Creative York

This October, there are plenty of opportunities to explore creative writing at Creative York!

The Writer’s Eye Literary Competition invites adults, college students, and students in grades 4–12 to visit the galleries, find a work of art that inspires them, and respond with an original poem or short story. The exhibitions are on view through November 7, so now is the perfect time to explore the artwork and find the piece that speaks to you. Submissions due December 23, 2026.

This year, find your inspiration in two exhibitions currently on view:
• Donna Sylvester: Embodied | A Retrospective
• Jessica Jane Julius: Being Wrong

Learn more about Writer’s Eye, submission guidelines, and how to enter: https://creativeyork.org/programs/the-writers-eye-literary-competition/

Saturday, October 10 | Poetry Brew
Join us for an evening of poetry featuring Analysis and Daniel Dror, followed by an open mic. Doors open at 5:30pm with poetry beginning at 6pm.

Sunday, October 18, 2–4pm | Woven Within
Join York Poet Laureate Heath James Hardin for a creative writing workshop exploring the connection between art and the written word.

Excited to share a look back at Art in Residence: Studies & Sketches!

The evening brought together artists, collectors, friends, and supporters of Creative York to celebrate not only finished works of art, but the ideas, experiments, and creative process behind them.
Guests explored artwork from private collections, flipped through artists’ journals, discovered original studies and sketches, and watched four artists create finished paintings in just 20 minutes. We were also honored to celebrate Rob Evans and his incredible contributions to the arts.

Most importantly, Art in Residence is Creative York’s main annual fundraiser. Thank you to everyone who attended, purchased artwork, bid, donated, sponsored, volunteered, and helped make the evening possible. Your support helps make the arts accessible throughout our community and creates opportunities for artists.
Enjoy a few of our favorite moments from this year’s Art in Residence!

Photography credit to: Gretchen Nevin & Amanda Brimfield

View the full album and purchase prints here: https://pixies.et/yXfpiiME

October is filled with hands-on activities for young artists!

Whether they’re making art alongside a grown-up, trying pottery, building their own books, or developing their drawing skills, there’s something for artists at every age.

• Arts Together: Pete the Cat: Trick or Pete | Ages 3–6 + Adult
• Kids Art Crew: Book Making | Ages 6–10
• Youth Art: Pinch Pot Pumpkins | Ages 6–11
• Sketch Club: Leveling Up Line Art | Ages 11–14

Make something, try something new, and spend some time creating with us this October.

Register at https://creativeyork.org/classes-camps/children-family-classes/

Join us this First Friday at Creative York!

There’s plenty to see and do while you’re here:
• Experience Donna Sylvester: Embodied | A Retrospective in the Kerlin Gallery
• Step into Jessica Jane Julius: Being Wrong in The Art Lab
• Pick up a Writer’s Eye brochure and learn how these exhibitions can inspire your own poem or short story
• Make a night of it! There are still a few spots available for Date Night Pottery

Spend your First Friday with art, inspiration, and maybe a little clay at Creative York!

Sign up for Date Night Pottery at https://creativeyork.org/event/date-night-pottery-10-2-26/

Join us at Collusion Tap Works on Wednesday, October 7 for Art Battle York-Lancaster!

Creative York is proud to support Featured Artist Brett Greiman, as he paints for the duration of the event. A selection of artwork created at previous Art Battles will also be available for purchase, with proceeds from each sale supporting both the artist and Creative York.

Watch 12 artists transform blank canvases into finished works in just 20 minutes, vote for your favorites and bid on the newly created paintings during the live auction.

Wednesday | October 7th | Doors open at 6:30 PM

NOTE: New Location
Collusion Tap Works | 105 S Howard St, York, PA 17401

Tickets: https://artbattle.com/events/AB4135

This month, we celebrated the opening of two extraordinary installations at Creative York:
Donna Sylvester: Embodied | A Retrospective in the Kerlin Gallery &
Jessica Jane Julius: Being Wrong in The Art Lab

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a wonderful evening celebrating the artists and their work.

These exhibitions also mark the beginning of this year’s Writer’s Eye Literary Competition. Students in grades 4–12, college students, and adults are invited to visit the galleries, choose a work that inspires them, and respond through poetry or prose. Submissions are open through December 23.

Both installations remain on display through November 7, giving you plenty of time to visit, explore, and find your own inspiration.

Learn more about Writer’s Eye: https://creativeyork.org/programs/the-writers-eye-literary-competition/

Donna Sylvester

Photo credit: Gretchen Nevin

Looking for a creative way to spend your Friday night?

Join us for Paint Like: O’Keeffe and explore the bold shapes, colors, and landscapes that made Georgia O’Keeffe’s work so recognizable. Take inspiration from her style while creating a painting of your own.

No painting experience needed. Just come ready to create!

Friday, October 2 | 6–8pm
Ages 15+

Register at creativeyork.org

Tonight is Art in Residence | Studies & Sketches!

Step inside the stories, ideas, and creative process behind the art. Explore works from private collections, get a closer look at artists’ journals, studies, and sketches, and watch four artists transform blank canvases into finished paintings in just 20 minutes.

Enjoy an elevated menu of hors d’oeuvres and small plates, complimentary b**r and non-alcoholic beverages, a full cash bar, live art making, auctions, and opportunities to take home original artwork.

And throughout the evening, discover more about the ideas, experiments, stories, and creative detours behind the art.

Tickets are $150 and will be available at the door.

Tonight, September 24 | 6–9 PM
Investment Real Estate LLC | 320 N. George St., York

Come for the art. Leave with a story.

Learn More at https://creativeyork.org/events/art-in-residence/

Art in Residence is tomorrow!

Join us and step inside the creative process. Explore artists’ journals, original studies and sketches, and rarely seen works from private collections.

Online ticket sales end tonight, but don’t worry, tickets will also be available at the door tomorrow evening.

Art in Residence | Studies & Sketches
Thursday, September 24 | 6–9 PM
Tickets: $150
creativeyork.org

Come for the art. Leave with a story.