Get involved and come down to one of our inspiring events. We run workshops, exhibitions and open studios throughout the year.
Illustration & Print Members Show
Discover a vibrant collection of original illustrations and handmade prints by talented Ilkley Arts members. From bold contemporary works to beautifully crafted traditional techniques, this exhibition celebrates the creativity and diversity of local artists working in printmaking and illustration.
Whether you're looking to browse, be inspired, or find a unique piece to take home, everyone is welcome.
Members Festive Art Swap
Join us for a relaxed festive evening with fellow Ilkley Arts members, complete with a glass of wine, a mince pie, and a little seasonal creativity.
Bring along a small original piece of artwork, wrapped in plain brown paper, to take part in our festive art swap. The wrapping keeps every piece a surprise, making the exchange a fun way to discover and take home an original artwork created by another member.
It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the end of the year, share creativity, and enjoy an evening of good company, festive treats, and a little artistic magic.
Ilkley Arts Winter Pop Up Gallery
Get into the festive spirit at the Ilkley Arts Winter Pop-Up Gallery, a two-day exhibition celebrating the work of our talented members across every artistic discipline.
Featuring original paintings, prints, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, photography, sculpture and more, this seasonal showcase is the perfect place to discover unique, handcrafted gifts and support local artists. Whether you're searching for Christmas presents or something special for yourself, you'll find an inspiring selection of work to suit every taste and budget.
Come along, meet the artists, and enjoy a weekend of creativity, craftsmanship and festive inspiration.
Ilkley Arts Open Studios
Step inside the creative spaces of Ilkley Arts members during this special two-day event. Artists across Ilkley and the surrounding area will open their studios to the public, offering a unique opportunity to see where their work is made, meet the makers, and learn more about their creative processes.
From painters and printmakers to ceramicists, jewellers, photographers and textile artists, Open Studios showcases the breadth of artistic talent within our community. Browse original artwork, chat with artists, and discover unique pieces available to purchase directly from the people who created them.
Whether you're an art lover, collector, or simply curious, everyone is welcome to explore, be inspired, and enjoy a weekend of creativity.
Fund Raising Postcard Exhibition
Discover a collection of original postcard-sized artworks donated by Ilkley Arts members and other local artists, all in support of charity.
Each artwork is displayed anonymously, so you can browse, admire and bid based purely on the piece itself. The identity of the artist remains a secret until the auction has ended, adding an extra element of excitement and surprise.
With every bid helping to raise funds for a worthy cause, the Postcard Exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to support both local artists and charity while perhaps taking home a unique original artwork.
Members Photography Workshops
Photography to Support Your Practice
Sunday 27 September, 10am–1pm
Ilkley Arts Studio
This three-hour workshop will cover some basic photography skills, with a particular focus on taking the kinds of photographs you need as an artist – from capturing your artwork well to taking a good profile photo of yourself for your website, social media, applications or your own records.
You don’t need any particular level of experience or fancy equipment. Whether you’re comfortable using an SLR or DSLR, are a complete beginner, or mostly use your iPhone, you’re very welcome.
There’ll also be a tea break at around 11.30am.
To book your place, email Charlie at charlieswinbourne@gmail.com
Members Ceramics, 3D and Textiles Show
Join us for the Members Ceramics, 3D & Textiles Show at the Ilkley Arts Studio, a weekend exhibition celebrating the rich variety of contemporary making within our creative community.
Join us for the Members Ceramics, 3D & Textiles Show at the Ilkley Arts Studio, a weekend exhibition celebrating the rich variety of contemporary making within our creative community.
📍 Ilkley Arts Studio (next door to Ilkley Manor House)
📅 Saturday 13 June 2026 — 10am–4pm
📅 Sunday 14 June 2026 — 10am–4pm
🎟 Free Entry
Make a Textured Slab Vase & Community Stitch - Members Workshop
Make a Textured Slab Vase - Workshop with Hayley Cooper.
A hands on ceramics workshop using the slab method to create a textured vase which will be simply glazed and fired after the workshop.
