Local creative talent takes centre stage as Royal William Yard celebrates an autumn of arts with Artober – a vibrant festival showcasing the best of the South West's artistic community throughout the month ahead.

Running from 24th October – 2nd November, Artober brings a packed programme of events to one of Plymouth’s award-winning cultural destinations, with a free-to-attend exhibition at its heart, featuring locally and nationally renowned artists displaying work across multiple styles and mediums.

From contemporary portraits and landscape art to printmaking, mixed media and student work, Artober will showcase a broad spectrum of talent – and invite visitors to get involved. There will be opportunities to watch artists at work, learn or hone skills in workshops, and for families to enjoy free creative activities including a dedicated Art Zone throughout the festival and pumpkin carving during half-term.

The celebration of creativity extends beyond the main exhibition, with the Affordable Art Market bringing original, accessible art to Royal William Yard earlier in the month, and a variety of workshops offering hands-on experiences for all ages and abilities. The activities and exhibitions will take place right across the site, as the destination transforms into a thriving hub for arts and creativity.

What to expect

Artober Exhibition

24th October – 2nd November, 11am – 4pm

Arcade and Melville Corner – Royal William Yard

• View the work of contemporary portrait artist, Mick Hand, a portrait painter who focuses on people, stories and communities. His latest work, Yard Life, presents a striking multi-figure portrait celebrating Royal William Yard's 200th anniversary.
• Erica Ankers Art returns with her contemporary semi-abstract paintings. Dynamic depictions of South West landmarks, she captures the mood of a place and moment in time through her exploration of lines of connection.
• Get lost in the wilderness and wild space of Dartmoor and coastal landscape with contemporary painter Kate Bosence.
• Work by William Luz, whose illustrations and drawings celebrate flowing lines and bold yet delicate, colourful abstract compositions.
• See the creative output of Jayne Ashenbury's Students, showcasing emerging talent from local workshops.
• The exhibition will also feature work from Memori Prints, Graham Steen, David Smart, Viki Starmore and Jimmy Swindells, plus an array of other artistic talent.
• Enjoy the South West Coast Path Photographer of the Year Exhibition, with stunning images of the iconic coastline printed on large-scale panels.
• Keep younger visitors busy at the Art Zone throughout Artober – a free drop-in arts and crafts creative space for families.

The Affordable Art Market

10th – 19th October, 10am – 5pm (Sundays, 10am – 4pm)

Arcade – Royal William Yard

An exciting opportunity to discover and collect original, accessible art direct from the artists, with prices starting from £25 and capped at £500. The curated selection includes landscapes, abstracts, printmaking, ceramics and more from some of the South West's most talented creatives.

Featured artists include Donna Francesca, whose Devon coastline paintings translate the emotional resonance of the landscape; Kath Hadden, inspired by the South West coast; John Dixon, who transforms marine litter into beautiful works of art; Giordano Chirieleison, a self-taught artist whose subjects are in constant flux; Aisleigh Anne, a Cornwall-based artist capturing fleeting moments in the landscape; Louise Bougourd, celebrating the enormity and peace of the natural world; Rebecca Roberts, a Plymouth-based ceramicist influenced by the sea; Erica Ankers (also exhibiting in the main Artober show); Olivia Tew, whose work explores materiality and storytelling; Gary Winters, working across lens-based and print media; and James Williams, creating abstract sculptural forms and vessels in clay and stone.

Workshops

Get hands on and learn new skills with a variety of art workshops taking place throughout Artober:

• 11th October, 1:30pm, Ocean Studios. Mug or Jug workshop – create your own ceramic piece.

• 18th October, 9:30am, Ocean Studios. Porcelain Etching workshop – learn this delicate technique.

• 23rd October, 6:30 – 8:30pm, Arcade. Adventures with Alcohol Ink – explore this vibrant medium.

• 26th October, 10am – 2pm, Arcade. FREE Children's Pumpkin Carving and Autumn Crafts – half-term activity for families.

• 26th October, 3 – 5pm, Arcade. Concertina Book Journaling – create a unique art journal.

• 30th October, 6:30 – 8:30pm, Arcade. Paint Like Picasso session with Jayne Ashenbury.

Find out more at www.royalwilliamyard.com/artober