Start your Artwalk at Wakefield Museum!

Visit Wakefield Museum to enjoy our brand-new exhibition, ‘Plastic Fantastic?’, with special curator-led introductions to the gallery.

In the early 1900s, a new wonder material began to appear in our homes. Cheap and colourful, lightweight and hardwearing, plastic was an exciting modern phenomenon. By the late 1900s, we relied on plastic every day. But plastic can also be harmful to our planet. Today, many people are looking at ways to reduce, reuse and recycle plastic, while scientists explore alternative materials.

Discover the history, impact and future of plastics. Consider their role in our lives and their effect on the environment. Admire vibrant objects from a time when plastic promised a better life. Find out what you can do to help the plastic problem today.
 
Drop in to the museum from 5-7pm to explore the exhibition and meet the curator for introductions and object handling until 6:45pm.

Plus, discover even more from the museum’s remarkable collection of colourful mid-20th century plastic homewares with special object handling opportunities.

Curator introductions to the exhibition and object handling will run until 6:45pm.

The ‘Plastic Fantastic?’ exhibition is supported by The Exhibitions Group.

Open 5pm-7pm   

The Art House begins a new international collaboration with Fotohane Darkroom, a participatory arts project using analogue photography to work with children and young people living near the Türkiye–Syria–Iraq border regions. Founded by photographers Serbest Salih and Amar Kılıç, Fotohane creates spaces where children can learn photography, develop their own images, and share their experiences through visual storytelling.

Open 5pm-8pm   

IMAGINED TERRITORIES is a new sculpture and public intervention by artist and designer Andy Welland, whose practice uses bright and playful collage works to celebrate togetherness, connection and the joy of being human. The work reimagines the flag as a symbol of connection rather than division – a flag for everyone, and for no one.

Open 5pm-8pm   

One Song is an audio-visual installation and community archive by artist Kadir Karababa that explores how music carries memory, identity and a sense of home across borders.

Built through participation and shared experience, this iteration was developed with members of the Wakefield community. Each participant is invited to share a song that transports them to the place they first called home. These songs form the foundation of the work, bringing together individual memories into a wider collective portrait.

Tiled Gallery   
Open 5pm-8pm   

This solo exhibition presents a selection of recent works on paper by contemporary painter Lisa Robinson. Hovering between abstraction and figuration, the works draw on observations of daily life, from interiors and cinematic imagery to elements of the landscape.

Project Space   
Open 5pm-8:30pm   

Open studio with recent work on display.

Studio A1   
Open 5pm-9pm   

A range of recent work from Wakefield artist Roger Gardner on display in his studio.

Studio B15   
Open 5pm-9pm   

Thomas Young is a self taught artist born in Wakefield in 1992 who makes figurative art using paint on canvas.

Studio B5   
Open 5pm-9pm   

Introducing Artistry—a newly assembled jazz and soul collective making their debut for Artwalk Wakefield.

Bringing together a fresh blend of smooth, soulful melodies and rich, improvisational jazz rhythms, Artistry creates the perfect late-night soundtrack for the city's creative crowd. Expect a captivating mix of timeless soul classics and deep, atmospheric grooves designed to make you stop, listen, and linger.

Catch them live as they bring their vibrant energy to the Artwalk lineup, adding a beautifully curated layer of live sound to Wakefield’s independent art scene.

The Art Exchange CIC A4   
Open 9pm-11pm   

Forced is a floral installation by Wakefield-based studio florist Mollie from The Northern Bunch.

Mollie creates seasonal wedding and event florals using predominantly Yorkshire-grown flowers. Inspired by the changing seasons and the untamed beauty of nature, her work celebrates wild textures, movement and a slower, more thoughtful approach to floristry.

Forced draws inspiration from the historic rhubarb forcing sheds. These dark, candlelit spaces have long been used to cultivate Yorkshire Forced Rhubarb, where plants are coaxed into growth in near darkness, producing their distinctive vibrant pink stems.

The installation reimagines this remarkable process through layers of moss, soil, grasses and rich foliage, from which vivid pinks, fresh greens and delicate blooms emerge. Soft candlelight echoes the atmosphere of the forcing sheds, inviting viewers into a landscape that feels both grounded and quietly magical.

