Ones To Watch 2025: Why This Yorkshire Art Exhibition Is a Must-See

If you love discovering new artists before they hit the big time, then you need to check out Ones To Watch 2025 at Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley, near Leeds. Now in its 12th year, this exhibition is all about showcasing fresh artistic talent from across Yorkshire—whether they’re recent graduates, self-taught creatives, or artists reaching a new stage in their careers.

It’s also a great chance to support up-and-coming talent by buying affordable original artwork. Whether you’re into paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, or photography, there’s something for everyone—and yes, even art inspired by cats!

So, what’s happening this year, and why should you visit? Let’s dive in.

A celebration of emerging talent

This year’s Ones To Watch features a mix of artists who are either finishing formal art education, building independent careers, or exploring new directions in their work. According to Anna Turzynski, Arts Director at Sunny Bank Mills, the quality of work in 2025 is outstanding:

"Walking into the Gallery each morning and seeing their work here is incredibly energising."

But this exhibition isn’t just about looking at great art—it’s about supporting these artists at a critical point in their journey. Visitors even get a say in who gets extra support through the People’s Choice Award, which comes with a free three-month artist residency at Sunny Bank Mills.

The awards: Supporting artists beyond the exhibition

Two major prizes are up for grabs at Ones To Watch 2025:

• The People’s Choice Award – Voted for by visitors, this prize gives an artist a free three-month residency at Sunny Bank Mills, connecting them with a community of 35 fellow artists.
• The East Street Arts Prize – One artist will be chosen by East Street Arts to receive a free month-long residency at Convention House in Leeds, providing space and resources to develop their work further.

These opportunities can be game-changers for emerging artists, giving them the time, space, and connections they need to take their careers to the next level.

Featured artists: Ellie Andrews and Jessie Davies

This year’s exhibition features a diverse group of artists, but two standouts are Ellie Andrews and Jessie Davies, both using their work to explore deeply personal and environmental themes.

Ellie Andrews: Capturing motherhood in art

Ellie Andrews is a portrait and figurative artist, as well as the founder of Leeds Drawing Club. After studying Theatre Design at Central Saint Martins, she worked in set design before returning to Leeds to focus on her own artistic practice.

She’s thrilled to be part of Ones To Watch, especially because the exhibition now includes self-taught artists and those who haven’t recently graduated. Her featured work explores maternal subjectivity—basically, how mothers are seen (or not seen) in society.

“As an artist mother, which comes with its own unique challenges, it feels amazing to receive recognition for my work and to feel seen and respected as an artist.”

Jessie Davies: Nature, disability, and artistic innovation

Jessie Davies creates art that highlights fragile wetland and woodland ecosystems, focusing on overlooked natural details. Living with paraplegia and autism, Jessie brings a unique perspective to the landscape, capturing subtle changes in the environment through painting and ceramics.

Her work in the exhibition includes:

• Paintings of the Humber wetlands, inspired by a freshwater site damaged by saltwater flooding.
• Ceramic pieces documenting a West Yorkshire woodland’s recovery from wildfire, created using a wheelchair-accessible pottery wheel. Some ceramics show burn marks, while others symbolise new growth, using wild-clay, leaves, and charcoal-based glazes.

“Being part of Ones To Watch has been an amazing experience, working alongside other emergent artists and sharing their energy and enthusiasm.”

Why Ones To Watch matters more than ever

With many gallery spaces closing across the UK, it’s becoming harder for new artists to find places to showcase their work. That’s why events like this are so important—not just for the artists, but for the public too.

Visiting Ones To Watch isn’t just about enjoying art—it’s about meeting the next wave of creative talent, supporting local artists, and maybe even picking up a piece that will one day be worth a fortune (or at least look amazing on your wall!).

Plan your visit

Want to see the exhibition for yourself? Here’s everything you need to know:

📍 Where: Sunny Bank Mills, Sandsgate Building, Farsley, LS28 5UJ
🗓 When: Open until April 27th, 2025
⏰ Opening Hours:

• Tuesday–Saturday: 10am–4pm
• Sunday: 12pm–4pm
• Closed on Mondays
  💰 Entry: Free!

For more details, visit Sunny Bank Mills.

A thriving creative ub in Yorkshire

Sunny Bank Mills isn’t just an exhibition space—it’s a cultural and community hub, home to:

• A contemporary Art Gallery
• A large artists’ studio community
• A textile Museum & Archive
• Several independent creative businesses

It’s right in the heart of Farsley, a buzzing village between Leeds and Bradford. Whether you’re a serious art collector or just fancy a fun day out, Ones To Watch 2025 is well worth a visit.

Who knows? You might just discover your new favourite artist. 🎨✨