May is finally here and, apart from the occasional meteorological setback, spring is in the air.
Even better news is the many artistic events that there are to choose from in York this month, and here is a bunch of hand picked highlights that are looking particularly spectacular.
Distilled Indulgence @ York Fine Arts
Raymond Campbell is an artist who is widely celebrated for his excellence.
His still life paintings are exceptionally detailed and highly reminiscent of the 17th Century Dutch masters, but with a modern twist- replacing cut crystal goblets of red wine and fish heads with an ice cool glass of Gordon’s Gin and a freshly sliced lemon, for example.
Currently, his tantalising solo exhibition is brimming with indulgence and, like his dusty bottles of vintage wine, is just waiting to be uncorked and enjoyed.
Find him at York Fine Arts until Sunday 14 May.
Yorkshire’s finest @ Norman Rea
For one week from 1 May, the Norman Rea will be hosting an array of artists, all of whom are either from or based in this inspiring county.
The opening event on 1 May will run from 7pm-9pm, and with free wine and performances from local musicians, Ilana May and Camel Cocktail, this is one arty party that warrants the short trip out to the university campus.
New art @ According To McGee
hton’s work is featured at the gallery
In the new show at According To McGee on Tower Street, New art from collectible UK artists, you can see works by the likes of John Creighton, Jeremy Deller, Karl Sandor and Chris Rivers from the Killing Tree, plus the work of selected sudents.
It all begins on May 11.
A dazzling duo @ Lotte Inch
The two artists featured at Lotte Inch this month first came across each other’s work via Instagram.
After 18 months of mutual admiration, Clive Hicks-Jenkins and Sarah Raphael-Balme are finally coming together for their first joint show, The Mind’s Eye.
The gallery promises us a visual feast of the imagined, the make-believe and the undeniably quirky, and indeed the exhibition, which runs 12 May – 17 June, is set to be a captivating collaboration of two of the UK’s most outstanding contemporary artists.
Something thoroughly modern @ Kunsthuis
What’s more, the gallery is offering an Abstract Drawing Workshop to coincide with the fantastic exhibition on Wednesday 10 May, 5.30pm-9pm.
Tickets cost £45, including refreshments, and can be bought online.
Rolling hills @ Kentmere House
Linconshire artist Keith Roper has brought some stunning new works to Kentmere House gallery this month.
The new collection, Rolling hills and open skies of the Lincolnshire Wolds, does exactly what it says on the tin, transporting you to a world of spectacular British landscapes.
Catch Keith, among other artist’s works, at Kentmere House Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 May, 11am-5pm, or Thursdays 6pm-9pm.
It’s all being Handeled @ Pyramid Galllery
The Pyramid Gallery is celebrating 300 years since the composition of Handel’s Water Music (and it seems like only yesterday…)
To mark the occasion, the gallery has got together an assemblage of international glass artists whose work is as breath-taking, inspiring and tranquil as the water that inspired Handel’s masterpiece.
The exhibition includes an installation representing a tinkling glass-tile waterfall and a multimedia light and music piece, as well as expertly crafted glass pieces from 27 different artists.
If that isn’t enough to whet your artistic appetite, then I’m not sure what will.
Combining elements @ Blue Tree
This is your last chance to see the Blue Tree gallery’s current exhibition, Land Meets Sky, an show that marks the coming of Spring with a meeting of the elements.
Four painters and one ceramic artist have come together for this show to represent the elemental seascape and the spectacular landscape in all their glory.
You’ll find an array of colourful coastlines in the exhibition, from the dramatics of storm battered cliffs to the tranquil calm of a windless Summer sea.
It might be a bit early in the year to hit the beach for your holidays, but you can find a good substitute here until 6 May.
Brilliant Birds @ Various locations around York
For a chance to get some of your work featured in a public artwork, join Sally Stone and Deborah New in a series of fundraising workshops running throughout the month in aid of St. Leonard’s Hospice.
The yarn-themed Brilliant Birds installation will incorporate all kinds of wool crafts, from traditional knitting to hoola hoop weaving.
To participate this this event, add your creations to the artwork and help raise money for a worthy cause, drop in any time during the workshop hours: 5 May 10am-12pm at Rowntree Park Café; 13 May 12pm-2pm at The Golden Ball Pub; and 15 May 7pm-9pm at The Winning Post Pub.
Draw it yourself @ York Art Gallery
To practice your artistic skills with like-minded folk, join one of York Art Gallery’s regular artistic socials this month.
Art For Wellbeing will be held on Sunday 7 May 1.30pm-3.30pm, and Sketchbook Circle will be just held at the same time just a few days later, Wednesday 10 May.
For something more in-depth, participate in a day of life drawing run by experienced artist and tutor, Rosie Skaife D’Ingerthorpe on Saturday 20 May, 10am-3.45pm.
The class, which has been organised by the Worker’s Educational Association, or WEA, costs £25 including gallery admission and materials. Book online or call 01132 453304.