NEVER has it been more exciting to be an artist in York. There is so much going on. For starters, I was lucky enough to attend the opening of Bar Lane Studios, the social enterprise and brainchild of illustrator Ben Clowes. I was blown away; finally someone has opened a facility York has been crying out for.

The studios boast a large gallery exhibition space, artists’ studios, paint workshop, digital media suite, art courses and workshops and a café. The paintings on display in the main gallery area by former Stone Roses guitarist and songwriter John Squire were not really my cup of tea. Although I can understand the need for a big name to draw in the crowds, Squire’s paintings reminded me of scaffolding and were very expensive.

Together with the security on the door and the strict guest list, the private view left a “taste of London” in my mouth, not quite fitting for York.

However, once the project gets into swing, I’m sure it will become a haven for artists. Visit barlanestudios.com for more information.

Bar Lane Studios also will be working with The New School House, another relatively new gallery space, run by owners Robert Teed and Paula Jackson.

The Peasholme Green gallery is airy and fresh and ceramics are usually prevalent. The current exhibition, Reclaim, includes intricate origami by Yasuyo Cooper and beautiful sea glass jewellery by Gina Cowen. It ends tomorrow, and the next exhibition will be Navigation, Journeys In Reality And The Imagination, from May 27 to July 10, followed by 53 Degrees North (July 17 to 31).

After that, Robert and Paula will be working alongside Ben at Bar Lane Studios to provide space for an open exhibition in York.

Finally, I must mention ArtEstee, the gallery and cafe on Goodramgate where my beloved Artfulness used to be. Estee Roberts took over the lease in March and her gallery has got off to a great start.

The space has been revamped and the café is now beautifully lit and plush. Paintings are selling at a good rate as Estee continues to support local favourites such as Magdalena Brieger, Neil McBride, Malcolm Ludvigsen and myself, as well as giving exhibiting and selling opportunities to new artists, including her own creations. Estee is doing a fantastic job, so please support her by going for a coffee once in a while. Contact Estee at esteeroberts@hotmail.co.uk for more information. Meanwhile, I’m busy continuing with Artfulness online at artfulness.co.uk and cramming in as much painting as I can before the arrival of my first baby next month. All being well, I shall be back in the autumn for the next art news round-up.