York Open Studios 2025: A Creative Adventure Awaits

Get ready to mark your calendars! This April, the York Open Studios event is back, bringing an exciting showcase of talent over two weekends: 5–6 April and 12–13 April 2025. With over 160 artists from around York opening their doors, it’s a chance to see where creativity comes to life—and maybe even take a piece of it home with you.

What is York Open Studios?

York Open Studios is an annual celebration of art and craftsmanship, showcasing the work of artists living or working within a 10-mile radius of York. It’s not just an exhibition; it’s a unique opportunity to peek inside artists’ studios, learn about their processes, and chat with them about their work. For 2025, you can expect a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces, from painting and sculpture to jewellery, ceramics, and even furniture.

Why visit?

Whether you’re an art collector, a casual visitor, or just curious about how artists create their work, there’s something here for you. The event highlights:

• A huge variety of styles and media: From glass and textiles to photography and printmaking.
• New and established names: Familiar faces like wood carver Dave Atkin and painter Kerry Moffatt will be joined by newcomers like photographer Alasdair McIntosh and furniture maker George Younge.
• Interactive experiences: Some artists will even demonstrate their techniques, giving you a closer connection to their craft.

Tips for exploring

The event is designed to make exploring York’s creative scene as easy and enjoyable as possible. Here’s how you can get the most out of it:

• Plan ahead with the map: Visit the York Open Studios website for an interactive map, or pick up a free printed directory from tourist hubs and artist venues across the city.
• Mix and match your route: Combine visits to your favourite artists with stops to discover new talent.
• Take your time: The weekends are perfect for dropping in on studios, whether you’re looking for a specific piece or just want to enjoy a creative day out.

Voices from the event

Charmian Ottaway, a committee member and contemporary jewellery designer, sums it up beautifully:

“These weekends are a highlight in the cultural calendar and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the ethos behind YOS: welcoming visitors to our art spaces and showing them talent in action.”

How to get involved

Make sure to save the dates! The event is free to attend and open to everyone. You can find out more by visiting www.yorkopenstudios.co.uk or following their updates on social media.

York Open Studios is more than just an art show—it’s a celebration of York’s vibrant creative community. So grab a friend, plan your route, and get ready to explore the magic that happens when inspiration meets skill. See you in April!