The Yorkshire Sculpture Park is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year with A Weekend of Wonderful Things 14–16 July 2017. Events include rare dawn until dusk views where visitors can encounter everything that is wonderful about YSP with a range of special events and experiences. Enjoy art from all angles with space to breathe in the Park’s stunning 500-acre landscape, complemented by delicious food and drink. Artists on display include Phyllida Barlow, Britain’s official artist at the Venice Biennale, Tony Cragg, Ai Weiwei, Zak Ové and Jaume Plensa.
The Weekend of Wonderful Things is a great opportunity to see some of YSP’s exhibitions out of hours
Beginning with the peace and tranquillity of a summer morning at YSP, watch the Sunrise in the Skyspace, take part in an energising Early-Morning Yoga session, or embark on an empowering Barefoot Walking Tour. Further, enhance your wellbeing with Acroyoga in the Chapel and Sound Bath Mediation in the Skyspace.
The festivities continue in YSP’s colourful Caribbean Carnival. Taking place amidst 80 identical sculptures which explore African identity by British-Trinidadian artist Zak Ové, the Carnival includes a parade, performances, steel pan music and tasty food.
Visitors can also join an Architectural Parade with artist Emily Speed; delight in the playful Hidden Forest for little ones; interact with sonic sound sculptures, Theramin Bollards; take part in a Woodland Torchwalk; or follow signs to the Secret Silent Disco.
The Weekend of Wonderful Things is a great opportunity to see some of YSP’s exhibitions out of hours. Be among the first to see Occasional Geometries: Rana Begum Curates the Arts Council Collection, in Longside Gallery; experience mind-boggling sculptures made from dice, glass, stainless steel and bronze in Tony Cragg: A Rare Category of Objects, in the Underground Gallery, Garden Gallery and open air; and take a look at Alice Pattullo’s superstition and folklore-inspired prints in Of House and Home, in YSP Centre.
The weekend is also a fantastic chance to discover an exciting display of new work in the open air by leading international artists, also part of the anniversary celebrations. New installations include Ai Weiwei’s dramatic group of 12 bronze Zodiac Heads and a beautiful new seven-metre-high cast iron head by Jaume Plensa which overlooks the lake.
Top Image: Phyllida Barlow Untitled:triplestackboulders, 2014 Courtesy Yorkshire Sculpture Park Photo © Jonty Wilde