Artsy things to do over the Summer
Fear not, good readers, for the committee has come together to ensure you do not waste away in front of a screen this summer (at least, not the whole summer)! Check out some ideas from us about how to keep artistically entertained over the next few months.
Crafty summer incoming…
Charlotte’s recs (Co-Director):
Watch: This is a Robbery: The World’s Biggest Art Heist on Netflix.
Make: Start a scrapbook!
Listen: Curator and Keeper by University of York’s Helena Cox and Gary Brannan.
Read: The Story of Art Without Men by Katy Hessel.
Visit: The London’ Royal Academy of Arts Upcoming Exhibition: Keifer / Van Gogh - 28th June to the 26th October 2025.
Lizzy’s recs (Co-Director):
Watch: The Peasants (2023), set in 19th century Poland, each scene was shot on camera then painted by over 100 artists, the entire movie is made up of 40,000 paintings!
Listen: Desire, I Want To Turn Into You: Everasking edition by Caroline Polacheck (a work of art in its own right!); Art of History podcast.
Make: Bead embroidery.
Read: Shocking Life, Elsa Schiaparelli’s autobiography!
Visit: Leigh Bowry! At Tate Modern; Kiefer/Van Gogh at the Royal Academy of Arts (opening June 28th)
Get yourself to the bead shop STAT!
Myfanwy’s recs (Head of Blog):
Read: The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, super artsy, super dramatic, super fun.
Do: Mindfulness colouring or puzzles! For those of us less artistically inclined, a colouring book is always a life-saver.
Listen: Natalie Haynes Stands Up For The Classics (Can’t go wrong!)
Visit: The Wallace Collection, London.
Watch: Wes Anderson’s Roald Dahl adaptations on Netflix, all four short films are brilliant and beautiful.
Anything Rupert Friend is in is worth watching. And Benedict Cumberbatch.
Emilia’s recs (Co Vice-Director):
Read: Poor Artists by Gabrielle de la Puente and Zarina Muhammad.
Visit: V&A East Storehouse, London, opens May 31st (free), and/or, The Genesis Exhibition: Do Ho Suh: Walk the House, Tate Modern.
Watch: “Frida Kahlo & Tina Modotti" by Laura Mulvey & Peter Wollen (1982).
Lauren’s recs (Head of Press and Publicity):
Read: Funny Weather by Olivia Laing.
Listen: Art Angle Podcast.
Visit: London Gallery weekend (6th-8th June 2025). This is an opportunity to discover and explore London’s gallery scene. There is an extensive programme scheduled by galleries specially for the weekend including talks, workshops and special events.
One more on the summer reading list can’t hurt. Right?
Zoë’s recs (Gallery Assistant):
Visit: The York Art Gallery Gardens (past the cafe on the right, round the back of the gallery) to see the beautiful flowers! Perfect to practise your some still-life drawing, or just observe.
Beth’s recs (Graphic Design):
Watch: Secrets of the Museum on BBC2.
Make: Follow a sewing or crochet tutorial on Youtube to make a laptop case for the next year!
Listen: Portraits by Kim Sajet at the National Portrait Gallery (USA).
Read: Ways of Seeing by John Berger and See What You're Missing by Will Gompertz.
Visit: Jenny Saville: The Anatomy of Painting at the National Portrait Gallery, opening on June 20th!
A pleasant afternoon, the breeze in your window, little sewing project, such bliss!
Grace’s recs (Graphic Design):
Watch: The Grand Budapest Hotel directed by Wes Anderson, a comfort movie and so visually stunning.
Listen: Hers by Matt Maltese, such a beautifully artistic album (personal favourite is art house cinema!)
Visit: York's current exhibition, Harland Miller: XXX - on show until 31st August 2025 - wasn’t sure if I was going to be interested but I was pleasantly surprised, it was very creative!
Make: Upcycle an old t-shirt with patchwork designs either with embroidery or scrap materials!
Read: Three Summers by Margarita Liberaki, story of three sisters living and growing up near Athens before the Second World War.
Judging this book by its delightful cover.
Milly’s recs (Treasurer):
Watch: Loving Vincent, Vincent van Gogh’s life told through an animation style inspired by his art created by classically trained painters. Girl on Film ‘The Fashion of Horror’ video essay series on Youtube.
Kordélia’s recs (Photographer):
Watch: The Buccaneers Season 2 premiering June 18th! The perfect mix of female friendship, love triangles and beautiful summer vibes! If you haven’t seen Season 1 already, go watch it in time for the new premiere and enjoy the stunning cinematography!
Visit: Austen and Turner: A Country House Encounter at Harewood House in Leeds. I went to see this exhibition and I loved the exploration between 18th century art and literature (especially being a joint English Lit & History of Art student). The house and gardens are also very beautiful, especially on a sunny day. Fun Fact, the exhibition was co-curated by the University of York’s 18th century studies department both from English and History of Art!
Make: Air dry clay trinket dishes! Look up inspiration on Pinterest!
Listen: Kali Uchis’ new album Sincerely is such a magical listen and in my opinion, perfect for listening as you sketch this summer!
Whatever you do this summer, wherever you are, get outside, get creative, and, most importantly, get some rest!
Lots of love,
The Committee
