Whether it’s the footie or the FTSE, we’ve had an unsettling few weeks.
You may well have found yourself engaging in endlessly spiralling conversations about the fall of the pound and the capitulation of the England team.
Or maybe you’ve been too busy Googling the possibility that you might still be European because you once heard your mum mention that her third cousin’s great-grandmother was German. Or Dutch.
Either way, it’s time to take a break and treat yourself to the little oasis of calm that is art.
Exhibitions
Timmy Mallett @ Whitewall Galleries
The broadcaster, famed for his colourful glasses, loud shirts and foam mallet, has been building a reputation in quite a different medium.
With an eye for colour and contrast, his striking impressionist paintings of day-to-day Britain have been widely collected for several years.
He’s bringing his work to Whitewall Galleries on July 7, when you can meet the man himself in a private view.
Find out more here.
Landscape & Fired Earth @ Blossom Street Gallery
To find out more about them, their techniques and inspirations, or to just have a chat with like-minded art lovers, head to the meet and greet on Saturday July 9.
Tales of the Real and the Imagined @ Lotte Inch Gallery
Lotte Inch Gallery’s latest exhibition is a real feast for the imagination.
Internationally renowned artist Paula Rego showcases her surreal, mysterious and occasionally unnerving body of work alongside several other British artists in this fantastic exhibition, running until August 20.
The show provides a unique visual offering, drawing on history, fantasy and folklore to tantalise the imagination and spirit us away into the many worlds of global artists.
Summer Exhibition @ Blue Tree Gal
lery
After last month’s fantastic Early Summer Exhibition, Blue Tree Gallery is now celebrating the season with another striking show.
With original paintings and ceramics by acclaimed artists like John P Cooke, Ellie Hesse and Debbie Barber, the Summer Exhibition (which runs throughout July) is an ode to our most pined for season.
As the unpredictable English summer rumbles on (often thunderously), this exhibition guarantees some glorious relief.
Glass 2016 @ Pyramid Gallery
Make it your mission to get to the Pyramid Gallery before July 12 to see this colourful collection of glassworks before it’s too late.
The annual exhibition features pieces from a dozen contemporary artists and includes some really stunning showcases of sculptural art that go a long way to defy the viewer’s expectation of glassware.
Raymond Fearn @ City Screen Picturehouse
The City Screen cinema, bar and entertainment venue is a real hub of culture for York these days.
It ventures further into the cultural arena by playing host to a wonderful exhibition of enigmatic prints and paintings by the late Yorkshire artist Raymond Fearn throughout July.
His imaginative pieces represent scenes both familiar and enchantingly mysterious. As a bonus, 20% of all sales from the exhibition will go to St Leonards Hospice, York.
Lisa Hooper @ Kentmere House Gallery
Learn & Create
Art historian Richard Cork will be talking about the exhibition and the significant period of art history that it represents from 6.30-7.30pm on Thursday July 21.
Tickets cost £8 and are available from Eventbrite.
Sketchbook Circle @ York Art Gallery
This month the informal art social at York Art Gallery will be held on Wednesday July 13 from 1.30-3.30pm.
You can join for just £5 (don’t forget your sketchbook).
Life Drawing Workshop @ Scarcroft Primary School
For something a little more intensive, sign up for a full day life drawing and portraiture workshop at Scarcroft School on July 16.
Led by figurative painter Andres Jaroslavsky, this course is a great way to kick start or improve your people drawing skills.
To book your place email [email protected] or phone 07913 920118. The course costs £60 with all materials included.
Flower Power for Little Artists @ York Art Gallery
This month’s Early Years Explorers’ session concentrates on the natural beauty of flowers.
Young artists can explore the paintings in the gallery and make their own prints as part of this family-friendly creative workshop on July 7 from 10-11am.