Grace Ahern is a young creative individual who uses nature as her inspiration and explores this through colour and various disciplines such as ceramics, woodwork and textiles. She wants to depict the beauty within our world, the ying and the yang from natural patterns through to humanity. She makes a conscious effort to try use environmentally friendly materials and upcycle anything she can to produce her outcomes. She lives in North Somerset and also has an interest of interior design.

Jud has a background in teaching printmaking and working as a graphic designer, though is currently painting in oils. She is mostly inspired by local landscapes and waterscapes which sometimes hint at a background narrative. Dramatic light, ancient structures - both natural and man made, elevating the mundane, line, colour, forgotten corners, texture, stillness and contrast are all prompts to take up a brush and paint.

My interest in clay started as a hobby whilst my children were growing up and later, to make it my career, I studied B Tech Design Craft Ceramics at Norfolk College of Arts and Technology. I joined Northern Potters Association, then East Anglian Potters, and later became an Associate member of the Craft Potters Association. The contacts and exchanges made at meeting with these groups both helped and stimulated me to open Westfield Pottery. I became very interested in smoke fired pots, and was inspired by the shapes of early Neolithic pottery found in parts of the British Isles and pottery from Northern Nigeria. I was also fascinated by the decoration made by smoke and have always admired the work of the Hopi Indians of Arizona. I have exhibited my coil built, burnished smoke fired pots at numerous venues with East Anglian Potters, also at Clay Works VI , and at the Victoria and Albert Museum with the Craft Potters Association. I also enjoyed being part of ‘Picture This’ at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. A move to Holland enabled me to exhibit abroad, and during this time I gained a Workshop Ceramic Certificate at Westminster University. When I returned to England I obtained a teaching diploma, and taught Adult education evening classes and B Tech students at Norfolk College. Following a move to Somerset I took a break from making smoke fired pots but still continued working with clay, focussing on slab building, throwing, mold making and slip casting, and I obtained a certificate from The Sculpture School. I then started teaching again in my workshop at Grattons Farm. I have recently been developing new ideas for my smoke fired work, I am now a member of West Country Potters Association and have exhibited with them at Bovey Tracy and Tavistock Ceramic Craft Fair. I am constantly developing new ideas and enjoy teaching and passing on skills, and I look forward to exhibiting as a member of North Somerset Arts.

Sarah runs her small fused glass business “Mydsomer Studio” from her home studio in North Somerset. She’s been working with fusing glass for around 20 years specialising in contemporary designs that are often brightly coloured. Items for the home and garden include plates, candle holders, hanging panels, free-standing curves and framed pictures. Sarah also makes a range of very popular jewellery. She runs 2 hour workshops locally for beginners or for those who already have some experience with glass fusing. Details are on her website. She has taken part in North Somerset Arts Weeks on 7 occasions.

Renowned for her creative use of feathers, Mandi, affectionately known as ‘The Feather Lady,’ crafts unique artworks that are as inspiring as they are beautiful. Utilising real moulted feathers as her canvas, each carefully collected for its unique beauty, Mandi applies delicate layers of acrylic paint to bring her intricate visions to life. Each piece is a testament to the synergy between natural beauty and artistic innovation - a piece of the natural world, transformed and reimagined. Mandi's works are a celebration of nature, emphasising sustainable artistry, turning found feathers into inspiring creations that resonate with nature lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

Ian is a maker of individual pots of energy and colour. He explores rich fluid glazes. His pots are full of life and vigour. Bowls, mugs, jugs and jars fulfil their function. None the same, but work together. Function in pots provides a frame work with plenty of room for exploration. The effect is one of fluidity of surface. Ian's thrown pieces are full of character. They enjoy the full plasticity of the material. Working in clay for thirty years. All pots are made in stoneware clay. Educated at UWE Bristol. As well as making, Ian teaches pottery at clayability in North Somerset.

June has enjoyed capturing atmospheric landscapes and seascapes in oils. Her work is both imaginative and realistic and she has enjoyed exhibiting locally for the last ten years with solo exhibitions annually in France since 2018.

Clive Birnie is a printmaker and poet from Portishead. He combines a variety of screen printing techniques in layered compositions. Clive has had work included in the RWA open, the Evolver Prize exhibition and has exhibited at the Other Art Fair.

Sarah Boden MA, is a Bristol based, full-time professional artist and art tutor with over 20 years experience in painting, exhibiting in the UK, Europe, Australia and Asia. Her abstract landscapes inspired by travel and her training as an architect, incorporate design, screen printing and mono printing. Sarah’s artwork was selected for the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition 2024 by Hughie O’Donaghue RA. She exhibits through galleries and recently at the Fresh Art Fair, Cheltenham and Bath Art Fair. Sarah works on commissions, teaches workshops and hosts Art Retreats in Andalucia, Spain.

I paint with oils and my interest is creating colourful artworks. I paint for pleasure and find inspiration in the landscapes around Clevedon, the sea and flowers grown in my garden. I like to push the boundaries of colour and this often leads to a more abstract work which I enjoy.

An eclectic and friendly group that meet throughout the term time at Churchill Academy and during summer months en plein air at various locations locally. We use many disciplines and encourage new knowledge and techniques when they can be found.