A POPULAR venue in York city centre is hosting an exhibition this weekend (August 31 and September 1) showcasing artworks from local competition winners.

Community venue Spark:York in Piccadilly is behind a bid to reimagine the venue as an eco-friendly haven. They held art competition, with participants asked to paint, draw or craft a sustainable, green paradise in the heart of York.

And now from 12 noon-10pm both days this weekend the upstairs show space is being turned into a pop-up gallery. Entry is free and organisers say the exhibition builds on the success of last year's competition held at Spark, where participants imagined York in 100 years and created a time capsule for the people of York in 2050, aligning with the UK’s net-zero target.

The time capsule is currently stored at the University of York’s Borthwick Institute and is officially registered with the Time Capsule Society in Atlanta.

In the end 16 local artists entered, showcasing a diverse range of concepts - from lush green spaces teeming with wildlife to socially-minded community areas and cutting-edge eco-tech solutions.

Various mediums will be showcased including watercolour, acrylics, lino print, digital art, and mixed-media collages using natural and recycled materials.

Submissions were made in two age categories: under 15 and 15+, highlighting collaborative efforts between parents and children, as well as contributions from artists across the region, including Leeds and Tadcaster.

The entries were carefully evaluated by an expert panel composed of Spark's resident artists, including Leon François Dumont, Jessica Mallorie, and Kat Olsson.

Spark:York in PiccadillySpark:York in Piccadilly (Image: Supplied)

Leon said: “The judging panel were thrilled to see such imaginative entries. The artworks ranged from full street plans for a greener city, to abstract shapes and colours representing the moods and sensations residents might experience in a  future Piccadilly, interconnected with nature. We're excited for York to see them all exhibited together, to start conversations on a green makeover for the city.”

For more information, please visit https://www.sparkyork.org/events/art-exhibition.