The Ards Peninsula is awash with artists and crafts people. This is just a small selection of local artists that welcome visitors.
Anne is a printmaker and illustrator living in Portaferry. Using mainly the medium of linocuts, her prints reflect life on the Ards Peninsula with subjects ranging from stylised local scenes to quirky images of tractor runs and groups of cyclists. Anne uses the facilities of Seacourt Print Workshop in Bangor to make the prints. Her work can be seen in the Port shop or by appointment at her home.
Contact: [email protected] / 07769 694 992
‘Carrig’,
54 Deerpark Road,
Portaferry
Sara Brown works from her studio overlooking Strangford Lough. Working outdoors and using soft pastels, she captures the natural beauty and essence of the Ards Peninsula. She also creates semi-abstract paintings inspired by Strangford Lough with oil-based inks on metal.
Visitors welcome by appointment only: www.sarabrownartist.com / 07854 144 831
12 Dunevly Road,
Portaferry
Mike Miall produces traditional Windsor Chairs and stools using native hardwood. He also turns and produces a variety of practical items and giftware ranging from £5 to £400.
Open by appointment: 028 4277 2418
Mountain Road,
Portaferry
Donald creates hand thrown, hand painted Porcelain and garden sculpture. Heather makes porcelain buttons, beads and brooches, in bright colours. Short workshops can be arranged for visitors – jewellery, sculpture and hand throwing.
Open by appointment: 028 4272 8888
Bishops Mill,
9 Abbacy Road,
Ardkeen,
Portaferry
Woven wall hangings, monotype prints, paintings and handmade pieces inspired by the local landscape.
Open by appointment only: [email protected]
31 Ardminnan Rd,
Slans,
near Cloughey
Taking her inspiration from the stunning natural beauty of the Ards Peninsula, with its rocky shoreline and swirling waters, Nora produces characteristic designs incorporating simple, rounded, flowing forms. The gallery stocks a wide range of quality handmade gifts including pottery, glassware, ceramics, pictures & cards.
Open all year Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 10-5pm and Sat 10-4pm
Contact: www.norawatsonjewellery.co.uk / 028 4277 1130
63 Cloughey Road,
Nunsbridge,
Portaferry
Welig make baskets, gardenware, hurdles, willow sculpture, rustic furniture and living willow structures. A visit to the workshop enables visitors to see traditional crafts in practice and willow beds and hazel coppice in situ. Training and /or demonstrations are available in basketmaking, pole lathe turning and coppice crafts. School groups welcome.
Open by appointment: www.weligcrafts.co.uk / 028 4277 1542 / 07732600907