Open Quay
11am - 4pm each day
Come along to North Shields’ first Open Artist Studio weekend, Open Quay, where creativity is unlocked.
Artists, creative businesses, galleries and more will be opening up their studios and rooms for you to look ‘behind the curtain’ of creativity across North Shields. In this first for North Shields, wander around the multiple creative spaces in the town and experience life as seen from the Cultural Quarter.
WHAT IS HAPPENING?
North Shields will be turned into an Open Studio for the weekend. Artists will be on hand in their studios to talk about their work, some might run workshops and demonstrations or be selling their work. More detail on individual offering will be confirmed over the coming months
Here is a FULL LIST of all the Artists and Creative Organisations taking part in Open Quay
Sum Place
101 Howard Street, NE30 1NA
Saturday and Sunday - Sum Place is a public art studio on Howard Street creating large-scale, permanent installations for civic and healthcare spaces across the UK. Visitors will see how the artists make their suspended sculptural commissions. Drop in, meet the team, see the process, ask questions. Come and see how public art is made.
sum.place @_sum.place_
Accessibility: Step free, ground floor, wheelchair accessible
Ellie Land // The Limerence
First Floor, 101 Howard Street, NE30 1NA
Saturday and Sunday - Ellie Land is an animation and immersive content Director. During Open Quay she will be screening work and there will be opportunities to have a go, as well as printed works for sale.
land.ellie @ellieland.com
Accessibility: Stairs
Brick This Suite G1 Howard House, Howard Street (white door on the angled corner next to Job Centre)
Saturday only: Studio tour of independent LEGO Artist Steve Mayes of Brick This. Loose LEGO if kids or adults want to test their creative skills!
Accessibility: Step free, ground floor
Tynemouth Photographic Society
106/107 Howard Street, NE30 1AN
Saturday and Sunday - The Society’s two adjoining clubrooms will host two separate exhibitions. One, of members’ current photographic print work. Selected prints will be available for purchase with the photographers’ permission, alongside information about the Society and its special-interest photography groups. The other will be an exhibition of Local History Archive prints which, depending on the quality, will be available to order. The Society’s two published books featuring archive photographs will be available for purchase on the day. Society members will be on hand to answer questions and chat with visitors. Tea and coffee will be available.
Accessibility: 106 access via 2 steps, 107 step free. Two stairs between the rooms
Sickstyles Print and Designs
104 Howard Street, NE30 1NA
Saturday only - Local graphic designer and mural artist Bobby Colvin invites visitors to explore his studio and discover the creative process behind Sick Styles Print and Design. Working across large-scale murals, custom prints and graphic design, Bobby collaborates with local businesses to create bold, distinctive branding that brings their ideas to life.
Sickstyles85.wixsite.com/bobbycolvin
SickStyles85.etsy.com
@sickstyles85
Accessibility: Ground floor
The Loading Bay at Salt Market Social
Blue Warehouse, 1 Liddell Street, Fish Quay, NE30 1HE
Saturday and Sunday, meet local artists here as part of Open Quay.
The Loading Bay is a flexible, adaptable space located within the Salt Market. It hosts a diverse programme of events, including live music, community markets, open mic nights, exhibitions, workshops, and much more. Whether you're performing, creating, or simply looking to connect with the community, The Loading Bay offers a welcoming space for people to come together and experience something new.
@theloadingbaynorthshields
@saltmarketsocial
Accessibility: Step free, ground floor, wheelchair accessible
Mim Robson (Loading Bay)
Sunday only - Mim is a multidisciplinary artist, making prints, cards, trinkets made from vintage books and magazines, matchbox stories and zines on all sorts of subjects, metal-embossed botanics, ceramics, and stickers. Mim’s work is thoughtful, silly, with lots of whimsy and nostalgia, often with some element of writing, humour and playfulness or wonder. Mim works with vintage fairytale books, maps, photo albums and magazines, as well as collaging with old books and reworking stories. Her most popular items are a series of zines and prints called "Birds of Shame" - which include heartbreaking and silly stories about birds, and dubious bird facts!
mimrobson.com
@mimrobsonartist
stuARTgeddit (Loading Bay)
Saturday and Sunday - stuARTgeddit is welcoming visitors to come down and see his paintings. His recent work has used found photography as a starting point, so if you have any old pictures of relatives, or of the North Shields area, stuART would love it if you felt able to bring them down to see if they could be incorporated into future works.
