With the crazy pace of events in the country, and tens of thousands evacuated from their homes in the recent wave of missile attacks from Iran, we almost forgot that not long ago it was the residents of the Galilee who were being evacuated. And now, as they return to full activity, the meaningful events that became tradition are also returning — including the JulyArt Festival, organized by the Western Galilee Time Association, taking place throughout the month of July for the eighth consecutive year.
The festival shines a spotlight on Galilee artists and their creations, featuring new exhibitions, a variety of creative workshops, plays and concerts, family-friendly activities, special meals, and many other events.
JulyArt’s flagship event is the “Open Gallery Saturday”, which will take place this year on July 12, under the theme “The Craft of Time – Creation Between Past and Future.” Artists from the Western Galilee, accompanied by curator Asia Dublin, will open their homes and galleries to the public. Admission is free (with advance registration). Ten artists and galleries will participate, allowing visitors to explore a wide variety of local art in one day, with short driving distances between locations. The galleries will host artist talks, demonstrations, guided tours, and more.
We visited several of the locations participating in JulyArt:
Tin Time Studio in Gilon
When you live in Gilon, it seems inevitable to be close to the topic of recycling — at least that's what artist Paula Raykin discovered. In the Western Galilee town where she has lived for 17 years, there are no trash bins, only two recycling centers. From this, her artistic engagement with recycling emerged — partly out of necessity.
She began by transforming tin cans into various household items, such as lamps and clocks. Her work expanded, and every can — from tiny tomato paste tins to giant restaurant-sized ones — has become, in Paula’s hands, a piece of art. At her home studio, Tin Time, she conducts various workshops that show people how anything can become art.
During the “Open Gallery Saturday” event, she will speak about her creative process, how she collects materials, and reveal how to find beauty in aging and perishable objects — and why aging doesn't necessarily mean decay, but rather renewal.
Open Gallery Saturday at Tin Time Studio, Gilon, July 12.
Phone: 072-3971600.
Coffee and Organ Workshop in Yuvalim
When you hear the word "organ," you might instantly imagine deep, soft sounds emerging from a mysterious instrument in an ancient stone-walled building somewhere in classical Europe. But right here, in the Galilee, you'll find the only place in Israel where organs are built, restored, and maintained.
At the visitor center in Yuvalim, a variety of organs are on display, alongside an exhibition of photos, information, and antique organ pipes — each telling its own unique story. Uri Shani — formerly a director, actor, and musical editor — created a unique experience that combines organ concerts featuring classic compositions written for the instrument, along with a short lecture about its intriguing 2,300-year-old history.
The workshop walls are adorned with photos, informative displays, and ancient pipes, all contributing to the authentic charm of the place.
As part of the JulyArt Festival, Uri invites visitors to the “Coffee and Organ” session — featuring a welcome reception at the workshop, a tour of the instruments, an artist talk where you'll hear about the organ’s history, Uri’s personal connection to it, and where organs can still be found today.
“Coffee and Organ”, Organ Workshop, Yuvalim.
Saturday, July 26.
Phone: 072-3941142.
Price: NIS 60 per person, including hot and cold beverages.
Early bird price (until Wednesday of the same week): NIS 40.
Boacha Yodfat
The setting is pastoral and the entire complex exudes Galilean atmosphere, but the collection of shops and the café at Boacha Yodfat in Mitzpe Yodfat could easily fit into Nachalat Binyamin or Shenkin Street in Tel Aviv.
There’s a trendy sourdough bakery across from a vintage homewares store filled with beautifully designed items. A second-hand clothing shop stands across from a paper shop — yes, paper.
Unique notebooks, stunning posters, postcards, and stationery. There’s also a jewelry store, a sock boutique, and other specialty shops — each with a distinctive personal touch. At the end of the path, the aroma leads you to Café Yodfat — a homey café with a creative menu and incredibly tasty Galilean dishes, overlooking a breathtaking view. Most importantly — the complex is open seven days a week.
During JulyArt, the complex will host a special event called “Friday, You’re a Queen!”
The area will be decorated festively, cheerful music will play, and creators and brands from across the country will gather, along with food and drink stalls, wine tastings, and chilled beer.
The local shops will join the celebration with special deals.
“Friday, You’re a Queen”, Friday, July 11.
Phone: 072-3941104.
Free entry.
If you want to combine the event with a bit of nature, you can continue to Tel Yodfat (searchable on Waze). Turn onto the access road to Yodfat, take a clear left before entering the town, and follow the road downhill to a designated parking area at the foot of the tel.
Although it's an official national park (free of charge), with parts of the trail paved and accessible, the feeling of wild nature remains intact.
Yaarit Stern and Yifat Amir
Yaarit Stern is a pastry chef with a captivating smile and golden hands that create a variety of delicious baked goods. She leads experiential baking workshops at her home in Moreshet, Misgav, featuring a variety of sweet and savory pastries.
Even those who usually burn everything they try to bake receive close guidance and end up creating treats they never thought they could make. Yaarit makes sure to stay in touch with workshop participants afterward, providing advice and support to ensure their burnt pastry days don’t return.
During the festival, Yaarit will collaborate with ceramicist Yifat Amir for a special workshop that includes creating a personal serving dish from DAS clay in a texture and style of your choice. Once your dish is ready, it’s time to fill it — with delicious and beautifully designed cookies made together in the workshop.
A rich brunch will also be served during the workshop.
No prior experience is required. The workshop lasts about three hours.
ARTisan Workshop, Moreshet, Friday, July 18.
Phone: 072-3941161.
Price: NIS 290 per person, includes the workshop, brunch, and cookies to take home for Shabbat.
Details about all JulyArt Festival events can be found on the Western Galilee Time Association website.