If you’re an art lover with a penchant for the unique, then Studio 3 at the picturesque Clevedon Craft Centre is an absolute must-visit. This relaxed, contemporary space is a treasure trove of creativity. A talented group of resident artists welcomes an ever-changing roster of guests, ensuring a delightful and eclectic mix of art awaits you. Paintings, prints, ceramics, clocks, photography, vibrant batik lampshades and cushions, fused glass, wood-turning, and cards – prepare to be inspired!
Studio 3 understands the joy of discovery. That’s why they keep things fresh with frequent exhibitions and diverse mediums. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrancy of paint, the tactile nature of ceramics, or the intricate details of photography, there’s something to captivate every taste. It’s a feast for the eyes and a testament to the incredible artistic talent in the region.
A quick reminder of the opening times, which it’s worth mentioning are not the same as the Craft Centre. They are open seven days a week Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm and Sunday from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm
This blog post is all about the most recent guest artists. If you’d like to know more about the history of the gallery and the resident artists, then check out my earlier blog post here:
Craft Centre News: The Craft Centre is buzzing with exciting developments! After thirteen years of delighting visitors, the beloved Dot’s Tea Shop has closed its doors. But don’t despair Leaf and Bean @lb_leaf_and_bean will soon take its place, opening this Saturday May 25th! Here’s a selection of the delicious food that they serve in their shop Leaf and Bean at Bellevue Road in Clevedon. And yes it does taste as good as it looks!
As well as Leaf and Bean opening it’s a weekend of pop-up stalls! I’m really looking forward to seeing Sheep She Crafts who will be there Saturday and Sunday. Wendy uses the traditional crafts of felting and weaving to create felted throws, peg loom rugs and seat pads and decorative wool wreaths. In addition, she sometimes make keepsake/memorial pieces for sheep owners (as commission pieces), animal sculptures and wall art.
And, if you’re passionate about home décor, you have to visit Needle and Nail at the Farmhouse Studio offering bespoke upholstery services and beautiful soft furnishings and opening tomorrow! Their work is so meticulous and so beautiful, transforming tired furniture into statement pieces and creating custom cushions and curtains that elevate any room. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to add a touch of personality and luxury to their home.
Keep on reading for details of the guest artists at Studio 3 in May.
JOAN HUDSON IS EXHIBITING FROM 11th MAY TO 8th JUNE 2024
Joan trained for her art degree in Bristol as a mature student, but she has been painting, drawing and creating art all her life. All subjects interest her especially if she can introduce a sense of design into her work.
For the past few years, Joan has been studying contemporary art and the work of current abstract painters and she has been developing a looser, less representational style. She feels it is important to continue to develop and grow with one’s art and to keep work as fresh as possible. She also finds that it is essential to be very familiar with the subjects she paints and so, having lived in Clevedon for thirty years, she is constantly drawn to representing her wonderful town and coastline. Joan plans to keep on developing her more contemporary style with enthusiasm, energy and new ideas.
Joan has always explored other themes and, following a recent visit to Cornwall, is inspired by the coast and countryside of Cornwall.
Check out Joan’s website here. Joan is on Instagram @joan.hudson3 and if you would like to contact her email: joan.hudson3@btinternet.com
LESLEY COTTLE IS EXHIBITING FROM 11th MAY TO 8th JUNE 2024
Lesley is a Bristol-based artist working mostly in acrylics with mixed media on wood and canvas. Her journey began twelve years ago with a decorative patchwork style, a love for vintage textiles and the intricate patterns they carry whispering stories of cultures from around the globe.
Lesley’s art is a journey of evolution and exploration. Starting with a decorative patchwork style, she was drawn to the intricate patterns of vintage textiles, each whispering stories of cultures from around the globe. However, her work has taken a more abstract and intuitive turn over time. Collage, expressive lines, and rich underpainting now weave intricate layers, hinting at figures with a charming, naive touch. Within these depths, stories unfold organically, a testament to the powerful influence of her unconscious mind.
Inspiration flows from the tapestry of her daily life, her spiritual practice, and a lingering nostalgia for times gone by. Memories of family and cherished objects find their way into her pieces. The loss of her beloved dog brought an unexpected motif, its presence lingering in her paintings for months, offering a therapeutic outlet for her emotions – a reminder that Lesley’s art isn’t just beautiful, but deeply personal.
Check out Lesley’s work on Etsy here. Lelsey is on Instagram @lesleyannecottle and if you would like to contact her, email: rainbowsedge@hotmail.co.uk
CATHIE WOOD “MADE BY MEEEX” EXHIBITING FROM 27th APRIL TO 20th JULY 2024
Cathie Wood isn’t just a treasure hunter; she’s a champion of the preloved, a believer that the world brims with forgotten gems waiting for a second chance. To her, the thrill isn’t in the pristine or mass-produced, but in the unique marks of time and use etched upon each find. She’s a firm opponent of the “new at all costs” mentality, convinced that our discarded “stuff” holds untapped potential.
