As our North Yorkshire Open Studios SPRING EXHIBITION draws to a close the huge number of visitors have formed a good idea of which of the studios they MUST see in June, when all the artists throw open their studio doors to the public for the main event.

The Spring exhibition has been a fantastic success and it’s been an honour to be able to participate with Dales coordinator and Craven Arts Trustee Carolyn Hird-Rogers and her team in the running of the event.

As part of the North Yorkshire Open Studios programme came an oppertunity to exhibit with Rural Arts at its flagship base in the Old Courthouse in Thirsk. I was delighted to be selected for this collaboration and even more so by selling my paintings 'North upland winter flurry' to boot! Do visit Rural Arts when next in that area, or perhaps drop in during the open studios weekends. https://www.ruralarts.org

Lambing time …

Always an important time in our household is lambing time, and this year we were delighted to welcome two new shepherds Ollie and Isla! All came and went without a hitch in the glorious spring sunshine. Our home bred Swaledale Tup lamb Sonny (son of Erny) produced some lovely strong lambs and secured his future with even more ewes later in the year.  Our nephews' Bluefaced Leicesters have been equally successful .. so all is well on the farm. Now back to the world of art!

At Craven Arts House we’re really looking forward to the next Summer Exhibition 2025 with it literally theme, the juxtaposition of art and poetry in this way will be fascinating and broaden the appeal even further.

As Gargrave's annual art exhibition moves into its 53rd year it will be a more relaxed affair for me not being part of the organising team after 15 years in the hot seat. It’s sure to be a bumper event on 10 -13 July https://gargraveart.uk

Traces - Skipton’s history in focus will form a major event at Craven Arts House towards the end of the year. This is an open exhibition and selections are being made this very week, so we’re hoping to be included!  As a collaboration between Craven Arts and Skipton Civic Society with its members giving talks and leading walks during the programme it’s going to be fascinating.

In the meantime … I'd better get on with some work!

Do keep an eye on my pages and call into Studio 3 Craven Arts House at any time, I am generally there on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays 11 A.M - 3 P.M. (or by appointment via email) it keeps me focused as my work evolves. Find out what I am doing and where I am going to be next, through my future Newsletters or contact me from my contacts page.  website https://www.cumbyearts.com

Thank you to everyone for your continued support!