Forced is a celebration of resilience, transformation and the hidden beauty that can flourish in darkness. Rooted in local heritage yet interpreted through a contemporary floral lens, the work honours one of Yorkshire’s most iconic traditions while encouraging visitors to look more closely at the natural world around them.

The Art Exchange CIC A4   
Open 5pm-9pm   

Original artwork by Kirsty Hodgson.

A series of watercolour paintings depicting singular flowers and floral displays. Prints of original art also for sale.

The Art Exchange CIC A4   
Open 5pm-9pm   

The focus of my work is the place where I live, its nature and human spaces and as part of my daily life, which fascinates me. An external world which is connected with my internal experiences, through being and awareness. My working process starts out of observation, sketches and writings from life. Ideas develop over long periods of time and paintings evolve through the transformation of time. All my works are a combination of mixed media, mainly water based paint and drawing materials and different types of supports, paper, card and canvas primed and none primed. I regularly exhibit my work predominantly in Slovakia with some exhibitions in the UK.

The Art Exchange CIC A4   

Antje Rayner is a contemporary jewellery artist who transforms reclaimed materials into wearable art. For her 2026 collection, Antje breathes new life into salvaged and reused wire, meticulously shaping it into fantastic, whimsical jewelry rooted in botanical themes. From delicate, twisting vines to intricate, ethereal leaf designs, each piece is a sustainable celebration of the natural world.

During Artwalk, you will be able to find Antje's work dotted throughout Westgate. While the main focus will be hosted inside her own working studio, you will also be able to explore her creations inside The Art Exchange CIC and make sure you keep your eyes peeled as you explore the venue, too—you may just spot a spectacular walking installation in the form of Lucy Lou showcasing these sculptural pieces in motion.

The Art Exchange CIC A4 (and Studio B7)   
Open 5pm-11pm   

Anya (alley) Scout is a Wakefield based freelance artist working in layered collage. Their work predominantly focuses on wildlife and the natural world. They were recently nominated as a 2026 DSWF wildlife artist of the year finalist. Their most recent project, which will be available during the Artwalk, is a deck of playing cards which champions four endangered animals.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Soak up some sunshine at this playful drop-in printmaking workshop inspired by Luke Jerram’s Helios! Choose from beautifully pre-carved lino blocks and vibrant inks to create your own bold, sun-themed prints. Perfect for lino beginners, this drop-in session is a fun, relaxed way to experiment and leave with your own unique artwork.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Andy Singleton is a Wakefield-based paper artist with 16 years’ experience, creating intricate works inspired by nature and pattern. His practice spans drawings, sculptures and installations, exhibited internationally, with commissions for Kensington Palace, Liberty and Harrods. Surface captures the Sun’s energy, while Growth explores plant life, reflecting the connection between sunlight, natural processes and organic development

Open 5pm-8pm   

Living and working in the Yorkshire area, Chris Teal is a highly regarded freelance artist, community facilitator, and tutor with over 20 years of experience.

Her work is inspired by the natural environment especially her garden and often features 3D mixed-media collage, recycled materials, dried foliage,watercolour and acrylics. She also runs Wellness Workshops and has worked on large community projects, including a striking colliery banner commemorating the 1984-85 Miners' Strike in Askern. She loves passing on her creativity to all ages and aims to promote, encourage and inspire others to jump in and have a go.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Eris Guilliam is a neurodivergent, queer artist who uses her practice to process and express her rich inner world. Guided by intuition, spirituality and nature, she transforms dreams, visions and moments of insight into symbolic visual work. Her creative process channels energy, finding balance between the vitality of the sun and the grounding calm of the moon.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Created by renowned UK artist Luke Jerram, this six metre wide illuminated sphere reveals the Sun’s surface in extraordinary detail, offering visitors the rare chance to explore sunspots, filaments and swirling patterns usually hidden from the naked eye.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Rob C's Poetry 1/2 Hour will be introduced by Robert P. Clarke. There will be Open Mic Slots available bookable in advance at digitalclarke@gmail.com

During the ‘Poetry 1/2 Hour’ Robert P. Clarke will be reading from his most recent publications available online at Waterstones.

