Art in the Dale began in 2022 with a group of Malhamdale-based artists coming together to exhibit their work in St Michael's church. They find inspiration in the light and landscape here, and have exhibited painting, etching, collage, feltwork, photography, stained glass, and wrought iron. Each year the children of Kirkby-in-Malhamdale primary school have also exhibited work, and there have been themed music and poetry events to accompany the art exhibition.
In 2024 the third Art in the Dale exhibition will take place from 20th to 23rd June, open 9am to 6pm each day, with a focus on the work of Bill Wild, blacksmith, watercolour artist, and wood carver in Malham for 40 years until his death in 1985. Annabelle Bradley (the current Malham blacksmith) will be giving a talk about his work on Saturday 22nd June at 4pm. We will also have a wide range of original artwork on display and for sale, including paintings in watercolour and oils, etchings, photography, stained glass pieces, sculpture, and wrought-iron work. Exhibiting artists confirmed so far are: Katharine Holmes, Bev Hicks (and her father Peter, and her daughter Phoebe), Stephen Waterhouse, Fiona Armer, Jane Midgley, Mark Pilkington, Cindy Metcalfe, Josh Morris, Judy Metcalfe, members of the Malham Art Group, and Annabelle Bradley. We will also have work by Kirkby Malham primary school on display. Admission to the exhibition and the talk is free, though we would very much appreciate donations to support our running costs, including the ongoing costs of maintaining this beautiful grade one listed church.