Staithes has a rich artistic heritage and was the birthplace of George Wetherill, ‘The Turner of the North’. In the early twentieth century, artists including Dame Laura Knight and her husband Harold Knight, formed the Staithes Art Club living and painting among the fishermen and developing the work that would make the Staithes Group famous throughout the world.

Later in the twentieth century Lilian Colbourn, Eric Taylor and Fred Williams, inspired by the winding lanes and wild coastline, came to live in Staithes. Painting from his studio high on the cliffs at Boulby, Len Tabner creates his elemental works inspired by the ever changing sea. Award winning artist David Curtis regularly works ‘plein air’ at Staithes and is a guest teacher at the Staithes Art School.

Steve Iredale is an artist with a difference eschewing the fine carving tools of the traditional sculptor in favour of a chainsaw! His fabulous woodland creatures can be discovered at the Whitby Calla Beck Sculpture Trail, Dalby Forest and at Guisborough Forest.

Working from their studio in the village of Rosedale Abbey, Gillies Jones is the award-winning partnership of Stephen Gillies and Kate Jones who are designers making contemporary glassware inspired by the beauty of their rural surroundings.

For two weekends in June, North Yorkshire Open Studios gives visitors to the North York Moors the rare opportunity to meet painters, printmakers, sculptors, textile artists and designers in the places that they work. Find out what inspires them, how they create their art and maybe spot a masterpiece in creation at one of the many quirky studios.

Potter Sophie Hamilton, photographer Phil Cornelius and papermaker Niki Hampson are just three of more than thirty artist members that make up Ryedale Artworks. This artist-led community also incorporates nine exciting galleries including Helmsley’s contemporary Saltbox Gallery and Workshop and The Bridge Street Gallery which shows paintings such as the wildlife art of Jonathan Pomroy. Helmsley also has a thriving arts centre with regular exhibitions, concerts and theatre productions. You can also join a studio workshop with nature and wildlife artist Rob Parkin and the National Trust.

Discover the legacy of Robert Thompson at The Mouseman Visitor Centre in Kilburn. The furniture maker became famous across the country for his pieces in oak incorporating a small carved mouse, examples of which can be found at Ampleforth Abbey.

John Bunting was an art teacher at Ampleforth College and a talented sculptor. He rebuilt the beautiful Scotch Corner Chapel near Oldstead in memory of friends killed in the Second World War. There are regular open days at the Chapel when you can see many of his sculptures.

You can enjoy high quality events at locations such as The View at the Fauconberg Arms and Esk Valley Theatre.

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