Think gorgeous British summer. 140 artists. Open studios and the wilds of the North York Moors. If you want a summer vacation that rewards you with all the benefits of slow travel, and indulges your love for all things art and artsy, we’ve something for you.
Stretching from the coast to the moors, dales, and beyond, North Yorkshire’s artistic community invites the public to take a peek inside their studios this summer.
The open studio event takes place across the first two weekends of June: 3-4 and 10-11 June, 2023.
It offers everyone an exciting opportunity to discover works from emerging and established artists in the region.
The open studio event is organised by the artist-run collective, North Yorkshire Open Studios (NYOS), 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.
For the first time, NYOS has teamed up with the North York Moors National Park to host a three-month long preview exhibition of this summer’s open studio event at the Inspired by… gallery at Danby Lodge National Park Centre, near Whitby.
The exhibition will showcase some of the artists who will be opening their studios and takes place from 12 February to 21 May 2023, along with special artist talks and demonstrations.
During the exhibition, visitors will be able to vote for their favourite two-dimensional and three-dimensional artists as part of an Audience Choice Award, sponsored by the Inspired by… gallery. The two winners will receive £200 towards furthering their art practice.
Garth Bayley, Project Manager for NYOS, said: “The open studio event is a chance to go ‘through the keyhole’ of an artist’s studio, appreciate the creative process, and meet and get to know the artist too.”
This year, NYOS aims to attract visitors from across the north including Manchester, Newcastle and Leeds.
An art trial map will be available for visitors to plan their trip.
Garth said: “With the trend for slow travel and staycations, the art studio trail covers coastal spots in Scarborough, through to scenic National Parks including the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales, and the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, alongside picturesque villages and vibrant market towns. It’s a wonderful opportunity to go on an artistic and cultural magical tour, visit the well-known attractions or explore lesser-known areas and experience this beautiful and diverse region with new eyes.”
Artists taking part will highlight attractions near their studios, such as castles, abbeys, beauty spots and visitor attractions to help visitors create itineraries for a full day, or even a weekend getaway break, perfect for culture vultures.”
Sally Ann Smith, curator of the Inspired by… gallery at the Danby Lodge National Park Centre, said: “We are delighted to be involved for the first time and to have the opportunity to exhibit some of the most talented painters, printmakers, sculptors and designers in our region. This is such a fantastic opportunity for artists to showcase their work to new audiences, and for visitors to the Inspired by… gallery to immerse themselves in all the creativity and originality that North Yorkshire has to offer.”
All works in the open studio event are for sale.
The scheme is supported by the NYOS Patron, the Duchess of Devonshire.
The Duchess of Devonshire, said: “I’m delighted to support this inspiring and supportive platform, which is now in its 16th year. North Yorkshire is home to some of the UK’s most beautiful scenery, and the source of inspiration for generations of artists, including Hockney, Hepworth and Turner.
This is an exciting opportunity to discover some incredible talent, as well as champion North Yorkshire as a vibrant place for art. It offers interactive, adventurous experiences as well as the chance to get your hands on some unique artworks.”
