Yes! Art 2026 Programme
More than 60 independent artists from across East London will fill Big Penny Social with an extraordinary range of locally created work.
Explore everything from huge abstract landscapes to detailed miniature oils. From illustration to ceramics. Photography to screenprints. Alongside work inspired by local landscapes, wildlife, memory, mythology and everyday life, you’ll find artists experimenting with all kinds of materials; from recycled objects and beach debris to even volcanic lava.
Stop. Look. Browse. Stay curious.
Throughout the day - Meet the artists
There will be plenty of artists to meet and talk to throughout the day, with demonstrations and opportunities to explore how they make their work, what inspires them and the ideas behind it. Discovering more about the art that draws you in can help you understand your own tastes and imagine how original artwork might transform the spaces you live and work in. Make connections with your creative neighbours, discover something unexpected and find out more about the visual and tactile creativity all around you.
Become part of the art yourself.
Throughout the day - Live Portrait Sittings
Sit for a live portrait and take home an original artwork made especially for you. Jason Hawkridge will be creating his distinctive A3 pencil portraits, while Sylvietta will be working live in mixed media to create fast, expressive portraits.
Pre-book a 15–30 minute time slot below to guarantee your spot.
No events at the moment
Listen, watch, learn something new.
Talks:
1.30pm - Spore Collective with Laura Villares House
Artist Laura Villares House introduces Spore Collective, her developing art-and-ecology project exploring what artists and other creatives can learn from fungi, mycelium, composting and collective ways of thinking.
What can the interconnected systems beneath our feet teach us about collaboration, creativity and alternative ways of working?
2.30pm - Meet Plentiful Artists and learn about ‘Finding the Artists Way’
Based on Julia Cameron's transformative book and workshop series, The Artist's Way.
3pm - Connections Through Coral with Paul Carr
Artist Paul Carr shares the process behind his coral screenprints and the close observation that informs his work.
Looking at the intricate structures and relationships found within coral, Paul explores how paying attention to the smaller details in nature might help us think about connection and our own place in the world.
A library. In a van. Full of zines.
Throughout the day - Mobile Zine Library
The Mobile Zine Library arrives in a specially kitted-out VW van and parks up inside Big Penny Social.
Packed with independently produced zines and publications by artists, musicians, filmmakers, writers and photographers, it’s a place to stop, sit, browse, read, chat, think, start your own…
Could the world be turning analogue again?
Throughout the day - Making, demonstrations and creative activities
Across the day there will be more opportunities to see artists working, discover the processes behind finished artworks and get involved yourself.
'Rip, stick, snip and play' with handmade collage kits, a workshop hosted by YOUYUU Studio. Cut, stick, mix things up, make something ridiculous. Follow an idea just because it makes you smile.
Live demonstrations all day with Emma Bond, Kirsten Schmidt, Amanda Whittle and Wyn Gilly.
Whether you already know exactly what kind of art you love or have no idea where to begin, come ready to look closely, ask questions, try something and go down a few sparky rabbit holes along the way.
Browse. Discover. Take something home.
And, of course, there will be plenty to buy. From small prints, cards, zines and handmade objects to original paintings, ceramics, photography and sculpture.
Buying directly from an artist means supporting the time, skill, ideas, experimentation and commitment behind their creative practice, while finding something original to bring into your own space. Buying locally also supports the creative ecology of the area.
Make connections with your creative neighbours, and discover more about the place you live at Yes! Art.
We can’t wait to welcome you.
Come curious. Leave inspired.