Date: 3 February 2026

Enjoy York Art Gallery this Half-Term with workshops and crafting activities for the whole family. 

Saturday 14 February – Sunday 22 February 2026 

This February Half-Term, celebrate creativity and craftsmanship at York Art Gallery and explore the incredible collection spanning 600 years. Wander through stunning exhibitions such as Harold Gosney: Materials and Making and discover amazing art in the heart of the city. 

Gosney’s wonderful exhibition features a lifetime of drawings and sculpture where horses are a main theme in his work. Gosney’s art serves as inspiration for all activities at York Art Gallery throughout the February break. Get hands-on and make beautiful 2D drawings and 3D horse sculptures in artist-led Creative Families sessions on Sunday 15 and Thursday 19 February. As February celebrations mark the Year of the Horse in the Lunar New Year calendar, it’s a timely opportunity to explore creativity, movement and form through this powerful animal. On Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February, have a go at self-led creative activities, in the Open Studio throughout the day. Younger visitors can go on a Wicked Wednesday adventure on Wednesday 18 February with Story Craft Theatre, an interactive storytelling experience for ages 2-8 years. 

Those with an interest in the creative processes behind the Harold Gosney exhibition can enjoy an insightful talk from the artist himself. From Sketch to Sculpture with Harold Gosney will take place from 12 noon on Friday 20 February 2026. Gosney will share stories from his 65-year career creating mixed-media works, sharing the importance of drawing to his artistic practice and the influence of horses and music on his sculpture. This talk covers a wide range of topics and will be followed by a rare Q&A opportunity. 

During your visit, make sure to explore the Burton Gallery, showcasing some of the most significant works in York Art Gallery’s collection. Take a moment to relax here, enjoying the sofas, sensory play, or books, reflect and take in the art that surrounds you. Treat yourself in Sketch Café downstairs with delicious snacks and refreshments available Wednesday-Sunday. 

From painting to ceramics and drawing to sculpture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at York Art Gallery. The Centre of Ceramic Art displays an incredible range of pots, sculptures and everything in between, in the Wall of Women, amazing Anthony Shaw Collection and Not a Pot exhibitions. Discover amazing interactives including the Not a Pot dressing up area, where you can become a part of the collection, and the handling collection allowing a close-up look at the artwork. 

All activities, workshops and talks for February Half-Term are included in general admission, except Wicked Wednesday, which is an additional charge. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the admissions desk on the day. 

Full details of the February Half-Term programme can be found on the York Art Gallery’s website. 

Don’t miss upcoming brand-new exhibition Making Waves: The Art of Japanese Woodblock Print, opening 27 February 2026. General admission tickets are on sale now, book now to see incredible Japanese art including Katsushika Hokusai’s ‘The Great Wave’ generously on loan from Maidstone Museum. An exciting programme of events have also been announced, such as Ikebana flower arranging and traditional bookbinding workshops. Further details and tickets for these Making Waves workshops will be coming shortly, check the website soon for more information and to book your place – they’re sure to be a sell-out.