MORE than 200 exhibitors selling a range of arts and crafts from fine art to glass, jewellery and metalwork will be heading to Skipton's annual Art in the Pen event in August.

From humble beginnings in 2005, Art in the Pen held in the cattle pens at Skipton Auction Mart has developed into what many consider to be one of the North’s leading art and craft events.

It 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 captured the attention of visitors, and today, Art in the Pen has flourished into a sprawling event, with an abundance of creativity and craftsmanship at every turn.

For the past several years, the event has received an overwhelming number of applications from artists and craft makers.

Choosing the successful artists this year was a particularly daunting task for the event's selection panel but members are confident of a wide range of work, from fine and contemporary art to ceramics, jewellery, textiles, wood, metalwork and more.

Organisers say the partnership with the Art Shop Skipton has gone from strength to strength with pop-up shops and host a range of free artist demonstrations and workshops. The Live Art Theatre will also return for 2023 in which visitors can see an art installation come to life over the course of the weekend.

The continued success of Art in the Pen is partly down to its relaxed and friendly environment, says Andy Lynan, its creative director.

He said: “Our events are a great way for visitors to strike up conversations with our artists and meet other art and craft enthusiasts. Whether you’re a collector or buying for the first time, Art in the Pen provides a wonderful opportunity to discover new, emerging and established artists.

"We’re really excited for Art in the Pen 2023 and we hope people will come and spend an enjoyable day exploring cattle pens full of art and crafts for every budget.”

Art in the Pen Skipton takes place on Saturday, August 19 and on Sunday, August 20; from 9am to 4pm on Saturday, and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday at Skipton Auction Mart, Gargrave Road, Skipton. Entry £6, tickets available on website.

Entry includes free parking - for pre booked ticket holders - and an event brochure – under 16’s entry free. Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

Full details and tickets at: www.artinthepen.org.uk; where there is also a full list of exhibitors.