Art& show returns to York this Autumn

Formerly known as The Art Market York, art& is a three day festival of art set to deliver the best in new and established artists with a special feature on the medium of clay.

When? 

Friday 27th October (10am-8pm), Saturday 28th October (10am-6pm) & Sunday 29th October (10am-4pm)

Where?

York Racecourse Events Centre, YO23 1EX

This year’s show, which will be held in the Knavesmire stand at York Racecourse, promises to be bigger and better than ever, with more than 120 artists, including over 25 ceramic artists, exhibiting and selling their work, taking commissions and talking all things art.

‘This year we are taking a special look at clay. We’ll be hosting talks, demonstrations, installations, and interactive areas all inspired by the amazing medium of clay. This is a medium I am really passionate about as I have worked with it for over 20 years’, says Brendan Hesmondhalgh, co-organiser of art&.

“We are passionate about Yorkshire having an excellent platform for artists, buyers, collectors and art enthusiasts to meet and connect, and to be a place where buying art is accessible to everyone”, explains co-organiser Emily Stubbs, ‘I am really excited about this show as I am creating an installation of 100 ceramic vessels especially for the event.’

(Above: Emily Stubbs)

Alongside the established artists will be 12 new talents who have been mentored by the team at art& as part of the Raw Talent Award programme.

The brainchild of art& organisers, Victoria Robinson, Emily Stubbs, and Brendan Hesmondhalgh, all professional artists themselves, the Raw Talent Award gives 12 up and coming artists the opportunity to grow their passion into a business. This year RAW Talent includes two emerging ceramic artists. Rosemary McGarr and Dawn Ridsdel are being mentored by Brendan Hesmondhalgh and Emily Stubbs respectively as they specialise in this medium.

(Above: David Roberts)

“We have been creating art events in Yorkshire for the past ten years, which have grown from their beginnings in Holmfirth to the show we now hold in York and over that time we’ve helped launched the careers of more than 50 artists and inspired countless numbers of visitors’, says Victoria Robinson. ‘This year’s award winners represent a number of different genres including embroidery, jewellery, ceramics and print making. The final 12 were whittled down from 50’.

The show has gone from strength to strength over the past decade, moving to York four years ago and now in its third year at the racecourse with visitor numbers doubling at last year’s event.

Much of that is down to it being a real experience for anyone with an interest in art, whether complete beginner or committed collector. “Our vision when we first started was to create the kind of show we wanted to be part of,” Emily explained.

The ethos behind the event is to make buying and selling original art as easy, fun and accessible as possible, with potential new collectors able to own an original piece at an affordable price ranging from £10 to £10,000.

(Above: Christine Pike)

As well as being able to talk to the artists themselves, visitors can listen to talks, watch demonstrations and get hands on in the interactive areas learning about this year’s featured medium – clay.

(Above: Brendan Hesmondhalgh demonstration)

“We are really proud of our hard won reputation with artists and visitors for the unique show we create,” Brendan said. ‘This year we are excited to launch our new online courses at the event, including my own ‘How to Build an Animal Head in Clay’.

(Above: Brendan Hesmondhalgh)

The art& show opens on Friday, October 27 and runs until Sunday, October 29. Doors open at 10am all three days with Friday closing time at 8pm, Saturday 6pm and Sunday 4pm. It will be held at the Knavesmire Stand of York Racecourse. Tickets are priced at £6.50 for adults, £5.50 concessions and Children under 14 are free, book tickets online here.

For more details about the art& show, art& Raw Talent Award and art& click here.

(Above: Alison Coaten)

(Above: Rebecca Appleby)

(Above: Line Mortensen)

(Above: Victoria Dawes)

(Above: Linda Southwell)

(Above: Timothy Copsey)

Click here to find out more