Buying work from Yorkshire artists and makers has never been easier

Buying from artists, designers and makers is billed as one of the key trends for 2020 and it has never been easier.

This is due to a combination of factors. The internet, which was initially labelled “the information superhighway” is now the shopping superhighway and there is no doubt it has helped creative people market themselves and their goods.

Many now have their own

websites and even if they don’t they often have a presence on selling sites, such as Etsy.com, notonthehighstreet.co.uk and the fabulous Folksy.com, a Sheffield-based shopping site devoted to artists and makers.

The number of galleries devoted to all art and design forms, not just paintings and prints, has increased. This approach, along with a relaxed, all-welcome vibe has helped make many galleries more inclusive.

Finally, there are markets, pop-ups and the great Open Studios events. The beauty of these is that you usually get to meet the artist/maker.

You can have a chat, they’ll explain what they do and what it means and you’ll feel doubly good about buying from them.

Equally, they don’t mind if you don’t or can’t afford to buy anything because they appreciate the feedback browsers and buyers give them and it helps inform their work.

There are two good events in March and April. Pop Up of the North at York House in the centre of Malton run by Georgie Pridden is on from March 19 to 21. It includes 28 makers and features everyone from a biscuit bakers, clothes maker and a weaver to a cushion designer and a ceramicist

Then there’s the ever popular York Open Studios event, which is over two weekends, April 18 and 19 and April 25 and 26 from 10am to 5pm.

This is the opportunity to take a peek into the creative spaces of York’s artists, makers and designers. You can see art in the place where it’s made and that includes workshops, garden sheds and home studios in all kinds of homes from city centre streets to country cottages in York’s surrounding villages.

The Open Studios promises everything from pottery, paintings, prints to textiles, jewellery, furniture and much more.

York is home to some of Britain’s most eminent studio potters, including Ruth King and Isa Denyer whose pots are the result of a lifetime of skill.

Discover the beauty of wood through Marcus Jacka’s handcrafted furniture and Dave Atkin’s carved spoons and visit a variety of artists, including Fiona Kemp whose city scenes are stunning.

The only issue will be choosing who to visit as there are 144 artists and 97 studios taking part.

*York Open Studios is an annual free arts event which celebrates the best artists and makers living or working within a 10-mile radius of the city. The event, which allows the public to meet the artists and see where they work, is on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, and Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, from 10am to 5pm.

For details and maps of the studios visit www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk. For a free copy of the event programme email [email protected]