All paintings displayed will be available for purchase.
@stuartgeddit
Louise Rea (Loading Bay)
Sunday only - Louise Rea will be showing playful abstract compositions through a range of approaches from prints, paintings to sculptural building blocks. Smaller works will be for sale, including paintings and limited edition riso prints from collab with Foundation Press. Louise will be available to discuss work and will be joined by Foundation Press collaborator Deborah Bower.
@louise_reaart
Britt Coxon (Loading Bay)
Saturday and Sunday - Britt Coxon's work explores communication and storytelling, mental health, self-empowerment, local and personal histories, community and collaboration. Finding and telling unique stories through illustration, graphic design, paper-craft and photography. Britt is a member of the Paper Jam Comics Collective (a community of Newcastle based comic creators), contributing to over 15 anthologies, alongside publishing their own zines. They are currently creating zines about nature, science, local stories and quiet daily moments. Britt will have art prints, zines and comics for sale and will show you how to make a mini folded zine.
mastodon.art/@brittcoxon
britthub.co.uk
@brittcoxon
Susan Thompson (Loading Bay)
Saturday and Sunday - Susan is a painter currently working on a series of small works on paper also large and small oil paintings on canvas. Susan's work explores the poetic and ineffable in everyday life.
@susan3261thompson
Heritage, History and Her / Molly Wyatt (Loading Bay)
Sunday only - See Molly’s info under North Shields Library listing for Saturday
One Three One
131 Bedford Street, NE30 1EJ
Saturday and Sunday - Home to a diverse community of artists, makers, and creative businesses. Formerly a derelict heritage building in the heart of the Fish Quay. Meet creatives on various floors of the building.
@onethreeonespace
Accessibility: Steps throughout, no lift
Ronan Devlin (131)
Saturday and Sunday - Ronan Devlin is an artist, designer (and member of art group In Place) who works across print, digital media, public art and installation, creating artworks that combine graphic design, generative processes and storytelling. Visitors are invited to explore his studio, learn about current projects, and view a selection of limited-edition prints available to purchase. The work ranges from abstract visual compositions to place-based artworks developed through research and community engagement.
ronandevlin.studio
@ronandevlinstudio
Lily Senner (131)
Saturday and Sunday - Lily is a painter based in North Shields. She will be opening up her studio to the public as well as showing a few artworks which will be for sale.
lilysenner.com
@lilysenner_studio
Feral Hair Studio (131)
Saturday and Sunday (until 2pm) - Katy-Jay Rook is an independent hairdresser specialising in vivid, creative colour transformations. She offers personalised one-to-one appointments in a welcoming, inclusive space where every client feels comfortable, heard and able to express themselves. Come experience Feral Hair salon environment, learn more about the bespoke services provided, and see how Katy-Jay helps clients build confidence through bold, individual colour work.
@feral_hairstudio
Jungle Studio (131)
Saturday and Sunday - Geoff Sanderson is a creative mentor, art director, greeting card publisher and licensing agent with more than 40 years’ experience in the greetings industry, including senior roles with M&S/Tigerprint, Hallmark and Moonpig. Having recently returned to North Shields, Geoff established Jungle Studio with his daughters to champion emerging creative talent. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the studio’s work, browse discounted greeting cards and giftware, and learn more about opportunities within the greetings industry. Geoff is particularly keen to connect with local artists, designers, illustrators, writers, retailers and businesses interested in collaboration, licensing, commissions or developing new product ranges.
@wearejunglestudio
Amusing Originals (131)
Saturday and Sunday - Jools Coxon and Jane Smallcombe are founders of Amusing Originals, an independent creative studio, where art, photography and contemporary design come together. Inspired by the North East coastline, industrial heritage, architecture, and natural textures, the studio creates original works that explore pattern, symmetry, colour and form. Photography is central to the creative process, informing geometric, modular, and mixed-media artworks that blend visual storytelling with design. Committed to thoughtful craftsmanship and sustainable making, Amusing Originals produces contemporary pieces that spark curiosity, encourage engagement, and celebrate the connection between creativity, place, and the built and natural environment.
