Summer Holidays at The Hepworth Wakefield

Maja Lorkowska, Exhibitions Editor

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Summer Holidays at The Hepworth Wakefield

26 July-1 September 2024

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Summer Holidays at The Hepworth Wakefield
Image courtesy of JMA Photography.
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Let your imagination run wild at The Hepworth Wakefield this summer, with a whole season of activities to explore, dream and play with!

The galleries and garden are open to all, every day, inviting families to join in the creative fun. 

Family Workshops are taking place every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. There will be a chance to try different kinds of techniques, all inspired by the artworks on display in the galleries. For example, Flowers and Feasts invites older children to try their hand at drawing flowers and food inspired by the subjects of the Still Lives exhibition. Younger visitors can create compositions with items in the sensory play area. In Dream Clouds you can make your very own wire and bead sculptures inspired by the works of Igshaan Adams in the exhibition Weerhoud.

Image courtesy of JMA Photography

Explore and Draw kits are available at the welcome desk and include activity cards to encourage visitors to look closely at the artwork on display. Stop by the Explore and Draw Station too, to borrow looking tools and other objects for a more sensory experience, with different items and materials available to feel and play around with. The station is suitable for all ages so adults can take part too!

The Art Pod is where you can join in sessions linked to the exhibitions – look around the shows to take it all in and return to the Art Pod to create new works inspired by the artwork you’ve seen. A member of the learning team will be present to offer a choice of fun activities.

Image courtesy of JMA Photography

On Friday afternoons in the summer holidays, there’s an exciting opportunity to participate in the preparation of the upcoming exhibition Forbidden Territories: 100 Years of Surreal Landscapes. The You Choose! Surreal Landscapes Family Project involves a weekly investigation of a different theme where you and your family will have the rare chance to see artworks from The Hepworth Wakefield’s art stores. You can then help to choose paintings for other families to enjoy in the exhibition this autumn.

If you’d rather stay outside and enjoy the weather, you can visit the garden (you don’t need to book, just turn up) and grab a free What’s in the garden? sketchbook. Use the activities inside to draw and explore the grounds while looking out for the birds, plants and other creatures that live in the garden.

There’s something for everyone this summer at The Hepworth Wakefield, so don’t be shy and join the fun!

What's on at The Hepworth Wakefield

Where to go near Summer Holidays at The Hepworth Wakefield

Wakefield
Restaurant
Hi Sushi

Hi Sushi is a new Japanese sushi restaurant, located at the site of the former Hokkaido Teppanyaki restaurant.

Wakefield
Theatre
Stride Theatre

Stride Theatre is a diversity and SEN focused theatre company at the heart of the Wakefield community, looking to ‘bring people together’ and ‘allow individuals to flourish’.

Wakefield
Shop
Wakefield Antiques

Wakefield Antiques, The Ridings is the hot-spot space for locals of Wakefield to deal, create and collect products, craft and heirlooms.

Wakefield
Bar or Pub
Now Serving

In the heart of Wakefield this basement bar, ‘high end, low brow’ by their own description, remains a popular watering hole.

Neon Workshops
Wakefield
Neon Workshops

One of Wakefield’s coolest companies, book a workshop, visit a temporary exhibition or browse Neon Workshops’ online shop.

Merlins of Wakefield
Wakefield
Shop
Merlins of Wakefield

Merlins of Wakefield is a magic shop offering both products and informed advice to beginner and experienced magicians.

Wakefield
Event venue
Venue 23

Venue 23 is an independently run live music venue in Wakefield, which plays host to both local and international talent.

Holmfield Arms
Wakefield
Hotel
Holmfield Arms

A popular lodge-style hotel set in picturesque parkland with its own restaurant, close to Wakefield city centre.

The Hop Wakefield
Wakefield
Music venue
The Hop Wakefield

With over 50 years brewing experience and over 35 years knowledge of the music industry, The Hop Wakefield offers traditional ale plus contemporary music.

Frank Bird
Wakefield
Shop
Frank Bird

With an elegant facade and a reputation for excellent customer service, Frank Bird offers premium menswear collections from around the world.

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