This story is sponsored by Harrogate BID

Two local artists are making their Great Yorkshire Show exhibition debuts this year.

The art show invites Yorkshire-based artists to display their work to thousands of visitors to the Great Yorkshire Showground. Many of the exhibits draw inspiration from the beauty of the county.

This year work by 14 artists, who are on site, are on display. Their work includes ceramics, sculptures, paintings and textiles.

The art show is free to attend with show admission and can be found in Food Hall 1.

Johnny Sunter

Stone sculptor Johnny Sunter, who lives in Ripon, is displaying his ceramics in what is his first ever visit to the agricultural show.

Mr Sunter studied at Leeds College of Art but “did nothing but daft jobs” after his studies. Twenty-five years later, during lockdown, Mr Sunter realised his passion lies with his art and decided to take the time to venture down a career change.

Three years later, he is displaying his limestone ceramics in the art show of the largest agricultural show in the UK.

He said:

“I realised that those jobs weren’t worth it.

“The most important thing to me now is that I wake up and I’m happy – it’s a really good life.”

Mr Sunter basis his work on stories he develops from Greek mythology, as well as references from brutalist architecture.

“Those ugly buildings that most people hate…I love those.

“I take reference from the buildings and their shape and fuse them with stories I create – and I end up with this.”

His work displayed at the show tells the story of The Idol stealing various elements of the world until it is finally caught.

He said he’s “delighted to be here and meet other artists” at the show.

Mr Sunter currently has another exhibition on display at Cole’s Gallery in Leeds.

Find more information on Mr Sunter’s work here.

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Jess with her paintings

Jess Kidd

Harrogate-born painter, Jess Kidd, is bringing a taste of the West Yorkshire landscapes to the showground.

Ms Kidd, who now lives in Keighley, takes inspiration from the towns industrial roots and blends them with the surroundings of her home in hopes to “shed a positive light on an area that’s often knocked.”

Due to dyslexia, she “struggled to learn to talk and used art and creativity as a means of communication” as a child.

After also studying art at Leeds Art College, Ms Kidd worked with children with severe and complex needs.

Shortly after, however, she fell unwell with tuberculosis and was unable to work. During this time, her love for art was reignited and gave her the opportunity to dabble again.

During covid, Ms Kidd undertook cognitive behavioural therapy and used the tools learned in these sessions to ease her into art as a full-time career.

She said:

“I think I initially just wanted to prove that I could work again after falling ill, but I realised I had neglected the time to be creative.

“I now use the lessons I learned through CBT in my work.

“The first layers will always be about letting myself experiment with shapes and colour, and not putting pressure on myself about the final piece.

“I hope this positivity translates through my work.”

Ms Kidd currently has another exhibition on display at South Square Gallery, near Bradford.

More information can be found on Jess Kidd’s website.