Singer-turned-artist Candie Payne. Picture: Chris Morrison
REDHOUSE Gallery, in Cheltenham Mount, Harrogate, introduces ART, its inaugural fair dedicated to contemporary art, prints and archive editions, on Saturday from 10am to 6pm.
This weekend’s debut edition celebrates some of the finest young and emerging artists working today and has a focus on creatives from Harrogate and beyond.
Harrogate’s reputation as a destination for artists to thrive and create has grown to the point where many live and work in the spa town, Schoph, Christopher Kelly, Candie Payne and Thomas James Butler among them.
Since 2008, RedHouse Gallery has welcomed numerous prestigious visiting artists such as Sir Peter Blake, Jim Moir (aka Vic Reeves), rock’n’roll photographer Gered Mankowitz and Danny Larsen.
Saturday’s pop-up air fair, running for one day only, features original art, prints and sculpture, with several pieces created for the event.
ART participant Siena Baines. Picture: Barry Adamson
Florence Blanchard. Picture: Helena Dolby
Many of the exhibiting artists will attend the launch event in person, offering an opportunity for visitors to meet and connect with artists and art lovers alike.
Richard McTague, of RedHouse Gallery, says: “Artists bring a vibrant and positive impact to any area, and as a gallery we are privileged to work with so many talented creatives. It wasn’t a conscious decision to show so many artists from Yorkshire; the exhibition came together naturally, but the region has so much to offer, and clearly an incredible heritage in terms of art history.”
Contributors from across the region include Pete McKee (Sheffield), Florence Blanchard (Sheffield), Alfie Kungu (Hebden Bridge), Gareth Griffiths (Leeds), Dudley Edwards (Richmond), David Rusbatch (Leeds) and Siena Barnes (Haworth).
London-born sculptor Sir Antony Gormley, a pioneer of art in local spaces and a champion of artists, once said: “We can make our cities diverse, inspirational places by putting art, dance and performance in all its forms into the matrix of street life.”
RedHouse Gallery bears witness to that sentiment, not least this weekend when admission to ART will be free.
Who’s taking part in ART?
Dan Baldwin · Siena Barnes · Florence Blanchard · Peter Blake · Adam Bridgland · Thomas James Butler · Dudley Edwards · Christian Furr · Jill Furmanovsky · Gareth Griffiths · Gareth Halliday · Christopher Kelly · Alfie Kungu · Danny Larsen · Sharon Latham · Pete McKee · John Middleton · Horace Panter · Candie Payne · David Rusbatch · Seen · Schoph · Ian Skelly · Nick Walker · Joy Yamusangie.
Hebden Bridge artist Alfie Kungu. Picture: Lily Brown
Among the artists:
Alfie Kungu
BORN in Hebden Bridge in 1993, contemporary artist Alfie Kungu is best known for his vibrant and energetic paintings. Inspired by his Kenyan roots, Kungu draws on nostalgic memories of carnival and celebrations inherent within the diaspora.
He has collaborated with notable fashion brands and designers, including North Face, Selfridges, Folk Clothing, Carhartt, House of Vans, Nike and Liam Hodge at London Fashion Week.
Candie Payne
BORN in Liverpool in 1981, Payne moved with her family to New York at the age of four. These formative years were vital in shaping her inspiration, and her artwork is informed largely by her love of fairytales and dance.
Payne first came to prominence as a singer and lyricist in 2007 with the release of her debut album I Wish I Could Have Loved You More on Deltasonic/Sony BMG. Collaborations with David Byrne, Mark Ronson, Kevin Ayers and Paul Weller followed.
In 2016, Payne relocated to Yorkshire and now shares a studio with her partner, artist Thomas James Butler.
Thomas James Butler
BORN in Knaresborough in 1982. His paintings celebrate the natural world, drawing inspiration from a variety of cultural reference points and innovators.
20th century painters Robert Rauschenberg and Hans Hoffman are equally as relevant to his practice as filmmakers and writers Stanley Kubrick and Charles Bukowski. Now preparing his next solo exhibition in Spring 2026.
Knaresborough-born artist Thomas James Butler. Picture: Robin Clewley