interactive and adventurous way for people to engage in art, with the opportunity to see, talk to and buy directly from the artists and get their hands on some unique artworks.”

Patron of NYOS, the Duchess of Devonshire, said: “I’m delighted to support the Open Studios which is now in its 15th year. After the difficulties of Covid, it offers much-needed inspiration for all of us. North Yorkshire has some of the most breath-taking scenery, which has been the source of inspiration for generations of artists including Turner, Hockney and Hepworth.”

To be posted a free full colour brochure that lists all artists and features a map of the art trail 2022, go to nyos.org.uk to sign up.

North Yorkshire Open Studios takes place over two weekends: June 4/5 & June 11/12, 2022

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