Whether it’s landscapes, people or abstract images, everyone has strong preferences and tastes when it comes to their favourite pieces of art.
This is what makes the annual People’s Choice Award votes so exciting and fascinating. In 2025, visitors to the North Yorkshire Open Studios spring showcase selected textile artist Fiona Robertson’s breathtaking embroidered landscapes. Now voting is underway once more with visitors to the Inspired By… gallery in Danby at the artistic equivalent of the ballot box.
The gallery’s engagement officer Rhian Roberts explained how the selection takes place:
“It’s really exciting to see how many people fall in love with a work of art in the exhibition and want to vote for it. There’s definitely been a few impassioned debates in the gallery about what people do and don’t like, which I always love to hear. With over 200 artists taking part, the exhibition has something for everyone, and probably also something you won’t be a fan of.
“I think voting for a work you’re enjoying without having to justify why, allows us to return to a lost, almost childlike joy of looking at art. Selecting a work of art that you might even consider a guilty pleasure, folding up your voting slip and hiding it away in a box so no one else can see – I find that pretty freeing.”
The votes will be drawn and announced on Wednesday, May 6 with the winning artist receiving a price of £200 along with the pride of being the People’s Choice for 2026.
Take part at the Spring Showcase, Inspired By… gallery, Danby Lodge National Park Centre, Lodge Lane Danby, Whitby YO21 2NB.
Voting takes place until May 6, the showcase continues until Sunday 10 May.
Opening hours: 14- 28 February, open daily, 10.30am – 4pm; 1 March – 2 November, 0pen daily, 10am – 5pm
