Latest Events in Wakefield(December Updated)

This major exhibition by South African artist William Kentridge marks the first museum presentation outside South Africa to focus on his sculpture.Comprising over 40 works made between 2007 and 2024, this ambitious project will fill the Underground Gallery, with outdoor works presented in the surrounding gardens.

Australian artist Jordy Kerwick brings to life imaginary realms and fantastical creatures in The Weston Gallery and outdoors from September. This exhibition will feature new sculpture and paintings, created especially for Yorkshire Sculpture Park (YSP). Continuing the artist’s exploration of materials and the art of storytelling, they feature a cast of characters that includes wolves, tigers, cobras, bears, and unicorns. Visitors can soak up the stunning Yorkshire landscape when discovering the exhibition which continues across the Park. In these outdoor artworks, two-headed animals frequently appear as representations of Jordy Kerwick’s children, reflecting his desire to create whimsical creatures to amuse and delight his young family.

This new exhibition showcases art works that have been donated or fundraised for to keep Wakefield’s art collection ‘a living collection’ for future generations to enjoy. Many of the works have joined the collection in the last 18 months and are displayed for the first time since their acquisition.

A survey exhibition of one of Britain’s foremost ceramicists, Elizabeth Fritsch (b.1940).

‘These things are immensely important to me […] My home and my children; listening to music, and thinking about its relation to the life of forms, the need for dancing as recreation, and where dancing links with the actual physical rhythm of carving.’Barbara Hepworth: Carvings and Drawings, 1952

The Learning Through Drawing exhibition is on display in a working lunchroom, which is used by school groups during the week.In 1978, Yorkshire schoolchildren saw their work exhibited in art galleries across the country, from Cartwright Hall in Bradford to Towner Eastbourne. Art Advisers in the north and north-east of England gathered drawings by children between the ages of 3 and 18 for this nationwide exhibition.

Using a delicate colour palette, the exhibition will feature a variety of mediums, including paintings, prints, and original drawings, depicting both the Cornish, and for the first time, Yorkshire landscapes.

One of Austria’s most prominent artists, Wurm (b.1954) rose to fame in the 1990s with his One Minute Sculptures, an ongoing series of works that combines performance and everyday objects to capture a moment in time when a participant activates the work. Outdoors, new sculptures from the Skins and Avatar series reflect the artist’s interest in fashion as a representation of a particular time, and the psychological suggestion of clothing becoming the wearer’s second skin. Giants, sculptures from the Abstract series (2014-18), render anthropomorphised sausage forms in bronze and reference the wiener, or hot dog, that takes its name from Austria’s capital, Vienna. Wurm interprets many popular food items in his sculpture. Perhaps the most iconic of these is the gherkin, or pickled cucumber, with which he has a longstanding fascination, represented by the four-metre-high bronze Der Gurk (2016). In the Underground Gallery works include the marble bread, croissants and sausages from the Icons (2021) series; large oil on canvas graphic and brightly coloured paintings titled Flat Sculptures (2021- 22); and small-scale concrete houses and cars melded with commonplace objects from the 2022 Concrete series. Wurm’s One Minute Sculptures connect performance with impermanence – they are only complete when activated by a participant and are only ‘known’ when documented as a photograph. Questioning social norms, Ship of Fools (2017) is an adapted caravan with which visitors are invited to interact by putting their heads, hands, bottoms or feet through apertures – shown alongside photographs, videos and instructional drawings. The exhibition springboards a programme of engagement activity centred around play, the exploration of materials in relation to the body and everyday objects, and experimentation of making processes. An illustrated guide to the exhibition and a catalogue featuring in-situ photography will accompany the exhibition.

Creating Cyanotypes is an extraordinary arts event taking place in Wakefield on November 18, 2023. Nestled within the vibrant and creative atmosphere of The Art House, located on Drury Lane, this event promises to be an unforgettable experience for all art enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of cyanotype photography as you learn the intricate process of creating stunning blue-hued prints. With its rich history and unique technique, cyanotype has captured the hearts of artists and photographers alike. This event offers a rare opportunity to explore this fascinating art form under the guidance of expert instructors. From mixing chemicals to exposing prints, every step of the cyanotype process will be covered in detail. The ticket price for this exceptional event is set at a reasonable £60, ensuring accessibility for all who wish to delve into the world of cyanotypes. So mark your calendars and prepare to be inspired by the magic of Creating Cyanotypes at The Art House in Wakefield.

Make a Festive Felted Robin is an exciting arts event taking place in the vibrant city of Wakefield. Hosted at The Art House on Drury Lane, this event offers participants a unique opportunity to unleash their creativity and craft their very own festive felted robin. Set to take place on November 18, 2023, this event promises to be a memorable experience for art enthusiasts and craft lovers alike. The Art House, located in the heart of Wakefield, provides the ideal backdrop for this creative endeavor. With its welcoming atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities, participants can immerse themselves in the world of felting and create a stunning festive robin. Priced at £40 per ticket, this event offers exceptional value for money. So why not join in the fun and unleash your artistic side at Make a Festive Felted Robin? Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to create a unique piece of art and make lasting memories. Book your ticket now and get ready to bring your festive felted robin to life.