The Chantry Chapel Artwalk presents Building the Hepworth Wakefield by Brian Holding.

Wakefield Waterfront has a long history with a medieval weir and a medieval mill that has one building surviving today. However, it is covered over and out of sight behind the Hepworth Wakefield.

Hepworth is one of the significant changes on the Waterfront. Planning for the Hepworth Gallery started in 2003 by Wakefield Council and Wakefield Art Gallery on Wentworth Terrace. The building of the Hepworth began in 2007, the same year I retired. As an amateur photographer, an opportunity to record the Hepworth being constructed with images of the Waterfront before work started. It is fascinating, with one side emerging out of the River Calder. How did they do that?

Join us for the exhibition, starting on the evening of July 30th, as part of the Wakefield Artwalk, from 5pm to 9pm. Additionally, the exhibition will be open for three further days at the Chantry Chapel, from 11am to 3pm.

Open 5pm-9pm   

This exhibition is a continuation of my interests in portraiture and the human form. I've applied skills I've developed during life drawing sessions and used self-portraiture as a way to explore new techniques, primarily through the mediums of watercolour and pen.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Tomy is an artist and illustrator raised in Barnsley and now an established resident of West Yorkshire.

He see Illustration as art being drawn out from the words of a story and thus needs to resemble what the reader is imagining, while paintings tell a story without the use of words and that story can be interpreted differently to each individual viewer.

Collectively Isolated is a series of non-confrontational art exploring the idea of a subtle, unspoken discourse in a world more connected than ever. Each painting depicts routine scenes of daily life in a limited a palette of contrasting colours, while its use of bold, angular shapes, a signature style of Tomy's paintings, draws inspiration from the Constructivist movement.

"It began as I tried to navigate my own struggles, what I was feeling and what was causing me to feel certain ways. There was nothing specific to pinpoint, to accuse, to work from, but something almost intangible seemed to be laced into everything, creating a disconnection in so many parts of my life. Observing a world increasingly more divided, vocal and steadfast made me wonder 'how did it get so loud and unmovable?' I again looked internally at my own confused frustrations; exhausted, irritant, an inability to feel joy. I have this belief we might all be experiencing the same. Dizzied by faceless culprits with no outlet for our emotions. I wanted to create a series which was relatable to everyone while diverting the blame away from anyone."

Tomy will be in residence from 5pm to 6pm.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Alice Clayden is a Leeds-based printmaker whose practice explores self-imposed constraints on process and material. Developed between 2021 and 2025 Clayden worked exclusively with mid-blue hues to create an extensive body of monoprints.

Open 5pm-8pm   

This new installation by Charlotte Smithson explores the powerful connection between people, place, and nature. Inspired by her family roots in Wakefield, Smithson's project invites visitors to reflect on how memories and emotions are tied to the spaces and landscapes we inhabit.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Hidden is a long term collaborative project by Charles Fox and Prum Sisaphantha that follows Prum's personal journey during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia (1975–1979), a period of violence, loss, and forced relocation.

Open 5pm-8pm   

Much of his novel, ‘A Life’s Morning’, is set in Dunfield, a town which bears a remarkable similarity to his childhood home of Wakefield, and he describes locations and activities in the Victorian town and its surroundings which can be identified easily. There will be 10 to 15 minutes of short readings from this novel with some explanation of their context at 6.30pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm.

The Centre will be open between 6pm and 9pm but there is limited space so would those who wish to look round, but avoid the readings, please keep to the periods between them: 6pm-6.30pm, 7pm-7.30pm or 8pm-8.30pm.

Open 6pm-9pm   

Prepare to be enchanted as we transform The Old Vicarage into a captivating journey to the past for this Artwalk! Immerse yourself in a delightful Victorian-era atmosphere, complete with charming refreshments to tantalise your taste buds.

But that's not all! We're thrilled to host a very special guest: the Curator of the brand-new Wakefield Ghost Walk! Launching this August, our mysterious guest will be on hand to mesmerise you with a few intriguing magic tricks and perhaps even offer a glimpse into your future with a tarot reading – a truly popular pastime from the Victorian era!