@amusingoriginals
Lyoness Press (131)
Saturday and Sunday - Printmaker and founder of Lyoness Press textile printing studio, Beth Farmer invites visitors to discover the artist behind the work. A selection of prints, drawings and printed textiles from both recent personal projects and professional commissions will be on display, offering an insight into the creative processes that connect fine art printmaking with commercial textile production. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore Beth’s latest work, learn about the techniques and materials involved, and discuss the ideas, inspirations and processes that underpin her creative practice.
lyonesspress.co.uk
@lyoness_press
Live Well with Cancer
Live Well Hub, 38 Nile Street, NE29 0BB
Saturday only - Live Well with Cancer will be open to showcase how creativity can support wellbeing, confidence and connection for people affected by cancer. Visitors will be welcomed into the hub to learn more about the organisation’s work, view and purchase artwork created by members of the Fun with Acrylics group, and discover the positive role that creative activities can play in health and wellbeing. A relaxed and inclusive creative workshop will also be available for anyone affected by cancer, providing opportunities for self-expression, conversation and peer support through art. Come and meet members of the Live Well with Cancer community, enjoy inspiring artwork, and explore the transformative power of creativity in recovery and wellbeing.
livewellwithcancer.co.uk
@livewellwithcancer
Accessibility: Ground floor space and WC. Stairs to access open art area
Light House Art Space
Northumberland St, NE30 1DS
Saturday and Sunday - Light House Art Space is home to a range of artist studios located on a bustling Northumberland Street. Visitors are invited to meet several of the artists based at the studios, explore their creative spaces, and discover the range of work being produced.
Accessibility: Wheelchair access, no accessible WC
Keith Barrett (Lighthouse)
Saturday and Sunday - An opportunity to meet the artist Keith Barrett see the workshop and view some of his work including the original pattern for the Mary Ann Macham bronze.
@keith.barrett_sculpture
@eastcoastcarvingclub
keithbarrett.co.uk
Many Moons (Lighthouse)
Saturday and Sunday - Meet Kiri Nicholetts, the maker and owner of Many Moons, see the studio with an optional opportunity to take part in a coaster making workshop. All Many Moons stock will be available to purchase on the day.
@manymoons.collection
manymoonscollection.etsy.com
Carrie Lang Ceramic Studio (Lighthouse)
Saturday and Sunday - Come explore the therapeutic, playful world of clay in Carrie Lang’s cosy ceramics studio, The Clay Lab, where she develops her own glazes and makes small-batch, bespoke pottery. Carrie regularly teaches one-to-one and couples’ wheel-throwing sessions. Drop in for a chat, watch wheel-throwing demonstrations, browse the sale shelf for a unique ceramic piece, or try making a small hand-built clay object. This summer, Carrie will also be running Clay Club hand-building sessions at Kiinship, a new collaborative workshop and treatment space on the Fish Quay.
carrielang.com
Iris Houghton (Lighthouse)
Saturday and Sunday - Iris Houghton is deeply aware and appreciative of the stunning countryside and coastal waters of the North East, the beauty of which inspires her unique fused glass artwork and paintings created in her North Shields studio.
artoftransparency.co.uk
@artoftransparency
Brian Ord (Lighthouse)
Saturday only - An opportunity to meet and talk with the artist Brian Ord.
ne-arts.co.uk
@veebee8000
Jon Andrews (JMarc) (Lighthouse)
Saturday and Sunday - Meet the artist Jon Andrews aka JMarc and learn more about his practice.
Salve Ceramics (Ellen Wood) and Alyson Donnelly Ceramics (Lighthouse)
Saturday and Sunday - Meet the artists Ellen and Alyson. An opportunity to see clay demonstrations as view their mixed media artworks.
