ART in the Pen held at Skipton Auction Mart is widely regarded as the North’s leading art event, but its 15th anniversary was put on hold last year due to the pandemic.

The organisers have recently announced they are now able to welcome visitors on Saturday and Sunday August 14 and 15.

From humble beginnings in 2005, Art in the Pen is now a firm date in the diary for many people living in Skipton and the surrounding area.

The event started out as a relatively small number of artists transforming the cattle pens where stock is held prior to being auctioned in the sales ring into galleries to sell their original work.

Today, Art in the Pen has flourished into a sprawling event, with an abundance of creativity and craftsmanship at every turn.

The informal nature of the event really captured the attention of visitors.

Its continued success is partly down to its relaxed and friendly environment, said creative director Andy Lynan.

He added: “Our events are a great way for visitors to strike up conversations with our artists and meet other art and craft enthusiasts.

“Art in the Pen provides a wonderful opportunity to discover new, emerging and established artists.”

Covid-19 has heavily impacted almost all industries, with the entertainment and leisure sectors amongst the worst affected.

The last eighteen months have been a very difficult time for artists and event organisers alike.

“We had to close down all operations one week before the first lockdown,” Andy added. “This included all our site hires, shows at The Mart Theatre, Christmas pantomime and our festive crafts market, Crafts in the Pen.

“We’ve had to make several changes this year to ensure we remain within government safety guidelines.

“Unlike previous years, visitors will have to book tickets through our website and choose a three hour time slot to attend.

“This will allow us to still run the event and have a really tight control on the maximum number of people at the event at any one time.

“Our usual overflow car park is currently being used as a vaccination centre so selling limited tickets in time slots will also help to ensure our visitors can get an on-site parking space.

“We may be able to relax some of the additional safety measures once the remaining restrictions are lifted, hopefully by July 19.

“For now though, places are limited. If you want to visit Art in the Pen this year, it’s best to book now.

“The cancellation of art events over the past year has had a major impact on the artists who exhibit at them.

“Most are small businesses who have had little to no income for the past twelve months. Many have relied on self-employment grants and found alternative sources of income.

“Art in the Pen has only survived through very generous donations from members of the public and discretionary grants from Craven District Council.

“We really need members of the public to buy tickets and attend.

“If we can’t get enough visitors through the door this year, the future of the event becomes very uncertain ”

Luckily, the unique venue is already well placed in terms of Covid safety measures.

The venue has high ceilings and benefits from additional air flow created by opening a full wall of shutters.

A one way system is also planned, although this could be scaled back depending on the upcoming “Freedom Day” announcement from the government.

Back in 2005, Art in the Pen started out as a relatively small number of artists transforming cattle pens into galleries to sell their original work. The organic and informal nature of the event really captured the attention of visitors, who now return each year in increasing numbers. Today, Art in the Pen has flourished into a sprawling event, with an abundance of creativity and craftsmanship at every turn.

The events are a great way for visitors to strike up conversations with artists and meet other art and craft enthusiasts.

Entry to the Skipton event is £5 with free parking. Under 16s welcomed free as are well behaved dogs on leads.

Pre-booking is essential and tickets and details can be found at: www.artinthepen.org.uk