Adding to the enchanting evening, Rob from the Poetry Walk will also be gracing us with his presence, promising moments of lyrical delight. With so much intrigue, charm, and creative spirit, The Old Vicarage is set to be an unmissable stop on your Artwalk journey.

Don't miss out on this unique blend of history, mystery and art.

Open 5pm-9pm   

From 2005 to 2015, Jessica Rowbottom was a freelance gig photographer with work published in The Guardian, The Observer, Yorkshire Post, NME, Leeds-List and more. This exhibition covers a diverse range of photography of bands and acts over that period - from festivals and arenas right down to pubs and clubs, from stadium-filler bands to embryonic local groups, on both film and digital.

Many photographs have anecdotes and tales behind them; Jessica will be on-hand from 5pm to 7:30pm to talk about her experiences, the techniques involved, and offering advice to aspiring photographers looking to enhance their own skills.

From 5pm to 6.45pm, you can also view the general display about Women of the Working Class, and The Red Shed's special feature for the next few weeks on Betty Boothroyd and Barbara Castle, two power houses of politics.

Open 5pm-11pm    Photography

As part of our annual exhibition in The Ridings Centre, we will be open late for the Artwalk. Come down and see some of our members' best images from this year and talk to us about all things photography.

Event Space   
Open 5pm-8pm   

“I’ve selected a few of my drawings to showcase my love of drawing and to hopefully inspire others to pick up a pencil and make a mark.

Drawing is a first for me. My introduction to art was using pencil and I still sketch out ideas before committing to a painting. The beautiful thing about drawing is its intimacy it’s like your handwriting unique to you.

Open 5pm-9pm   

Michelle, an Art, Design, and Technology graduate, is deeply passionate about art history, archaeology and architecture. Her Natural Environment Collection includes her latest work inspired by her love of wild swimming.

Her York-based studio serves as a perfect space for creating large-scale art pieces and handling various projects, especially in oil and watercolour. She also teaches classes at her studio and elsewhere, nurturing the artistic skills of her students. She has taken part in York Open Studios and showcased her work in various solo and group exhibitions across the UK.

Open 5pm-9pm   

End the evening's Poetry Walk on Artwalk evening for a relaxed drink and a chat about poetry and the evening's events.

Full Poetry Walk Schedule:

- Waterstones - Rob C's Poetry 1/2 Hour 4.30pm to 5.15pm
- Rob C's Central Words 5.45pm to 6pm
- The Old Vicarage - Gaynor Haycock 6pm to 7.30pm
- The Six Chimneys - Rob C's Poetry Corner 7.30pm to 9pm

Open 7:30pm-9pm

Open 7.30pm to 9pm   

Born and living near Wakefield, I built a successful 40-year career in graphic design and print, before returning to my artistic roots with fresh perspective. My focus is detailed oil paintings primarily on wood and canvas, inspired by nature and countryside walks. Wildlife and still life subjects take shape in the tranquility of my home studio.

Influenced by the Old Masters but reimagined in a modern realist style, I find joy in capturing intricate textures, whether the delicate feathers of a bird or the subtle interplay of natural light on everyday objects.

Open 5pm-9pm   

British artist Rhianna Parker has been developing her mixed media collage style since graduating with her BA in London in 2017. This approach involves layering found images, textures and colour to clarify and organise her own thoughts to construct narratives that challenge perceptions and encourage introspection.

The Distillery   
Open 5pm-9pm   

Handcrafted mixed media artwork including delicate crochet flowers and dreamy acrylic, and watercolour paintings. Soft textures, gentle colours, and fairy-like charm create a cozy, enchanting feel. My work is an analysis of the world around us from a multitude of lenses, amalgamating old heritage crafts with modern design.

The Distillery   
Open 5pm-9pm   

This exhibition records my first portrait painted in oils with a live model, it then goes on to record art work completed in the first few months of lockdown, up to the sudden death of my eldest son in May 2020. I was unable to complete a painting I was working on at this time and found it really difficult to connect with my art.