The Jungle Record Press
3A3 Northumberland Street, NE30 1DS
Saturday only - The Jungle Record Press produces high-quality vinyl records for artists, labels, and collectors across the UK, Europe, and beyond. Combining time-honoured pressing techniques with state-of-the-art technology, the plant delivers exceptional sound and craftsmanship for everyone—from independent, self-releasing musicians to major record labels. Step inside this unique facility and discover the fascinating journey from audio master to beautifully pressed vinyl record.
thejunglerecordpress.com
@thejunglerecordpress
Accessibility: Ground floor access
Hastie Studios
24, Kettlewell Terrace, NE30 1BU
Saturday and Sunday - Artist Studio Spaces managed by Hastie Burton Joinery. Come meet the artists in the courtyard and inside Hastie Studios.
Accessibility: Courtyard accessible. Stairs to access building
Michael O’Grady / Tanners Darkroom (Hastie)
Saturday and Sunday - Michael O'Grady will be available to show visitors Tanners Darkroom and talk people through the printing and scanning process. He will also have prints for sale.
@ohgreyd
@tannersbankdarkroom
Helen Smith (Hastie)
Saturday and Sunday - Meet the artist Helen Smith and watch printmaking demonstrations in her studio.
helensmith.co.uk
Laura Lawson (Hastie)
Saturday and Sunday - Laura Lawson is a contemporary landscape and seascape painter. Working primarily in oil, she has spent more than two decades developing a distinctive practice centred on landscape, memory and atmosphere. Inspired by the elemental forces of the northern coastline and informed by the Romantic traditions, Lawson creates evocative paintings that explore themes of time, loss, and the sublime, revealing landscapes that exist between observation, memory and imagination.
Come see her working behind the scenes on new unseen works in her studio.
lauralawson.co.uk
@lauralawsonart
Cate Watkinson (Hastie)
Saturday and Sunday - Meet the artist and watch a live demonstration of traditional stained glass making. There will be a display of stained glass work available for purchase and an opportunity for people to see what is involved in the traditional art of making a stained glass window. Visitors will be warmly invited to ask questions and discover what is involved in the commissioning process.
watkinsonglass.com
@catewatkinson
Helen Pailing (Hastie)
Saturday and Sunday - Helen Pailing creates sculptural objects and installations using found and salvaged materials. Meet the artist and explore a showcase of her latest collection of illuminated sculptures. Discover the inspiration behind her creative process and experience these unique works up close.
helenpailing.com
@helenpailing
Peter Curran (Hastie)
Saturday only - An opportunity to meet the artist Peter Curran, to discuss work and practice, negotiate sales and demonstrate some of the processes involved in the making.
The Old Low Light
Clifford’s Fort, Fish Quay, NE30 1JE
Saturday only until 3pm - Heritage centre, community space, café and shop in the Fish Quay, celebrating and educating visitors about local history, heritage, art, natural environment and wellbeing.
Café: Art by independent local artists.
Shop: books by local authors, prints, cards and gifts by local artists and makers.
1st Floor: exhibition North Shields – 800 years in the making.
2nd Floor: Community space, used for events, pop up and third-party exhibitions, and private hire.
oldlowlight.co.uk
@oldlowlight
Accessibility: No step entrance. Accessible WC. Lift to all floors
Flow
(Outside) Old Low Light Heritage Centre, Clifford’s Fort, NE30 1JE
Saturday, 12-2pm (the sculptures will be there Saturday and Sunday) - Flow is a community interest company facilitating creative, collaborative and purposeful activities for neurodiverse adults. There will be a display in the ‘Boy James’ boat restored by the retired fishermen of sculptures and small pieces of art for sale. Come down and celebrate the young people’s amazing achievements! If the weather isn’t kind on the day the sculptures will still be in the boat ‘riding the storm’ and Flow will be inside The Heritage Centre.
@flow_ne_cic_
Accessibility: Fully accessible
Kiinship
Unit 6, 41 Clifford St, NE30 1JA
Saturday and Sunday - Kiinship is a creative workshop, wellbeing and therapy space on the Fish Quay. We offer slow practices that bring you back to connection with yourself, others and nature. During Open Quay there will be chance to try some of the workshops on offer at Kiinship such as somatic movement, drawing, sound journey and tea ceremony. A chance to see the space and find out about our other sessions including journaling, clay hand building, sound and creative workshops with guest artists.
kiinship.space
@kiinshipspace
@sjaan_movingarts
Accessibility: Stairs to access
North Shields Library
Northumberland Square, NE30 1QU
Saturday only - Hosting artists and organisations as part of Open Quay. North Shields Community Hub and Library offers a social space to meet up, study, make new friends or research your family history. We have events for all ages, free access to wi-fi and computers, rooms to hire and a treasure trove of local history resources, not to mention a huge selection of books to borrow.
