10–11 May | 10am–5pm daily
Pocklington, East Yorkshire: Pocklington Area Open Studios (PAOS) returns this May for its biggest event in its 14-year history, bringing together 31 locally based artists and makers across 21 venues throughout Pocklington and surrounding villages.
Taking place on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May, from 10am to 5pm each day, the annual event offers visitors a unique opportunity to discover the wealth of creative talent on their doorstep, meet artists and makers in their working environments and buy original work directly from its creators.
Since its launch in May 2011, PAOS has established a strong reputation for the quality and diversity of the work on show. This year’s participants span a wide range of disciplines, including painting, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, sculpture, woodworking and photography.
“In just a few short years, Pocklington Area Open Studios has rapidly become one of the premier events of its kind in the county,” said ceramicist Barbara Wood, a PAOS co-founder and member of the steering group. “People like to buy directly from the creators and understand the provenance of something that will be unique to them and their home.”
For participating makers, the event is also an opportunity to share the stories and skills behind their work.
Emma Farley of Little Silver Hedgehog Jewellery, whose work is inspired by wildlife and the natural world, said: “Open Studios is such a wonderful way for people to discover the person and the story behind a piece of handmade work. Being able to meet makers in their own creative spaces, see how they work and have a conversation about their inspiration gives visitors a connection that you simply don’t get when buying something anonymously. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible creative talent we have locally.”
The PAOS trail encompasses the bustling market town of Pocklington and surrounding villages within an eight-mile radius, giving visitors the freedom to create their own itinerary and explore a variety of studios and venues over the course of the weekend.
The event was originally established to celebrate the diverse creativity of the area while remaining manageable in size for the hundreds of art-loving visitors it attracts. When PAOS launched in 2011, just 12 artists at five venues took part. Five of those original creatives are returning for this year’s event.
As the event’s reputation has grown, visitors now travel to Pocklington from across the country. Planning a route in advance allows visitors to discover previews of artists’ latest work, learn about different creative processes and techniques, purchase work directly from the makers, discuss commissions and find out more about workshops and courses.
Whether visitors are looking for an original piece of art, a unique gift, something special for their home or simply an inspiring day out, Pocklington Area Open Studios provides an opportunity to discover and support independent artists and makers in the place where their work is created.
Full details of this year’s participating artists and venues, together with a comprehensive map to help visitors plan their route, are available via the PAOS website, brochures and Instagram.
Website: www.pocklingtonareaopenstudios.co.uk
Emma Kate Farley Communications 