Ever wanted to visit an artist’s inner-sanctum, been curious about a craftsman’s studio or had the urge to explore a hub of creative souls that want share their craft? This month York Open Studios opens the doors of a diverse range of artists who live or work within a 10-mile radius of the city of York. Get up close and enjoy creative inspiration and retail therapy with jewellery, sculpture, ceramics, painting, print, photography and textiles on offer.
Pared back interiors pieces by George Young . @Theartist George Younge
New to York Open Studios, George Younge is an interior designer and furniture maker based within the city walls, a hop, skip and jump from the centre. A decade spent lecturing in medieval literature at the University of York has given George an appreciation of the history of craft, and his love of modern Greek culture lends his work a distinctive, paired-back look. Often found working with oak, stone, copper and lead, George says: ‘I can’t wait to welcome visitors and show them some of the freestanding pieces of furniture I’ve made in the setting of the home that I’ve renovated and decorated’.
Venue 26
27 Victor Street, York, YO1 6HQ
Trained at prestigious art schools in Sydney and New York, Marcus uses oils to create large contemporary works as well as portraits and is taking part for the first time. Light, energy and emotion abound in his abstract works and his portraits showcase his skill in producing both expressive abstracts and realist portraits. Says Marcus: ‘I am so pleased to be included in YOS this year. York is a welcoming and vibrant city with responsive visitors as well as a great arts community. Meeting people gives me the chance to show them how and where I work and if I can build relationships with potential buyers or just hear what they think, I know it’ll give me a real boost of confidence.”
Venue 6
Ground Floor, Stamford House, Piccadilly, York, YO1 9PP
Based in Heworth, York, Dave carves greenwood to create pieces inspired by nature, folklore and history. His forms celebrate the beauty of the wood and combine natural elegance whilst still being functional pieces. Originally a model maker and an artist who has taken part in York Open Studios before, he has made his passion for woodcraft into a business, also offering spoon carving courses.
Dave says ‘I love to show the flexibility of working with woods that I source locally. As a former student at York College it’s a lovely opportunity to take part in YOS and welcome folks and those new to the craft to my garden studio’.
Venue 110
46 Galtres Road, Heworth, York, YO31 1JR
Handily located near Sally Clarke, Adrienne French, Jo Bagshaw and Julia Leonard in Heworth, Kerry works in oil on upcycled wood and cotton khadi rag. Kerry originally specialised in ceramics, but currently paints with work that celebrates light in landscapes, still lifes and portraits. Her love of nature, light and shade is palpable throughout all her works.
Kerry says: ‘I only took up painting in 2021 and so YOS is the perfect chance for me to meet and talk with visitors. I continue to experiment with my painting techniques and explore different ways of working. I am looking forward to a really interesting couple of weekends.’
Venue 116 – shared with Mixed Media artist Lenka Pavuk
33 Third Avenue, Heworth, York, YO31 0TY
Alasdair has been a professional photographer for 15 years. A love for photographing scenes in the most interesting light possible means he both plans shoots up to a year in advance and dives out the door with little notice. His unique style has been honed by the ever-changing landscapes of Yorkshire and the highlands of Scotland, two of his favourite places to photograph. Alasdair photographs regularly whatever the weather and has built up a vast library of iconic York city views in snow, fog, blossom and even under the Aurora Borealis. Alasdair says: ‘I can’t wait to show visitors my creative world. I have spent many long hours behind my camera and am excited to hear what people think so April honestly can’t come soon enough!’
Venue 21
24 Finsbury Avenue, South Bank, York, YO23 1LW
Nic’s work is a balance of bold, large-scale banners and smaller pocket-sized prints. Large scale pieces are simple but ambiguous forms that ask the viewer to engage with their own interpretations of a better world. Smaller works, in the form of zines and miniature books, offer a more intimate opportunity for reflection. Nic works in low-impact printmaking mediums including wood, lino and riso – sustainable materials in keeping with messages of transformation. Located near the station, Nic’s work is enhanced by a bright and airy studio. Says Nic: ‘My aim is to engage viewers with themes of radical hope, producing work that is a catalyst for conversations and showing the agency that we all have to be a part of positive change. I can’t wait to share this with YOS visitors!’
Venue 27
5A The Crescent, York, YO24 1AW
Located close to the city centre, Charmian has been a jeweller for over 25 years, working with high-carat gold, platinum and precious stones. Charmian is used to selling and showing her work in selected galleries or through commissions, as well as remodelling much-loved client pieces. Many of her designs reflect her love of ancient history with a particular interest in the granulation technique, which involves fusing pure gold spheres onto sheet resulting in both unique and collectable pieces, often embellished with a precious or semi-precious stone indulging her passion for colour. Says Charmian: ‘York Open Studios is a fantastic opportunity to show the technique and demonstrate key skills that formulate these bespoke pieces. I absolutely love to see how much all our skills are viewed by visitors and I’m looking forward to April immensely.;
Venue 82
4 Penleys Grove Street, York, YO31 7PN
York Open Studios 2025 Saturdays and Sundays 5 – 6 April and 12 – 13 April yorkopenstudios.co.uk
