I’ve been really busy with workshops, both fusing and in the community, I will post some photos soon, along with some new class dates.   I’ve also got my work in some more galleries, so there’s a couple of stockists now added to the list of places you can see some of my pieces.

Many galleries are owned by artists/makers themselves, and I find they are all supportive, and helpful not only to customers to find the perfect gift or piece of art, but to the artists, designers and makers that supply work.  It’s in the best interests of the galleries and those who stock them to work together and promote each other.

Of those galleries that stock my work throughout the year, two are members of the Good Galleries Guide, along with a third who stocks my Christmas range.  The Good Galleries Guide is a group of seven East Midlands indepedant galleries who are working together to promote good practices and to promote British craftsmanship.  Along with those galleries not in the East Midlands, each one is unique and special, and I am pleased to be working with them all.

Itch Gallery, Rutland – run by Jenny Creasey, an artist/maker herself, Jenny has grown the gallery since taking over, having to move to new premises last year.

Emporium Gallery, Lichfield – Amanda & Janette run this elegant gallery on Bird St in the heart of the city, and a couple of minutes walk from the unusual, three-spired cathedral.

Studio 61 at Holloway, between Crich & Cromford, on the edge of the Peak District has beautiful views over the Derbyshire countryside – pop in for a cuppa and meet Karina, who will most likely be painting, kept company by the gallery dog, Bruno.

Gallery 23 at Staleybridge.  Run by partners Christine and Peter who themselves are an artist and photographer, this gallery specialises in original fine art, photography and ceramics – they offer expert advice, bespoke framing and weekly art classes.

During the Christmas season, you will find a range of my Christmas decorations at The Gallery at Sutton Bonnington.  Now, I sens a theme…. small but perfectly formed, this delightful little gallery does great coffee – and cake!  Out in the garden, in summer, check out the model railway – they say it’s for the children, but I think it’s secretly for Martin, the owner….

Oh dear, seems like it’s been a while, again!  I’ve spent the last few weeks making work for new galleries, running workshops in the community and preparing for a big event  next weekend.  And of course, all important networking (going to galleries and drinking their coffee!)

Myself and seven others are taking part in Derbyshire Open Arts 2016 – but I won’t be at Shed 2 (that’s in the summer), I’ll be exhibiting at the Monkey Park Cafe in Chesterfield over the Bank Holiday weekend, Saturday to Monday.  There are over 70 venues and nearly 300 artists taking part – some artists in their own studios, some like the group show I am in, sharing space and exhibiting together at selected venues.

You can pick up a free trail brochure at any of the venues, all of which won’t charge you to get in, and you can find studios and venues all over Derbyshire.

I’ve just added some fusing glass dates to the workshops page, here: BOOK A CLASS

Content to be confirmed as some may be a Pictures & Panels workshop, but all will be suitable for beginners and will cover all the basics and techniques you need to learn to be able to make your own fused glass pieces.

Yes – one of the dates is correct, it IS a bank holiday Monday – I thought it might be fun to do something different on a day off!

Here’s a couple of things made recently by students down at the studio, to give you some ideas of the sorts of glass work you could be making:

Hope to see you down at Shed 2 Studios!

On Friday, I spent a day at Trowell Garden Centre.  They are kindly hosting Rachel Carter as she weaves a special memorial butterfly sculpture for Derby Sands.

Derby Sands is one of over 100 local branches of the national charity, Sands (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Charity).  They help anybody affected by the death of a baby – not only with comfort and emotional support, but practically with help and information.  They also support research into reducing the loss of babies lives.

Two years ago, this amazing charity commissioned Rachel to design and install a baby memorial garden at Markeaton Crematorium.  You can read more here

Rachel is now working on a new addition to the garden; a large butterfly sculpture that will allow more memory tags to be added over the coming years.  I was at Trowell on Friday to help Rachel with some stages of the weaving.

It’s an honour to be involved in some small part in this beautifully thought out memorial.

If you want to see it, it will be on display in the restaurant cafe area of the garden centre until Mothers Day.  Rachel has some more literature about it available at the weaving site.  She will be there some days, working her magic as she adds the finishing touches.  I understand the garden itself is open 365 days a year during the normal opening times of Derby Markeaton Crematorium.