Her mission isn’t just about repurposing; it’s about transformation. With meticulous care, she reimagines her discoveries, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Yet, she doesn’t seek to erase the past – a sliver of the original always peeks through, a testament to the object’s journey. Those imperfections, to Cathie, aren’t flaws to be concealed; they are chapters in the piece’s story, adding depth and character. Her tiny brush becomes a tool of both restoration and revelation.
Behind every brushstroke is a hope that these reborn objects will spark joy in new homes, proving that “preloved” doesn’t mean “less loved.” Cathie’s work isn’t just about sustainability; it’s about reminding us that beauty and value can hide in the most unexpected places.
Check out Cathie’s work on Etsy here. Cathie is on Instagram @madebymeeex and if you would like to contact her, email: madebymeeex@gmail.com.
CAROL TROCCHI EXHIBITING FROM 27th APRIL TO 20th JULY 2024
Carol finds inspiration from colours, textures, and ‘found’ objects. She creates “upcycled earrings,” and all her pieces are unique. She mixes old and new, upcycling materials to make an exciting, eclectic, and constantly evolving collection.
Carol started making earrings initially in order to make them light enough to be comfortable! Then she started exploring materials which would normally be thrown away such as plastic carrier bags and cardboard packaging etc…as long as it was colourful!
She has now amassed a collection of beads, findings, and materials. These have developed into ‘themes’ as her interest widens to encompass jewellery, wall hangings, “or anything that jumps into my head when I wake up!!”
Carol is passionate about making extremely affordable, humorous, funky, bright, and enormously fun-filled jewellery.
Her pieces are totally unique, mixing old with new and upcycling the most random and unusual things. Her extraordinary eclectic collection is always rapidly evolving.
“By upcycling a range of materials and adding beads, I aim to create FUN, FUNKY, and FABULOUS jewellery, wall hangings, and light-catchers.”
All of Carol’s pieces are unique and individual. She will make pieces to order and particularly enjoys creating for weddings—her specialty!
Carol is also happy for you to design and develop your own pieces in a small-group or individual workshop!”
Check out Carol’s work on Instagram @w_earart or @caroltrocchi and if you would like to contact her, email: htbaytree@hotmail.com
LIZ WILLIAMS EXHIBITING FROM 27th APRIL TO 20th JULY 2024
Liz works with porcelain, earthenware and stoneware, she takes a watercolour approach to her glazes. While her work is sometimes functional its point is always to give pleasure
Liz works very hard for The Julian Trust donating all her artwork sales to this amazing charity.
The Julian Trust Charity based in Bristol, Little Bishop Street, St Paul’s, is an emergency night shelter for homeless people and those who sleep rough. The service was founded by Meg Grimes in 1986 in response to homelessness at that time and the need still remains.
The service is run solely by unpaid volunteers who manage all aspects of the building, organisation, administration, finances and the delivery of services to its users and is supported wholly by Charitable donations both financial and in kind.
THE JULIAN TRUST
Homelessness in Bristol has been a stark and persistent issue for decades, with surveys suggesting the city sadly holds one of the highest rates outside of London. While there’s debate on how much has changed since the 1980s, one grim fact remains: individuals sleeping rough endure horrific conditions. This is the desperate reality the Julian Trust was founded to address.
Each night, the shelter welcomes those rejected or forgotten by society – bewildered, angry, struggling with poverty, loneliness, and the crushing weight of daily survival. Their paths to homelessness are as varied as they are: family breakdowns, unemployment, grief, shattered relationships, addiction, mental health struggles…some have faced prison, others simply feel discarded by a system that offers no place for them.
The Julian Trust recognises the individuals behind the crisis. These are people at odds with societal demands, now facing an immediate emergency. That’s why the shelter offers an open door, a warm meal, and a safe bed – no forms, no judgment.
The Trust acknowledges the vital work of over forty other Bristol agencies addressing homelessness. Their mission is the critical first step: getting people off the streets. Then, partners assess deeper needs – housing, healthcare, job training, addiction support – aiming toward lasting solutions..
If you’d like to know more about the Julian Trust, here’s the link: Liz has no social media, but you can contact her by email at liz.vj.williams@gmail.com
If you’d like to know more about Studio 3, you can check it out here, and these are the contact details: Studio 3, Clevedon Craft Centre, Clevedon, BS21 6TD Telephone: 07557331967 Email: studiothree111@gmail.com They are also on Instagram @studiothree_galler
Finally, another reminder of the opening times, which it’s worth mentioning are not the same as the Craft Centre: Studio 3 is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Have a great weekend!