Arts and craft courses

We run an exciting programme of arts and craft courses and workshops each year in the gallery. We also hold talks, and other events at various times of the year. For more information and bookings, please call the Inspired by… gallery on 01439 772737 or go to our Events page where online booking is available.

It's a big year for the North York Moors as the National Park celebrates its 70th birthday in 2022! We'll have special events, family activities, exhibitions and more as we showcase the very best of the National Park. Look for the * symbol below and head to our dedicated anniversary page to find out more.

Painting with Acrylics (10 July, 14 August, 18 September, 16 October 10.30am – 4.30pm)

Artist James McGairy’s small-group beginners’ workshop focuses on making up a palette, mixing, brush choice, and thinking about light and shade. James will demonstrate his methods and you’ll leave at the end of the day with your own painting. Minimum age 14 (14-16 year olds must be accompanied by an adult; 16-18 year olds require a consent form). Wheelchair accessible.
Cost: £49 including all materials, lunch and refreshments. Booking essential.

A Woodland Sanctuary - Trees and woodland of the North York Moors (16 July – 12 September) *

A joint exhibition of renowned photographers Simon Baxter and Joe Cornish at the Inspired by... gallery. Their work has been gathered within the North York Moors National Park over the last five years. Includes a series of special events, talks and walks:

• Joe Cornish and Simon Baxter will be leading a number of in-depth exhibition tours over the opening weekend:
  16 July - 11:30 and 3pm - booking essential
  17 July - 11:30 and 3pm - booking essential
• Gallery Talk with guest speaker Lucy Lapwing on the ecology and wildlife of our ancient woodlands (16 July) - booking essential
• Mothy Coffee (17 July) - expert Lucy Lapwing gives an insight into the secret lives of moths, as well as identifying the moths captured in our moth trap - drop in, booking not required
• Guest speaker Mark Littlejohn (17 July) - join award-winning landscape photographer Mark for an inspirational talk. Booking essential.
• An evening with Joe Cornish and Simon Baxter (23 July) - photographer David Ward in conversation with Joe and Simon and guest speaker Sean Tucker, followed by drinks, canapés and music - booking essential
• Time Out in the Woods with Simon Baxter and Joe Cornish (28 July) - Pick up tips from Simon and Joe on using your smartphone camera on an afternoon walk around May Beck and Falling Foss - booking essential
• The Art of Looking (12 and 26 August) - using charcoal and pencil to create your own work inspired by observation and photographs from the exhibition with artist Peter Reynolds. Booking essential.

Woodland Watercolours (24 July 10.30am-4.30pm)

Learn watercolour painting techniques with artist Peter Reynolds, concentrating on woodland wildlife and plants. Minimum age 16. Wheelchair accessible.
Cost: £45 - booking essential

Willow Weaving Workshops

Join expert willow weavers Anna Cross and Wendy Bristow on one of their relaxing and informative workshops where you will learn the techniques required to produce your own sculptures or seasonal decorations. The workshops are aimed at beginners as well as those with some experience. You'll learn all the core techniques required for willow working. Materials and tools provided. Minimum age 18. Wheelchair accessible. Advance booking essential. Learn how to make:

• Foraging basket with Anna (30 July 10am-4.30pm). Cost £75 - book online.
• Stag's Head with Anna (15 October 10am-4.30pm). Cost £75 - book online.
• Stag or deer with Wendy (19 November 10.30am-4pm). Cost £68 - book online.
• Willow wreath with Wendy (3 December 10.30am-12.30pm or 1.15-3.15). Cost £38 - book online

Wire Flower Workshop (20 August 10.30am–4pm)

Learn various wire-forming techniques with artist Anna Roebuck and create a series of everlasting poppies or daisies for your garden or indoor decoration. Minimum age 18. Wheelchair accessible
Cost: £65 - booking essential

Woodland Watercolours (4 September 10.30am-4.30pm)

Learn watercolour painting techniques with artist Peter Reynolds, concentrating on woodland wildlife and plants. Minimum age 16. Wheelchair accessible.
Cost: £45 - booking essential

Threads and Pathways (17 September – 7 November) *

Celebrating Lockton Artists Group, the nine local artists and designers following individual pathways but sharing a common thread, living in the 'artists' village' of Lockton in the North York Moors. The exhibition displays all that can grow out of the roots of this particularly special place.

• Hand-Forged Hooks (20 October) - Join blacksmith David Stephenson to make your own hand-forged hook using traditional blacksmithing techniques. Note this workshop will be held at David's forge in Lockton. Booking essential
• Artist Fridays (23, 30 September, 7,14, 21, 28 October, 4 November) - a chance to meet members of the Lockton Artist Group. Booking not required, drop in anytime.

Our Land, Our Sea (17 September – 7 November)

The natural world and a sense of place - on land and sea - is behind all Gail Hurst's work.

• Meet the artist (17 September and 1 October 2-4pm) - no booking required, drop in anytime.
• Artist at work (14 and 28 October 11am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm)

A Square, a Circle and a Sphere: Discovering crochet basics (1 October 10.30am-4pm)

In this introduction to crochet Angela Myers will help you master three key stitches (chain stitch, double crochet and treble crochet). Minimum age: 18 Wheelchair accessible
Cost: £50 - booking essential

Felting for Christmas (29 October 10.15am–3.45pm)

Join Margaret Chalmers and learn the skills of traditional wet-felting to produce some seasonal creations using wool. Minimum age 16. Wheelchair accessible
Cost: £65 - booking essential

Colour between Light and Dark Workshop (30 October 10.30am-3.30pm) *

Join Farndale artist and art therapist Pauline Brown to explore how colour affects our moods from sunset to sunrise using wet-on-wet painting, charcoal and pastel. No previous experience of painting required.
Cost: £40 - booking essential

Create and Craft Sessions (dates tbc)

Brigantia’s seasonal offering of crafts and gifts runs from Saturday 12 November. This year, join a Create-and-Craft session in the Inspired by… gallery and take home your own handmade gift ready for Christmas. More details to follow later in the year.