Artistic takeover at auction mart

In the eighth annual instalment of a creative invasion at Skipton Auction Mart, the Art in the Pen event will see a diverse range of artworks displayed by 124 artists in the sheep and cattle pens.

Where farmers usually gather to bid for prized beasts amongst the straw, an array of masterpieces will instead grace the pens on the weekend of August 17-18.

Artwork for sale will include sculptures, photography, ceramics and jewellery, as well as works in pen and ink, wood, recycled materials, textiles, print, glass, etchings, watercolours and paintings. Prices start at £1.

A selection panel consisting of three established artists had a tough time whittling down 300 submissions from artists keen to feature at the mart for the final line-up, the event’s creative director, Clare Allen, said.

“It was really a case of getting the mix right,” she said. “Artists have to send a CV, five images of their work and an artist’s statement. The standard of applications was incredibly high.

“The event has a strong reputation in the arts world and really attracts quality artists.”

The event may be held at an agricultural venue, but do not expect a farming theme to be reflected in the artwork.

Mrs Allen said: “It’s a real mix of artwork and if anything it juxtaposes where they are. It’s more that we want to attract farmers and their families to see this art. We want to bring culture to agriculture.”

Art in the Pen was created by Anthea Rathlin-Jones in 2006 and has proved to be a huge success.

Visitor numbers have grown from 3,000 in the first year to 4,500 last year, with sales of art reaching £54,000.

The event will be open on both days between 10am and 4pm. Admission is £2 for adults and free for under 16s.

The fee includes a catalogue detailing the artwork on show. There will be free parking, a café and an ice cream van.

For a full list of exhibitors and to download a catalogue, visit www.artinthepen. org.uk