16/05/2026
Here is your lowdown for the Artwalk Wakefield on Wednesday, May 27th. With submissions now closed, the trail is packed with everything from paranormal photography to upcycled fashion.
🎨 The "Big Hitter" Galleries
The Art House (5pm–8pm): A triple threat of exhibitions. Don't miss 20:20 Print Exchange for global printmaking, Harriet Bowman’s industrial sculptures in the Main Gallery, and a three-screen video installation by Emily Andersen in the Tiled Gallery.
WX Wakefield Exchange (5pm–8pm): A hub for photography and textiles. Wakefield Camera Club will be on hand to talk shop, while Helen Riddle showcases felt and stitch work reflecting on the decay and repair of Waterton’s Wall.
🛠️ Westgate Studios (The Creative Heart)
The Art Exchange (A4): Your residency showcase, "Reclaiming the Light." See the imaginative sculptural lights made from Newlands Park scrap, followed by an Open Mic at 8pm hosted by Russ from SkipRat.
Hause of O: Stop by the corridor for upcycled and vintage fashion to fight the fast-fashion trend.
Studio C2 & C6: Check out 3D Anaglyph paintings (glasses provided!) in C2, and Dee B Parker’s multimedia "mashups" and propaganda art in C6.
👻 History, Mystery & Spoken Word
The Old Vicarage (The Hidden Gem): Step back into the Victorian era to explore Ouija boards and divination. Robert Clarke is launching a paranormal book and showcasing ghost-walk photography.
The Gissing Centre: A must for history buffs. Explore the Victorian world of novelist George Gissing via a detailed 19th-century premises model.
Waterstones & The Six Chimneys: Follow the Poetry Walk. Catch Rob C’s "Poetry 1/2 Hour" at Waterstones (4:30pm) and his "Poetry Corner" at The Six Chimneys (8:30pm).
🍻 Pubs & Social Spaces
The Six Chimneys: Aside from poetry, check out The Incident Department, which uses "case files" to illustrate awkward public moments and social chaos. You'll also find q***r artist Lucinda Youngs and alcohol ink works.
The Red Shed: View Richard Council’s "20 Years, My Life In Yorkshire Birds," featuring photography of the famous Wakefield Peregrines.
🌍 Community & Reflection
CoffeeWrite (4pm–8pm): A mini exhibition and craft fair featuring work from the Wakefield District City of Sanctuary community.
Wakefield Cathedral: Former miner Karl Jarrett shares rare, powerful sketches and paintings of life underground at Fryston Colliery.
Kirkgate Station: Two poignant installations on the platform. "Can You Really See Me?" by Prince of Wales Hospice (looking at labels and identity) and "Blinkered Sheep" by Marie Keen, exploring LGBTQIA+ perspectives.
The Ridings Centre (Top Floor)
Empath Theatre: Check out a retrospective of the Wakespeare project.
Clare Harford: Process-led sculptural paper art that attempts to capture the "inner workings of the heart and brain."
Note: The Art Exchange (A4) is open "5pm-late," making it a perfect spot to end your night with the open mic!