Community Stitch – Workshop with Sarah Gamble
Come and enjoy a relaxed, peaceful workshop where we will create a joint piece of collaborative work based on drawing, painting and stitch.
Ilkley Arts presents Drawing & Painting Members’ Exhibition this May Day Bank Holiday
Over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, the Ilkley Arts studio in The Manor House Courtyard opens its doors for a Drawing and Painting Exhibition, showcasing a wide selection of original works for sale by local artists.
The exhibition brings together members working across drawing and painting practices, presenting a range of approaches from contemporary abstract work to detailed observational studies. Visitors are invited into the studio space at 4 Castleyard to view the work at close range and engage directly with the artists, many of whom will be present throughout the weekend.
Portraiture for Everyone Led by Andy James
This practical, hands-on drawing workshop explores some of the ‘tricks of the trade’ involved in capturing a likeness. Andy James will guide participants through the technical and psychological challenges of drawing faces — particularly the difficulty of reproducing something we think we already know so well.
Still Life Workshop with Louise Hepworth
This relaxed two-hour workshop is free to members.
Saturday 28 February, 10am–12pm
To book, please email studio@ilkleyarts.org
Ilkley Arts Winter Popup Gallery
Ilkley Arts Winter Pop-Up Gallery
Saturday 22 & Sunday 23 November 2025
📍 Ilkley Arts Studio, Manor House Courtyard, Ilkley
🕙 Saturday 10am–4pm | Sunday 10am–4pm
✨ Free entry
Step into the warmth of the Ilkley Arts Studio this November for our Winter Pop-Up Gallery — a festive showcase of work by local artists and makers.
Ilkley Arts Open Studios
Step inside the creative world of Ilkley this autumn at Ilkley Arts Open Studios 2025. For one weekend only, over 20 artists will be opening their doors and inviting you into the spaces where their work comes to life. From painters and printmakers to sculptors, textile artists and jewellers, it’s a rare opportunity to see the tools, materials and inspiration behind the art, chat to the makers, and even buy something unique direct from the studio.
CANCELLED Member Workshop: Social Media for Artists Course
We have had to cancel this in person event, but we hope to replace it with an online course later this year. Sorry!
Feathers & Fields – a pop-up exhibition by Cat Barrett
Ilkley Arts is delighted to host a brand new solo exhibition by local artist and Ilkley Arts trustee, Cat Barrett, taking place over the weekend of Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July at the Ilkley Arts Studio. This pop-up show, titled Feathers & Fields, brings together Cat’s latest collection of watercolour and ink paintings inspired by open skies, birdlife, and the quiet poetry of rural landscapes.
Shhhhhh! The Secret Postcard
‘The Secret Postcard’ is taking place on 5th & 6th July 2025 at the Ilkley Art Studio.
All of the artworks will be available to view and purchase by secret auction only. A list of contributor’s names will be circulated before and during the weekend, but work will be anonymous until the auction closes at the end of the exhibition. All money raised from this years sale will be split between Ilkley Arts and Shelter.
Member event: Discover the Wisdom of the Streets
Do you feel stuck with your creative process, overwhelmed, or out of sync with modern life? Unlock inspiration and a fresh perspective with Street Wisdom - your Sat Nav for life.
Arts Hub member and professional coach Jeremy ‘Jez’ Lewis is leading a half-day ‘Walkshop’ in Ilkley on Saturday 17th May (1pm – 4pm).
Ilkley Arts Spring Popup Gallery
Join us at Ilkley Arts Studio, next door to the Manor House, for a special weekend showcasing the work of over 30 Ilkley Arts members.
Taking place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th April, from 10am to 4pm each day, this event is a fantastic opportunity to view and purchase original artwork—both framed and unframed—directly from the artists. With a wide variety of styles and subjects, there’s something for everyone. Pop in while visiting the Manor House Spring Fair on the 26th and discover unique pieces to take home.
Draw the Fountain: A Community Art Event
Join us for a relaxed and creative morning as we celebrate Ilkley’s beautiful new fountain with a group drawing session!
Bring your favourite art materials and a camping chair, and enjoy a few peaceful hours sketching alongside fellow artists and enthusiasts. We’ll also provide some drawing boards and materials for those who need them.
