This summer, I’m showing my paintings in three exhibitions.
I have a new solo show Always Watching at North Bar; a duo pop-up exhibition Swamp Meat at Hollybush Conservation Centre, (with my friend the ceramicist Poppy Davis), and the third is group exhibition Vol. 7 by Auto Amor at Birley Studios in Preston.
Swamp Meat
Popping up at the Hollybush Conservation Centre in Leeds, as part of Kirkstall Art Trail, Swamp Meat is an exhibition of paintings by Helen Dryden and ceramic art by Poppy Davis (aka Clod Studio), inspired by alien landscapes and mutated biomorphic forms.
Kirkstall Art Trail happens over the weekend of Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th July 2026, and features exhibitions, stalls, workshops, activities, craft, art, poetry, fashion, dance – everything creative you can think of. You can find us at Venue 22C on the map, from 11-5 both days.
Always Watching
Always Watching is a solo exhibition of paintings by Helen Dryden at North Bar in Leeds, from 26th July to 30th September 2026. Exploring psychedelic and alien-like landscapes, some paintings feature figures emerging from the natural environment, and other paintings are abstract. The work invites you to look beyond what is obvious and to have an enquiring mind.
The exhibition comprises 17 paintings, and all work is for sale. North Bar is a Leeds institution, serving craft beer and cocktails and supporting artists since 1997.
Auto Amor Vol. 7
Launching on 27th June 2026, the PV is 4 – 6pm. Vol. 7 of Auto Amor’s group exhibitions is at Birley Studios in Preston, Lancashire. Guest curated by Jayne Simpson, each artwork has been created on an identical board.
I’ve not got any info yet about how long this exhibition is on for, but as it’s a pop-up, probably not long! (Keep an eye on my Instagram for more info about this and the other exhibitions, as I update it regularly).
I hope you can make it to some or one of these – I will be posting here next with details of the OPENING PARTY for my solo exhibition Always Watching at North Bar soon! Save the date – it will be on Sunday 26th July.
Helen Dryden 