4 brilliant things to do this July

Make your own Japanese-style ceramics, enjoy stunning concerts across Yorkshire, and see a fresh musical take on the tale of Dorian Gray

Image: © Pexels/Photo by Anna Shvets

Make your own ceramic sushi set at Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village

This imaginative workshop coincides with the Watts Gallery – Artists’ Village’s current exhibition Edo Pop: Japanese Prints 1825–1895. With the guidance of ceramicist Luisa Cacciotti, you can craft your own sushi set consisting of a plate, soy sauce bowl and chopstick rests. Learn about the aesthetics of the Japanese Edo period, including coloured slip and distinct patterns, before incorporating them into your own designs.

The workshop runs 11 July, 10.30am–12.30pm or 1.30–3.30pm at Foyle Pottery Studio; £38 per person standard, £34.20 for members. Find out more at wattsgallery.org.uk

Listen in to artists in conversation

A new podcast produced by TANK magazine brings together a collection of conversations with artists, instigated by James Lingwood and Michael Morris. The pair are former co-directors of Artangel, the charity known for mounting ambitious contemporary art projects in unusual places. Hear them speak with great artistic minds including Jeremy Deller, Rachel Whiteread, Yto Barrada and Laurie Anderson.

Here is Where We Meet is available on all major podcasting platforms

Pianist Angela Hewitt. Photo: Lorenzo Dogana

Enjoy great concerts throughout North Yorkshire

Experience exceptional musical performances in incredible locations across North Yorkshire with the Ryedale Festival. This year’s highlights include a choral concert by Tenebrae at Ampleforth Abbey; a candlelit concert from the festival’s ‘young artist’ Jack Gonzalez-Harding at St Michael’s Church, Malton; and an astonishing ‘triple concert’ that takes place in three locations throughout Castle Howard. For those unable to visit in person, highlights from the festival will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3.

Various locations and prices, 12–28 July; find out more at ryedalefestival.com

See Dorian Gray like never before

Southwark Playhouse is bringing a new piece of musical theatre to the stage, telling the story of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray in truly contemporary terms. This modern reimagining by Ruby in the Dust Theatre first took place at London’s Café Royal, in the same room where Wilde staged his own readings, and presents the titular character as an aspiring young rock star.

Dorian: The Musical is at Southwark Playhouse Borough, 4 July–10 August; tickets £28 standard, £24 concessions; find out more at southwarkplayhouse.co.uk

Find out more

For more inspiring arts activities see The Arts Society Magazine, available exclusively to members and supporters of The Arts Society (to join see theartssociety.org/member-benefits)