York St John University students welcome art lovers to open studio event

York Open Studios annual event showcases the city’s artists and creators by welcoming the public into studios and workshops.  

Opening weekend saw over 200 people visit the University’s Creative Centre to view works created by three York St John University students who are exhibiting as part of the city-wide art celebration. 

Art seekers can still make the most of the free showcase at the University as the event draws to a close this weekend.  

The exhibition at York St John Creative Centre will open to the public Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 April from 10.00am to 5.00pm.  

The three students each offer a unique perspective and showcase a range of artistic approaches. 

Matilde Tomat, a third-year fine art student originally from Italy is an artist, psychogeographer and psychotherapist. Her work explores loss, the past and identity through mixed media performative drawing.  

Matilde said: “I am really looking forward to showcasing my work again this coming weekend. The first one just gone was incredible! We had a constant flux of people who were interested, curious, and appreciative of what my colleagues and I exhibited.”  
 
“I think that the University has done an amazing job in allowing us to participate in such a space as the new Creative Centre. Our work really stands out in that building: there is a sense of being a proud student at York St John!” 

Shannon Vertigan’s multi-disciplinary practice begins to question the meaning of 'dwelling' and perceptions of ‘home’. Shannon, also studying for a BA in fine art, is involved in community arts projects throughout York. 

John Cutting, studying for a fine art masters, uses raw and engineered materials to create personal and unusual pieces or art, reflective of his working life as a soldier, engineer, traveller and adventurer. John won the 2020 Eleanor Worthington Prize, which reopens for 2022 on the theme of disability and transformation for an inclusive society. 

Full artist profiles and event listings are available on the York Open Studios website. 

Credit: Photo of Matilde Tomat taken by Helen Raisbeck, third year Fine Art student at York St John University.