A Victorian school with gothic stone windows, an old milking parlour and a garden studio surrounded by wildlife are just two of the hundreds of intriguing spaces visitors can explore as part of North Yorkshire’s Summer Open Studios weekends.
Taking place on June 6-7 and 13-14, the event organised by artist-run collective North Yorkshire Open Studios will invite the public to discover working spaces across 3,000 sq miles of this beautiful region.
The artists’ work spans a wide variety of styles, media and subjects, as well as locations – which range from the remote hills of the Upper Dales to the suburban streets of Harrogate, across the Vale of York to the rural North York Moors and coast.
Summer Open Studios will offer the public an exciting opportunity to discover work by talented emerging and established artists in the region, some of whom will also be taking part in a special preview night on Friday 5 June.
Garth Bayley, Project Manager at NYOS and one of the artists opening his home studio to visitors, said: “What makes the Summer Open Studios so special is the rare chance to step behind the scenes and see art in the very places it is created. Instead of just looking at a finished piece on a gallery wall, visitors can talk to the makers, see the tools they use and explore the landscapes that inspire them.
“It’s a curiosity-filled day out that connects the public with our region’s rich history and its vibrant contemporary art scene.”
Featured artists include:
- A.C. Telfer, a painter whose studio is housed in an old Victorian school in Skipton, lit by a gothic stone window.
- Fiona Arnold, of Braythorne Baskets, who works and stores her willow in an old milking parlour on a farm down a single track lane in Stainburn.
- Jonathan Pomroy, a painter and sketcher whose garden studio in Gilling East attracts diverse wildlife including swifts and housemartins that he sketches in flight.
AC Telfer said: “I enjoy being part of the NYOS family of artists and art lovers across North Yorkshire, making new friends and connections. There will be plenty of pictures to see in my studio, from just started to finished, and I’m happy to chat about inspirations and techniques. I also hope to be demonstrating acrylic inks.”
Fiona said: “Taking part in North Yorkshire Open Studios is a chance to open my doors and welcome visitors into my workspace, inviting them to see how my baskets are made and to ask questions along the way. I love sharing the materials, techniques, and stories behind the work, and creating a relaxed, friendly space for conversation and connection.”
Jonathan said: “Summer Open Studios gives me the opportunity to show people our swift colony and visitors can often find me sketching swifts and the skies they inhabit. I believe that art has an important role to play in conservation and hope that by sharing my passion others will be encouraged to appreciate and protect the natural world.”
Summer Open Studios is just one event in NYOS’ packed programme for 2026, which also includes:
- Spring Showcase at Inspired By… gallery in Danby, now until Sunday 10 May.
- A selling exhibition of work at Ampleforth Abbey from Saturday July 11 to Sunday July 19.
- NYOS Winter Open Studios on the weekend of 7-8 November.
Brochures for Summer Open Studios, which include details of all venues and a map, can be bought online for £5 at nyos.org.uk/brochure. Supporters can become a Friend of NYOS to receive a brochure and 15% off work over £100. Details of the artists taking part are also available at www.nyos.org.uk
