Fed up that the Tour de France is just a memory? These bike inspired artworks will revive you, says Jayne Dwyer
C’est vous verre mi-pleine? My CSE French has not served me well and I will not embarrass myself with any more dodgy translations.
I should start by saying “merci beaucoup” to Google Translate but can I trust it with an idiom? However, I still pose the question: is your glass half-full?
Before Le Grand Depart came to York it divided opinion amongst the students I teach, fellow colleagues and friends. Some are generally worried about congestion, the expense, the changes to the bus time-table.
I embraced the race, the yellow bikes, le faux French signs and of course, I love the be-‘spoke’ art.
Bishopthorpe Road was right to boast about their efforts. The whole street was picture perfect while Micklegate had its own wheely clever displays. (Would you prefer my translations to my puns?)
Cads the hairdressers, Oxfam, Spelman’s all entered into the spirit, as did Blossom Street Gallery by championing local artists and their take on the Grand Depart.
Le Tour was subject to some controversy last year, thanks to the antics of Lance Armstrong. Forgetting the drugs, if you fancy some rock and roll, Plaskitt and Plaskitt, neighbours to the Blossom Street Gallery are sporting a cycling print, Bicycle 2013, from the legendary Bob Dylan.
Le Art to see this July
The Wheel Turns, latest collection from Richard Barnes of his own cycling experience and his Tour de Yorkshire, According To McGee, July 5-September 1
The Incidental Bicycle, contemporary artworks, prints and posters, Janette Ray Books, Bootham, until September 30
J’adore Le Tour, collaboration of local artists, based on the Grand Depart and Le Tour de France, The Attic Gallery Café Bar in King’s Square
Life drawing in Heworth, Heworth Community Centre, Tuesdays, 7-9pm. Bring a friend for free. Ring Andres on 07913 920118
Le Tour, Blue Tree Gallery, Bootham, until August 25
Bob Dylan, Plaskitt and Plaskitt (window display), Blossom Street
Before I depart, I want to share with you this beautiful image from the White Room: the highlight of my arty browsings this month and perfect if you are needing a little blue sky thinking.
The exhibition of Janet Hayton’s paintings, prints and ceramics has finished now, but check out this exciting little gallery for this month’s exhibition:
Drawings, works by Sally Taylor, Sue Gough and Lyn Waite, The White Room, until the end of July