Selected Space: Sheffield, the city’s much-loved showcase for contemporary art and craft, returns to Yorkshire Artspace’s Persistence Works for its seventh edition from 11 – 13 July.
The three-day event brings together over 30 outstanding artists and makers from across the region, all exhibiting and selling their work directly to the public.
Selected Space presents a carefully curated mix of fine art, ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodwork, furniture, prints and homewares, highlighting the very best of contemporary creative talent in the North.
The event is run by four award-winning northern jewellers – Chris Boland, Jane Dzisiewski, Jennie Gill and Emily Thatcher – each of whom has exhibited nationally and internationally. Drawing on their networks, they created Selected Space to champion excellence in art and craft while providing an affordable platform for makers to share their work.
“It’s frustrating that fine art and contemporary craft rarely exhibit in the same space, because they sit so perfectly together,” says organiser Jane Dzisiewski. “Selected Space is a great opportunity to enjoy the finest examples of both, under one roof.”
This year’s line-up includes new and returning artists such as landscape painters Richard Johnson and David Kereszteny Lewis, ceramicists Laura Plant, Evelyn Albrow and Tim Copsey, fashion textiles brand Fronté, mixed media artist Samantha Bryan, and contemporary jewellery by the event’s organisers themselves.
Local favourite Depot Bakery will also be on site throughout the weekend with seasonal artisan food and drink, making this a full day out for anyone with an eye for beautiful things.
Landscape painter Richard Johnson, based at Yorkshire Artspace, will be exhibiting six new works, including seascapes from St Kilda and views of the Peak District. “My favourite is of Win Hill Pike as seen from Wet Withens stone circle on Eyam Moor,” he explains. “I usually have a battle with my paintings – they go badly before they come good again, and I’ve come to accept that has to happen. The painting of Win Hill Pike spent a long time on the easel before I was happy with it, but I finally finished it on the solstice – the longest day of the year. It seemed fitting.”
For Johnson, supporting regional art is about more than just sales. “The arts are what makes us human,” he says. “Life can be tough, work is often hard, and relationships can be difficult. But having beautiful things in your life – whether you own them or not – can be all the antidote you need. If you’re lucky enough to be able to buy art, then why not buy direct from the people who make it?”
Tickets are £5 on the door. More info at selectedspace.co.uk.