Accessibility: Fully Accessible
Linskill Shed (Library)
Saturday only -Come and meet the Shedders and support their work by buying some handcrafted items or making a donation-every little helps!
linskill.org/community-programme/#the-shed
Cullercoats self-help Basketry Group (Library)
Saturday only - Part of the Northumbria Basketry Group, this group meets regularly at the Scout Headquarters on Norfolk Street. Members weave together using predominantly locally grown willow, while also exploring a variety of soft fibre techniques. As part of Open Quay, the group will showcase a display of their handcrafted work, with selected pieces available to purchase. Visitors can also watch live weaving demonstrations and take part in hands-on have-a-go sessions.
northumbriabasketrygroup.co.uk
Heritage, History and Her / Molly Wyatt (Library)
Saturday only - Join Molly Wyatt for an engaging drop-in workshop exploring how history connects to people's lives and experiences today. Challenging traditional narratives, Molly's work highlights stories that are often underrepresented, including those of neurodiverse people, LGBTQ+ communities, working-class people, and ethnic minorities. Visitors are invited to create their own artistic response, try a traditional heritage skill, and discover fascinating stories from the past in an accessible and interactive way. Throughout the day, Molly will be on hand to chat about visitors' interests and explore how history can be brought to life through living history, theatrical development, interpretation, and creative content.
heritagehistoryher.co.uk/find-me/
@heritage_history_her
North Tyneside Art Studio (Library)
Saturday only - North Tyneside Art Studio (NTAS) is a creative health charity that supports people across North Tyneside to use art and creativity as therapeutic tools to improve their mental health and wellbeing. The artwork on display has been created by the charity's Referral Studio Members and Community Hub participants, showcasing the creativity, talent, and personal journeys of those involved.
northtynesideartstudio.org.uk
Catherine Selby (Library)
Saturday only - Catherine has long been fascinated by glass and its unique properties. She discovered fused glass several years ago and has been exploring its many creative possibilities ever since. Her handcrafted fused glass work includes pictures, dishes, votives, and jewellery. Much of her work is created at the National Glass Centre before being finished in her home studio.
@remarkable.makeables
Michael Dennison (Library)
Saturday only - Michael Dennison will be exhibiting a selection of original medium-sized acrylic paintings on canvas. The collection includes local landscapes and seascapes, with all paintings on display available to purchase. Michael will be on site, allowing visitors to meet the artist and learn more about his work.
Craft-A-Rella (Library)
Saturday only - Craftarella is a friendly, welcoming, creative space for both adults and children, where you can learn to sew, pattern make, crochet, create and upcycle in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already love crafting, there’s something for everyone. For Open Quay, meet Barbara from Craftarella, learn more about the workshops and classes, and have a go at some crafting.
@craft_a_rella
Emma Pace
22 Yeoman St, NE29 6NL
Saturday and Sunday - After 30 years in the North East and a career in arts management, Emma Pace followed her creative calling by swapping the office for the studio six years ago. What began as local experimentation has grown into an international creative practice, with her work now enjoyed by customers in more than 15 countries. Known for her giant paper flowers, recently exhibited at Tynemouth Bridge, Emma is now taking commissions worldwide. As part of Open Quay, visitors are invited to meet the artist, gain an insight into her creative process, and experience her latest floral sculptures up close.
pacecraftcreations.etsy.com
@pacecraftcreations
Accessibility: Access up two stairs
North Tyneside Business Centre (Foyer)
Saville Street, NE30 1NT
Sunday only
Accessibility: Ground floor
Motherfolk North Tyneside / Lily Howes (Foyer)
Sunday only - MotherFolk exists to make mothers the main character and uses writing and community to support the early transition into motherhood. MotherFolk is transforming its signature writing circles into a fully interactive installation for Open Quay. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the judgement-free stillness of the circles, where mothers are seen, heard, and held. They can co-create by picking up a pen and responding to reflective wall writing prompts, or share solidarity by pinning a handwritten note of support for mothers to the community string, contributing to an intimate web of connection and belonging. Visitors are encouraged to write, connect, and explore.
