From humble beginnings in 2005, Art in the Pen has developed into what many consider to be the North’s leading art and craft events. These well-established and highly regarded shows take place each year at Thirsk and Skipton Auction Mart.
 
Art in the Pen started out as a relatively small number of artists transforming cattle pens into galleries to sell their original work. The organic and informal nature of the event really captured the attention of visitors, who now return each year in increasing numbers. Today, Art in the Pen has flourished into a sprawling event, with an abundance of creativity and craftsmanship at every turn. 
 

The event organisers are pleased to confirm that Art in the Pen 2019 will showcase 280 exhibitors across both events. It’s worth noting that you won’t find the same exhibitor line-up at both events. The Thirsk event includes 140 artists, 72 of which you won’t see at Skipton. In turn, Art in the Pen Skipton is home to over 200 artists, 140 of which you won’t find at Thirsk.
 

For the past several years, Art in the Pen has received an overwhelming number of applications from artists and craft makers. Choosing the successful artists this year was a particularly daunting task for their selection panel but they are excited to present a wide range of work, from fine and contemporary art to ceramics, jewellery, textiles, wood, metalwork and more. If you’d like to see the diverse talent that will be on display, visit www.artinthepen.org.uk.
 
The partnership with the Art Shop Skipton has gone from strength to strength. They create pop-up shops at both events and host a range of free artist demonstrations at the Skipton event. After the success of last year, the free Live Art Theatre will also return for 2019 in which visitors can see an art installation come to life over the course of the weekend. 

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The continued success of Art in the Pen is partly down to its relaxed and friendly environment, says Andy Lynan, the Creative Director. “Our events are a great way for visitors to strike up conversations with our artists and meet other art and craft enthusiasts. Whether you’re a collector or buying for the first time, Art in the Pen provides a wonderful opportunity to discover new, emerging and established artists.
 
“Right now our artists and craft makers are squirreled away in their workshops, studios and garden sheds creating beautiful work for the event. We’re really excited for Art in the Pen 2019 and we hope you’ll come and spend an enjoyable day exploring cattle pens full of art and crafts for every budget.”
 

• Art in the Pen Thirsk – Sat 20 & Sun 21 July 2019 – Thirsk Auction Mart, YO7 3AB - £3 entry 

• Art in the Pen Skipton – Sat 10 & Sun 11 August 2019 – Skipton Auction Mart, BD23 1UD - £5 entry

• Free entry for under 16’s - entry includes free parking and a high quality event brochure

• Well behaved dogs on leads welcome – on site café and art shop at both events

• Full details at www.artinthepen.org.uk