arts

Local Artists Take Part In Biggest Open Studio Event In The UK

Artwork by Fiona Armer

Fiona Armer from Airton in Malhamdale is joining over 100 artists across North Yorkshire who are inviting the public to take a peek into their art studios across the first two weekends in June.

North Yorkshire Open Studios (NYOS) is an initiative by the artist-run collective.

Fiona is a painter and printmaker; her printmaking studio at the newly-refurbished Craven Arts House in Skipton is open this weekend. Fiona creates etching plates in zinc or copper and uses these and her press to produce limited editions of handmade prints. Her inspiration is the landscape and light of the Dales and other wild places she visits. Her studio display includes explanations and examples of zinc and copper etching plates and test prints at different stages of the process.

Artwork by Sarah Roche

Visitors can plan and map their journeys with the help of the NYOS website that gives a description of all the artists’ work, as well as directions to the studios, including parking, accessibility and other information.

Garth Bayley, artist and Project Officer for NYOS, said:
“It’s a chance to go on an inspirational art trail from rural villages and market towns to the Yorkshire coastline. The open studios offer a meaningful way to connect with artists and the landscapes they work in. It’s a unique chance to explore nature, beauty and creativity, and explore some truly hidden treasures.”

Fiona Armer said:

“I’m delighted to take part in NYOS after a difficult few years with Covid lockdowns and restrictions. I moved house and studio from Hebden Bridge two years ago, have been etching and printmaking at the West Yorkshire Print Workshop in Mirfield and studio-hopping around Airton and Skipton for painting. I just moved into my Skipton studio in January and now have my own etching press. Craven Arts House is a wonderful community resource, with classes, performance and exhibition space and I’m excited to share that with visitors as I open my studio.”

NYOS is a not-for-profit community that works to support the hundreds of painters, sculptors, print-makers, jewellers, ceramicists, photographers and creatives who live and work in North Yorkshire.

The initiative offers a platform for emerging and established artists, working in different styles and materials.

Garth adds:

“Because of the diversity, and in some cases remoteness, of artists who live and work in North Yorkshire, this initiative is incredibly valuable to celebrate and showcase their work. Our collective is about celebrating North Yorkshire as a place for art. It’s a fun, interactive and adventurous way for people to engage in art, with the opportunity to see, talk to and buy directly from the artists and get their hands on some truly unique artworks.”

Patron of NYOS, the Duchess of Devonshire, said:

“I’m delighted to support the Open Studios which is now in its 16th year. After the difficulties of Covid, it offers much-needed inspiration for all of us. North Yorkshire has some of the most breathtaking scenery, which has been the source of inspiration for generations of artists including Turner, Hockney and Hepworth.”

North Yorkshire Open Studios is now in its final weekend: June 10-11, 2023.

For more information, visit: www.nyos.org.uk