Undaunted by the recession, they have not so much got on their bikes, as hitched up their caravan to promote the highly-successful ArtFest 2011.
The mobile mini art gallery will tour events and galleries between September 16 and October 16.
ArtFest 2011 combines galleries and professional artists showing and selling their work across Ryedale.
Artists benefit the whole economy in Ryedale, drawing in visitors and locals who really value the arts and the opportunity to buy original works.
Ryedale ArtFest participants include an artist blacksmith, painters, sculptors, felt-makers, ceramicists and print makers. And there’s an ArtFest film showing at one of the country's smallest licensed cinemas , the tin Reading Room at Appleton-le-Moors.
The caravan is the creation of Malton contemporary gallery Duckett and Jeffreys, and their founding artists Stef and Ian Mitchell, as a way of marking the gallery's first full year.
“We aim to show artists that are brave, confident and imaginative,” says Stef.
Their DJ Tour vehicle – or more accurately a 1960s Sprite caravan – is demonstrating a sense of fun around Ryedale while also reaching a wider audience.
This year there are 9 galleries and 23 artists taking part in Ryedale ArtFest and the group hope other regional artists and galleries will contact them for next year.
You can see a full set of venues and artists on the ArtFest website www.ryedaleartfest.com. A booklet and map are also available from tourist offices, libraries and from artists and galleries taking part. members or via the website.
The DJ tour will visit;
Sat Sept 10 (11 – 4) The Gallery at Ryedale Folk Museum, Hutton-le-Hole
Sat Sept 17 (6 pm onwards) Sawmill Studios, Helmsley
Sun Sept 18 (11 – 4) The Pantry, Lockton
Sun Sept 25th (11 – 4) Gallery Beyond, Nunnington
Sun Oct 16th (11 – 4) Inspired By Gallery, Danby.
Other galleries taking part are The Stables, Thornton Le Dale, Back o’ the Shop, Terrington, The Arboretum at Castle Howard, Talents Fine Arts Malton.
For further information, interviews and more free images, contact via Christopher Ware;
01751 470112 / chris@warehouseart.com.