In July 2022, I decided to try to compete a sketch a day to get my mojo back - it worked. All the work exhibited were drawn / painted en plein air.

Platform 3   
Open 5pm-8pm   

Wakefield Museums and Castles are holding a celebration event to mark the recent opening of our new special exhibition, Cynthia Kenny: A city framed.

Join us to celebrate the life and work of much-loved local artist and cultural champion, Cynthia Kenny (1929 – 2021).

Explore Wakefield through her artist's eyes. Enjoy city skylines and rural landscapes captured with paintbrush and pen. Admire iconic views and discover hidden architectural gems. Spend some time in Cynthia’s Wakefield and see how our city has changed.

Discover more about Kenny's influence and legacy in the words of those who knew her. See how she continues to inspire artists today, with photography by the Wakefield Museums and Castles Youth Forum and an exclusive new soundscape by Wakefield-based artist, Michelle Duxbury. Plus pick up a pencil and paper and take some time to sketch for yourself.

Drop in to explore the exhibition from 5pm to 7pm. A formal opening and special curator-led spotlight tours will take place from 5:30pm to 6:30pm.

Open 5pm-7pm   

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 create@artcollab.co.uk

During the ‘Poetry 1/2 Hour’ Robert P. Clarke will be reading from two of his most recent publications.

1st Floor   
Open 4:30pm-5:15pm

1st Floor   
Open 4.30pm to 5.15pm   

Open studio, works available to peruse and purchase and maybe some other stuff!!

Studio B13   
Open 5pm-9pm   

Recent paintings from Roger Gardner on display in his studio. Roger paints images of picnic tables in oil on canvas and recently he has been painting images on dinner plates. A number of his works were in a joint show at Dean Clough, Halifax until January 2025.

Studio B15   
Open 5pm-9pm   

Lucinda (she/her) is a queer artist who creates pieces which include her representation of energy, natural forms and connection.

Lucinda works full time in community mental health, focusing on a holistic approach, highlighting the benefits of Creative expression. Blending her skillset to deliver Creative Well Being workshops.

Each piece sold is original signed artwork.

Lucinda has been drawing, painting and creating for over 20 years. Graduating from the University of Sunderland in 2013 with a BA Hons in Fine Art.

Lucinda's current medium is Alcohol ink on Yupo paper.

Studio B5   
Open 5pm-9pm   

New copper and silver jewellery from Westgate's resident jewellery maker.

Studio B6   
Open 5pm-9pm   

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

Studio C6   
Open 5pm-9pm   

Demonstration: how to mount loose powder pictures and textile etc.

Studio C8   
Open 5pm-8pm   

Join Empath Theatre CIC for a night of celebration and thanks as they prepare to leave Westgate Studios and go on the road!

For the past year Empath has loved being the custodian of the Big Room, but with Empath's show season upon us, the theatre not-for-profit is handing over the keys as they prepare to go truly mobile with the launch of their shows The Stories of the Stones and One Day at a Time, so come down and learn all about these exciting projects and what other events Empath has in store!

Plus we have special guests Michael Yates and Angie De Courcy Bower reading poetry between 6pm and 6:30pm.

The Project Space   
Open 5pm-8pm   

The Finch Collection is a series of one off pieces and consists of the natural world and still life paintings, cityscape, portraits and ceramics.

My collection at Wakefield Art Walk is in memory of my late brother Mark. We both believe that enjoying the process is in many ways more important than the actual end product. I don’t tend to worry about things not working out as if you create pieces with patience and feeling, you always produce something very special to you. I am very much interested in what emerges whilst creating each piece.

Exhibiting my work in this beautiful building is a real gift and I would like to thank Georgina Maud-Barney of Rushbond for this experience, the wonderful conversations we have shared about my brother and art and to Rushbond for bringing the beauty back to this part of Wakefield.

All proceeds from the sale of my cards and prints will be donated to Friends of Horbury Park who are committed to bringing beauty and peace to the area where I live.

The Old Police Station   
Open 5pm-9pm   

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, WX Wakefield Exchange will be unable to open for this event.

Please check out the rest of Artwalk!

Open N/A