Insight into artists’ work as they open studios to public for annual event

ARTISTS across North Yorkshire will throw open the doors of their studios to members of the public for the annual display of artists’ workshops this weekend.

More than 60 artists across a ten-mile radius around York will be inviting the public into their studios as part of the York Open Studios.

“This event provides the perfect combination of discovering creative talent and enjoying the experience of wandering around the medieval streets of York in search of artists’ studios,” says Ruth King, the chair of York Open Studios.

Many of the exhibitors involved work as freelance artists.

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Previously the event only lasted one weekend but to celebrate York Open Studios reaching its tenth anniversary last year, the event was held over two weekends – proving so popular that organisers have continued that this year.

New to the Open Studios line-up this year is The Eddy Project, a collaborative project between two York-based artists – graphic and textile designer Carol Buchannan and sculptor Eleonora Ridgway – who now rework discarded and forgotten furniture into temporary pieces.

Other newcomers include jewellery designer Karen Mabon and contemporary wood turner Jon Cooper.

Emily Sutton will be exhibiting her work at Open York Studios for the first time this year after graduating from Edinburgh College of Art in 2008.

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“My work is strongly influenced by the landscape and creatures of my surroundings in the Yorkshire countryside, as well as all kinds of weird and wonderful objects found in museums and antique shops,” says Sutton.

Sandra Middleton, a former financier who changed her career to embroidery, will be returning to open her place of work to the public. Sandra uses her numerical skills in her art work which experiments with fractured colour technique.

York Open Studios have awarded bursaries to three projects that will be open for viewing during both weekends. The first was given to Kalindi Kankali and Belinda Noda whose art focuses on their enthusiasm for cycling, recycling and regeneration. The other two have been awarded to Lyn Wait, a multi-media artist, and Sam Lawrence whose work is a three-minute dance show which combines a unique blend of dance, theatre and cooking and is titled Venus Viola’s 3 Min Muffins.

“I am delighted to be leaving on such a positive and strong position and I have thoroughly enjoyed working as the chair for York Open Studios. I feel it will continue to grow from strength to strength in following years,” says Ruth King, who is leaving after working with York Open Studios for nine years.

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“It will be difficult to follow our major event from our tenth anniversary last year but I think with our new participants it will be a really good year.

“We decided to carry on running the scheme for two weekends as we wanted visitors to spend more time with the artists and not feel rushed.”

King’s list of artists to visit at Open York Studios include David Campbell, a painter who has been involved throughout the past four years, Charmian Ottaway who is a jewellery maker but also has branched into silverware and Rory Motion, a painter who includes text in his art. King said: “His work makes me smile and think.”

York Open Studios, March 23 to 25 and March 31 to April 1. 01904 706123.