Portrait Painting Session
Join us for a focused portrait painting session—perfect for artists eager to refine their skills with an extended sitting. You’ll have three uninterrupted hours with a single model, allowing you to dive deep into the details and truly get to grips with the art of portraiture.
Screen Printing Workshop with Kathryn fox
Suitable for complete beginners as well as for anyone with some prior experience who wishes to extend and experiment with the screen printing process
Taking an experimental approach, we will work with a combination of open screens and pre-exposed screens to produce textural and colourful screen prints.
Open event for members and non-members.
Ilkley Arts Pop-Up Art Gallery
Join us for a spectacular Pop-Up Art Gallery event, showcasing the diverse and vibrant works of over 80 talented artists from around the region. This unique exhibition will be held at the Ilkley Arts Studio, transforming the space into a dynamic art haven for one weekend only. Discover a wide range of artistic expressions, including painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, and more, with artworks available for purchase directly from the artists.
PLACE: An Exhibition of Landscape & Still Life Paintings by Rebecca Carr
Saturday 9th Nov 10am - 6pm
Sunday 10th Nov 12pm - 4pm
Rebecca studied Art Foundation at Northbrook College and a BA hons in Fine Art at the University of Derby, PGCE in Art & Design at St Martin’s College, Lancaster and has a Post Graduate Diploma in Psychology from Leeds Beckett University.
‘Place’ is an exhibition of landscape and still life paintings, exploring the home comforts and their relationship with the outside world. The landscapes are places Rebecca has got to know and appreciate over the years.
TRUE COLOURS: THIS IS ME
A solo exhibition by Katrina Thompson.
Saturday 2nd Nov 10am - 6pm
Sunday 3rd Nov 10am - 5pm
This first solo exhibition by North Yorkshire-based artist Katrina Thompson is a compilation of her work completed in 2024, a year in which she has been developing her skills in acrylic and mixed media.
Ilkley Arts Open Studios
We are thrilled to invite you to join us for an exciting Ilkley Arts Open Studio event! This is a unique opportunity for you to explore the creative spaces of local artists, see their latest works in progress, and engage with them about their inspirations and techniques. This intimate event invites art enthusiasts and the community to connect directly with artists, offering insights into their creative processes and the stories behind their art.
Walk & Draw
In this Walk & Draw, we will take an easy-to-moderate route from Ilkley to Addingham and stop to draw along the way. We'll meet in the courtyard of Ilkley Manor House just before 1pm, ready to get walking. Please wear comfortable and suitable clothing for the walk, and dress for the weather. We will be headed through fields, along the river and through picturesque villages; the end point will be a pub in Addingham for a well-deserved drink.
Glasshouses & Greenery
Explore the exhibition Glasshouses & Greenery by local artist Cat Barrett at the Ilkley Arts Studio on Saturday & Sunday 29th & 30th June, 10am - 4pm. Cat, known for her love of glasshouses, greenery, and nature, uses vibrant watercolours and acrylic inks to bring botanical beauty to life.
This exhibition showcases Cat’s original artworks, each reflecting her deep connection to nature. From intricate plant and bird studies to sweeping greenhouse scenes, her pieces invite you to appreciate the natural world. Original artwork and high-quality prints will also be available for purchase, perfect for adding a touch of nature to your home or office.
To compliment the artwork @thebathhouseshop are kindly sponsoring this exhibition and you will be able to experience their beautiful “greenhouse” scent.
Located at 4 Castle Yard, Ilkley LS29 9DT, the Ilkley Arts Studio is next to the historic Ilkley Manor House, where the Summer Makers Fare will be held. This provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy local crafts alongside Cat’s art.
Visit Glasshouses & Greenery for a serene, botanical art experience and support local artistry.
Ilkley Arts Secret Postcard Exhibition
Ilkley Arts presents its annual Postcard Exhibition, this year’s theme is “Passage”. Come down to the studio to view and bid on all the postcards donated by local and international artists to raise funds for Wharfedale Refugee Response.
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