Happy New Year everybody!
Welcome to the unknown world of 2018 – may it bring you health, happiness, and the joys of art.
Here are a few suggestions to help kick things off in the new year for the new, artier you.
More Than Words @ York Art Gallery
Ceramic artist, Sarah Radstone, has been the subject of the Centre of Ceramic Art’s exhibition at York Art Gallery since November, and if you haven’t seen it yet then now is the perfect time to do so.
Born in London and trained at Hertfordshire College of Art and Camberwell School of Art, Radstone has spent nearly four decades learning, teaching and exhibiting both in the UK and abroad.
This collection, More Than Words, has been curated by Martin Smith and follows the artist’s career from its beginning, through struggles, successes, experimentation, and innovations.
The life of the artist, tracked through her artistic development, is beautifully articulated in this exhibition.
This month, the Radstone herself will be visiting for a free gallery talk on Wednesday 17 January, 12.20pm-1pm.
Winter goes on @ Blue Tree Gallery
The festive period might be over but there’s still plenty of winter left to be endured or enjoyed, depending on how you look at it.
Blue Tree Gallery has taken a positive view on the matter, extolling the charms of winter via a special exhibition, The Winter’s Light, which features the work of four painters and one ceramicist.
The show finishes on January 13, so don’t hang around or you’ll miss it.
Jugs @ Lotte Inch
From Pop Art to still life, the art world has an uncanny ability to shine a light on an every day object and redeliver it to us as something special.
Lotte Inch knows the trick, and this month it’s the turn of our old friend the jug to stand beneath the spot light and take a bow.
The exhibition, An Ode to the Humble Jug, opens on 19 January and features the useful and popular household item as rendered by a variety of painters and ceramicists.
Better than you can imagine @ Castle Fine Art
Internationally renowned abstract artist, Alex Echo, returns to Castle Fine Art this month for his captivating new exhibition, Imagine.
This is an exciting time for the UK based American born artist, following the success of his last show, The Shape of Things.
He will be presenting his latest works at a meet and greet event on Saturday 27 January, 1pm-3pm.
Get arty this year!
If you’re running a little late with your New Year’s resolutions, then I’ve got one for you: get arty.
Whether its drawing, painting, printing, or making, there are plenty of opportunities throughout the city to involve yourself in more hands on artistic practises.
Mindfully creative @ York Art Gallery
If you’re taking this creative resolution seriously, then you’ve still got time to book yourself on York Art Gallery’s 8 Week Mindfulness Based Creativity Course.
Led by Dr. Lauri Bower from York MBSR, and professional artist Clare Belbin-Carlile, this extensive course promises an exploration of mindfulness meditation, with creative writing and drawing exercises in each session.
The course takes place on Tuesdays, 10pm-12.30pm from 23 January to 20 March.
Book online before midnight on Tuesday 9 January to take advantage of the early bird rate: £250 for the full 8 weeks.
After this the price will go up to £275.
Resident’s Festival @ York Art Gallery
All you need is a valid York Card, York Student Card or Council Tax bill to join in with York Art Gallery’s free studio drop in on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 January.
Drop in any time from 11am-4pm to get to know your fellow Yorkies and get simultaneously creative with these arty activity sessions running for the Resident’s Festival.
Drawing Animals @ Clements Hall
For all you animal lovers, York-based artist Jelena Lunge will be leading an animal drawing workshop on 20 January, 1pm-3pm.
For the price of £15, you can learn the art of drawing animals using pen and ink, in an informal and relaxed atmosphere with the tutor on hand to guide you.
There will also be tea and coffee – what more could you want?
No booking is required, just drop in to Clements Hall in Nunthorpe to pick up a pen and get drawing.
Sketchbook Circle @ York Art Gallery
The first Sketchbook Circle of the year will be running on Wednesday 10 January, 1.30-3.30pm at York Art Gallery.
This informal sketching group meets monthly and is always happy to welcome newcomers to the fold, whatever your skills or experience level.
Book your place through Eventbrite.
Art For Wellbeing @ York Art Gallery
Another informal drawing group will gather in the gallery on Sunday 14 January.
Art For Wellbeing is another a monthly meet-up open to anyone aged 16 and over, and is free with gallery admission.
Drop in any time from 1.30pm-3.30pm.