Each year artists from across the county open their studio doors to the public for two weekends in June. Despite the arrival of coronavirus, North Yorkshire Open Studios have remained optimistic and are instead bringing this exciting event online this weekend.
Artists across Ripon and Harrogate who were set to invite people into their studios have instead created films of their artwork and techniques in order to stream online.
Harriette Rymer painting in her studio in Harrogate.
These films will be made available from this weekend and will continue next weekend with the full schedule available on North Yorkshire Open Studios Website. The films are shared every 20 minutes on their Facebook page.
Debbie Loane, committee member and painter at North Yorkshire Open Studios has noticed the importance of keeping this event running:
“Many artists plan their calendar around this event and for some it represents a substantial proportion of their annual income, so to lose this event overnight would have been a huge blow to many of the participating artists.
For these artists, who derive their living from creative practice, it was important not to postpone until next year…since lockdown the appetite for buying art online has been strong and I am feeling very optimistic.”
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Jo York – Brimham Rocks
Harrogate based artist Anna Whitehouse noticed that the appetite for art has been particularly strong since lockdown, telling The Stray Ferret,
“Lockdown has turned out to be a positive time for artists, people are finding ways to reach out more. Even though it feels quiet there are lots of people in their studios being very productive.
A lot of our artists have never really delved online. It’s making the best of a bad situation.”
From textiles and painting to metalworking and printmaking, this event allows for the appreciation of creative processes as well as the chance to get to know local artists.
This event celebrates work created from all corners of the county, covering coastal spots to scenic national parks as well as picturesque villages and vibrant market towns.
Find all the information you need across North Yorkshire Open Studios website and facebook page.