Another year when great memories were made, surprises planned and magic moments happened. The volunteer on the sales desk who couldn’t quite believe that the potential purchasers were taking him to “red dot” his own painting. The artwork bought as a surprise for a Big Birthday…The glorious painting of a blackbird in darkness bought by a friend of the artist as it sparked a memory of someone dear to both of them. Connections made between an artwork and a viewer who suddenly needs that artwork in their life, always fascinate and delight, and sometimes bring a dilemma and even a mystery: a special place that sparks childhood memories, two spectacular portraits of birds of prey in competition for one place in a new home, and the gentleman who bought a monoprint entitled Incognito and clearly wished to remain so. Cash paid- no contact details left…
The steady flow of magnificent work that came to the hall on Receiving Day courtesy of 133 artists ranging in age from three to those in their tenth decade, was an absolute treat for those at the desk and on the curation team! We had many epic scale works ranging from an imposing Malham Cove to dozens of delicate flowers and fruit in a huge frame. Big beasts in all sense of the word were present as portraits of Einstein and David Attenborough arrived alongside a magnificent stallion and stag, fearsome bulls and quietly regal sheep. As always, the array, variety and quality of the artworks was by as visitors commented: “So impressive”, “incredible”, “fabulous!”
Featured above is the People’s Favourite 2025 voted for by our visitors: Shelley Sheridan’s magnificent oil and acrylic on canvas entitled Break Free. As always it was a show to delight all tastes and suit all pockets, with 287 artworks entered in the Main Exhibition, 69 of which sold at prices ranging from £15 to £1600! We are also delighted to welcome the Gargrave Art Group who as always produced a superb display of great variety, 15 artists entering 40 artworks. And, of course, a special mention for our Young Artists, 19 of whom entered 23 pieces and together with the as always stunning Gargrave Primary School display and delightful Milton House and Gargrave Guides display which drew much praise and admiration. Kat Honey our 2024 Peoples Favourite produced a spectacular display. Thank you to all our artists.
Thank you to our brilliant volunteers. It takes dozens of individuals contributing hundreds of hours to produce a pop-up show lasting just 4 days and is always done with such generosity of spirit, skill and enthusiasm. The curation teams, setting up and closing down teams and those working during the show itself on sales, raffle, stewarding, meet and greet who were, as always, great, and our thanks must also go to the Village Hall committee for their support. Thank you to the Gargrave 2022 Group who provided delicious food throughout the four days and Susan Watkiss, Pru Hird and Andrew Linden who provided musical delights too!
Thank you to our fantastic raffle sponsors for their great generosity: Emma Lottey Print Artists, Gargrave Co-op and Pharmacy, The Dalesman Café, Mark Tootill Financial Planning, The Bollywood Cottage, Crossgates Hair and Beauty, Thistledown Prints, Hunters Estate & Letting Agents, Twin Locks Garden Centre, The Frying Yorkshireman, Coniston Hotel Country Estate and Spa, Craven Arts and The Old Swan Inn.
It was in the words of one visitor: “A happy and joyous event!” We hope you agree and look forward to seeing you there next year.
If you would like to volunteer or enter an artwork next year, please contact us on exhibition@gargraveart.uk or call 07971 162901. Our website is: gargraveart.uk. Follow us on Instagram @gargraveart exhibition.
Gargrave Art Exhibition 2026 Thursday 9 July – Sunday 12 July