motherfolk.org.uk
@motherfolk_northtyneside
Rachael Dee Brien (Foyer)
Sunday only - Rachael Dee Brien creates abstract, geometric work across a range of media using a distinctive colour palette. Her practice explores patterns in both materials and human behaviour, with a particular focus on motherhood and the significant transition into parenthood. Rachael will host Parentphernalia, a drop-in play session for children and their grown-ups (no drop offs). Using everyday household kid-related items such as Play-Doh pots and lids, empty Kinder eggs, and Calpol syringes, participants will be encouraged to invent new games, create patterns, and explore imaginative ways to play. Drawing materials will also be available for mark-making and pattern creation, and visitors are invited to contribute suitable items to the collection. Rachael will also display her Newborn Parents quilt.
rachaeldeebrienart.co.uk
Bus Stop Galley
North Shields Transport Hub, Railway Terrace, NE29 6RS
Saturday and Sunday
@nshieldsbusstopgallery
Louise Thompson (Bus Stop Gallery)
Saturday and Sunday - Louise's work is inspired by the local coastline, landscapes, and people of the region. Working in oils, watercolour, and line-and-wash techniques, she explores familiar local scenes through colour, light and atmosphere. Her work ranges from expressive contemporary studies to more traditional depictions of beaches, maritime buildings, and coastal communities. Through her paintings, Louise aims to capture both the character of the landscape and the emotional connection people feel to the coast.
@lou_thompson_artwork
The Glasshouse
5b Albion Road, NE30 2RJ
The GlassHouse was established by Derek Halliday, a leading Stained Glass Designer with over 30 years experience in the glazing industry. Come see the workshop.
glasshousestudio.co.uk
@glasshousetgh
Globe Gallery
97 Howard Street, NE30 1NA
Saturday and Sunday - Founded in 1994, Globe Gallery has been a cornerstone of the North East's cultural scene, championing accessible contemporary art and community engagement. Following an extensive renovation, the gallery has returned to its original home at 97 Howard Street. For Open Quay, visitors can explore Mourning Tea Tyne and Lost Frequencies by Christoph and Sebastian Mügge - a multimedia installation combining film, sound, found objects, and local stories to reflect on themes of death, loss, grief, and collective memory. Globe Gallery continues to create inclusive spaces where art inspires conversation, creativity, and social connection.
globegallery.org
theglobegallery
Former Colonel Linskill Pub – Window spaces
25 Charlotte St, NE30 1BP
Saturday and Sunday - Pop up exhibition, showing various works from Open Quay artists including Rachael Dee Brien and an installation by Louise Rea.
Accessibility: Street level viewing
Helix Arts
54a Saville Street, NE30 1NT
Saturday 11 - 3pm. The programme will run throughout the day with one key event 12noon – 1pm is the Meet the Architect Q & A. George King is the architect on the People’s Tree – Sycamore Gap. Due to limited room in the space, this part of the day is bookable (link on Helix website) for both in-person attendance and online.
Highlights planned for the event include:
Get up close to the legendary Sycamore Gap wood – a hands‑on moment with a landmark loved across the country and chat to the producer and architect making this possible with communities. Leave your story and memory too!
Drop in and try out printmaking- how can arts and creativity help wellbeing?
Try it out and take your own print away in our Better Connect workshop. Artist Emma Sheridan will show you how to mono print and create a unique piece of art to take home.
Plus much more including:
Explore our archive, handle the objects and deep dive into our history across the decades
Browse our exhibition outdoors and indoors celebrating some of our project work
Chat with our producers to learn more about what’s coming up across all programmes, artists, communities, schools work and more.
Come for a brew, enjoy our exhibition and even take time to soak up some laid back viewing of our films
@helixartsne @helixarts
Accessibility: Lift, accessible WC. Full access statement via Helix website
