A season of lush abundance, July ushers in a welcome sense of rejuvenation, awash with dazzling sunshine and flourishing foliage. It is a month to savour here at the gallery, with milestone celebrations, a compelling new artist and a host of eye-catching new acquisitions to discover. Get ready to mark your calendars and delight, in a vivid and bustling summer here at York Fine Arts.

It is our utmost pleasure to unveil not one, but two exclusive releases, to celebrate the 10th annual solo show of Yorkshire artist Clare Haley. The first, ten ‘Windows to the Wild’, a unique series of ten small scale original paintings, each offering an absorbing glimpse into the shifting rhythms of the land. Alongside this exciting launch, we see the release of Clare’s first ever signed, limited edition print; a treasured find for new, as well as longstanding collectors.

The exhibition opens on Friday, 1 August and runs until Sunday, 24 August. On opening weekend, we will be hosting a Meet the Artist Event with Clare on Saturday, 2 August, between 1:00-3:00pm. Offering a special opportunity to meet Clare and discuss her process, inspirations and life as an artist, the event is free to attend and does not require booking. Simply stop by the gallery within the listed times above. Our most highly anticipated show of the year, be sure to register for a preview catalogue, offering a first glimpse and pick of Clare’s latest collection, including these especial 10th anniversary releases.  

The gallery is also proud to welcome contemporary artist Annie Luke Turner. Born from the memories and emotions evoked by place and space, Annie’s paintings are charged, considered and deeply moving. Creating work that serves as sacred emotional touchstones of the landscape, each piece gently unfolding before the eyes, a rich tapestry of stories hidden within.

Annie’s work often emerges after walks or journeys, evolving from a feeling for a place. She is drawn to investigating its history and sketching in situ, long before putting paint to canvas. These sketches might sit for months, or they might go straight into the studio - there’s no set plan. When the moment arises to begin a piece, often barefoot with eyes closed, Annie brings back the feeling of the site and focuses on her emotional response. The results are deeply evocative and, in many ways, sit outside of what words can describe.

Splitting her time between the Lake District and her small studio in the post-industrial port of Hull, Annie’s work continues to captivate contemporary collectors, including none other than Johnny Marr. Impactful and meditative in equal measure, her pieces make for standout additions to any collection.

In addition to new work from Annie, this month the gallery welcomes new work by Mike Hall, Terence Clarke, Daniel van Der Putten, Sean Durkin, Stephen Park, Alan Smith, Terry Evans, Alex Hill and Jay Nottingham. With further additions due to arrive throughout the month, be sure to check our Recently Acquired page, to keep up to date with all new arrival.

We hope you will enjoy our July Newsletter. As ever, we thank you for your patronage and look forward to welcoming you to the gallery soon.