This event is part of the Poetry Walk with full venues listed below and on the website www.robclarkeart.wordpress.com

Full Poetry Walk Schedule:

- The Hidden Gem at the Old Vicarage - Historical Costumed Life Drawing with Robert P. Clarke Facilitating 10am to 12 Noon.

- Westgate, Online - Central Words - 12.30pm to 1.00pm Rob C's continued sound and spoken word event - Visit www.robclarkeart.wordpress.com

- The Hidden Gem at the Old Vicarage - Historical Costumed Life Drawing with Robert P. Clarke facilitating 1.30pm to 3.30pm

- Waterstones - Rob C's Poetry 1/2 Hour 4.30pm to 5.15pm

Historical People Art and Poetry Exhibition - The Hidden Gem at the Old Vicarage -  Exhibition  - Robert P. Clarke 5pm to 9pm

- The Six Chimneys - Rob C's Poetry Corner - 8.30pm until late

1st Floor   
Open 4.30pm-5:15pm   

Our Annual Exhibition will be running for the week of Artwalk so come along on Wednesday evening to see the best of our members prints form the past year. We are based in the exhibition space in The Ridings outside M&S and will have members available to talk about the club and photography.

Event Space   
Open 5pm-8pm   

Angie's art explores pagan themes including spiritual power, healing, witchery themes and being at peace connected with the environment.

'Pagan Magick' is a new shop in The Hidden Gem which launches from 12 Noon and during Artwalk evening where Angie will be doing many activities including tarrot readings and presenting 'Mimi' the witch mixing herbs in her cauldron.

Open 12pm-9pm   

Gaynor Haycock's art will be displayed to a backdrop of a relaunched shop 'Miss Peaker's Emporium' inside The Hidden Gem with a range of soaps, essences, jewellery, memorabilia and much more.

The relaunched shop will be open from 12 Noon with a Victorian theme and many activities during the day and on Artwalk evening, including 'Historical Costumed Life Drawing' and Miss Peaker and two of her girls in Victorian dress serving a range of cold non-alcoholic drinks to visitors.

Poetry Performance at 6.30pm, Taster Portrait Drawing at 7.30pm.

The Hidden Gem   
Open 12pm-9pm   

Framed images of art, photography and poetry created by Robert P. Clarke from the Artwalk pre-events earlier in the day.

To join in a drawing pre-event book onto one or more of the Historical Costumed Life Drawing sessions on Wednesday 29th July (in the morning at 10.00 or in the afternoon at 13.30). To book visit www.robclarkeart.wordpress.com.

Additionally, linked Online Historical Custumed Drawing Sessions are also available to book at www.robclarkeart.wordpress.com

Further Events

6.30pm Poetry Readings

7.30pm Taster Costumed Life Drawing

The Hidden Gem Shared Space   
Open 5pm-9pm   

In 2025 I joined the "Man Shed" in Denby Dale (which now makes ladies welcome too). Never having done any woodwork before, I loved what I made, but I found myself wanting to embellish the wood, from an artist's point of view. I didn't want to do writing but I was drawn to trees. So, this is my tree project on beech ply. All the trees I have made up, but I like to think somewhere in the world there will be trees similar to what I have drawn.

Pyrography is still relatively new to me. These are my first attempts that I have put together. They are simple but each stroke has to be gone over several times to make the mark deeper. So while it takes time to do each tree, it's very therapeutic, and I would encourage anyone to give it a go.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Meet Krissy Wallace, local textile artist, social purpose educator, expert Dorset buttoner and Heritage Crafts Guild member.

See her beautiful works and have a go at making your own Dorset button.

Open 5pm-9pm   

Illustrator based in the Wakefield district specialising in stickers, prints and other small art items.

Socials:
Instagram - @glailastudios
TikTok - @glailastudios

Open 5pm-8pm   

Leon is a digital artist mostly working in black and white and focusing primarily on figure and form, attempting to balance black and white, detail and simplicity, chaos and order, in heavy, striking lines, to create an aesthetically pleasing whole.

A lifelong inspiration for Leon has been the early European art of various cultures, this is reflected in the style of his art, most prominently, those of Greek and Celtic origin, Leon has also been influenced massively by the work of Aubrey Beardsley.

Open 5pm-9pm