The historic city of York is well known for its small but thriving local arts scene, and the York River Art Market has been at its epicentre for a decade.
Dedicated to nurturing York-based artists and designers whilst providing a much-needed boost for local charities, YRAM is a grassroots initiative started by local artist and teacher Charlotte Dawson, in partnership with charities including York Rescue Boat, which is also celebrating its tenth birthday this year. Often compared to the bohemian and creative art fairs that abound Paris’ Left Bank, YRAM is an annual open-air, riverside Art & Design market in the heart of town, nestled just behind the Museum Gardens, along Dame Judi Dench Walk. It has previously scooped the Best Community Project/Event at the York Culture Awards, and is a valuable piece of the puzzle for talented artists based in the local area.
This August, York River Art Market will mark its tenth anniversary of providing a fruitful platform for hundreds of local artists to mingle, network, showcase and sell their work. All tastes and budgets should be catered for – browsers and riverside meanderers can expect to see the best in locally produced jewellery, paintings, print, textiles, ceramics, photography, woodwork, soaps, candles and more. Expect to see diverse work from talented locals such as Lucy Hook (she designed the poster this year), Adele Karmazyn, Elliot Harrison, and Fangfoss Pottery (the team behind Fang Fest, who have been producing pottery for over 40 years, and are long-time YRAM collaborators). There will also be an array of new artists pitching up for the first time at YRAM this August, including LDM Designs, who recently staged an exhibition at Newcastle’s Northern Contemporary Craft Fair.
They say that charity begins at home, and some notable local charities that have previously been involved over the years include Martin House Children’s Hospice, and children’s charity The Island. For its tenth birthday, YRAM will host the Amnesty Bookshop, which aims to raise awareness of Amnesty’s important work in promoting human rights; Art is My Career (a women-owned design company specialising in educational resources and the promotion of creative career development in children) will also be onboard for this artful riverside ride!
Whether you’re new to the city or a long-term resident, why not bob on down and check out the best art that York has to offer? All YRAM events are free to attend, and this year the market will be in operation down by the river from 10am-5.30pm on the 2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th & 17th of August.
Happy Birthday, York River Art Market!
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