Award winning glass artist to open her Bideford studio

Multi-award winning glass artist and teacher, Gigha Klinkenborg, is opening her studio in Bideford to the public during this year’s Devon Open Studios.

This is an amazing opportunity to join her workshops and enjoy inspirational demonstrations of her skill and creativity in action.

You will be able to see her unique glass and driftwood creations, stunning contemporary stained glass garden art, and imaginative mosaics.

Gigha is well known for her comprehensive and friendly workshops and classes, a huge asset to the local community which also draws students and visitors from far and wide. Her workshop space, extensive tools, materials, and machinery are a haven for creative people, from beginners to experts.

“I love to be innovative with glass, sharing my enthusiasm and expertise to inspire and nurture all levels of students” comments Gigha. “Creativity is an amazing therapy, and the bonus of all my workshops is that even first-time students complete a unique piece of art to take away and proudly display in their homes. The best reward for me is seeing the pride and sense of accomplishment in the faces of those beginners.”

More than 300 artists will be demonstrating and showcasing their work in creative spaces across the county, including gardens, galleries, sheds, attics, a yurt, and an historic mill.

Local people and visitors to the county will be able to see a range of art and craft including glass art, painting, photography, sculpture, textiles, prints, ceramics, and furniture.

Devon Open Studios is the annual flagship event of Devon Artist Network. Avenda Burnell Walsh of Devon Artist Network board said: “Visitors will be able to enjoy free exhibitions and demonstrations, take part in workshops, meet the artists, and celebrate the range of talent across the county.

“This is a really important event for Devon’s economy. Local people and tourists enjoy the opportunity to meet artists and buy their work, whether it’s a small purchase or a major investment. During Devon Open Studios last year, more than half a million pounds was generated in sales of artwork to nearly 50,000 visitors. Purchases ranged from greetings cards and small gifts to large garden sculptures and paintings. Even for those who can’t afford to buy anything at the moment, we’re encouraging everyone to share their favourite art on social media to help spread the word.”

There are experienced artists as well as new talent, all of them keen to share their inspiration and creativity with visitors.

Visitors will also be able to try their hand at creating something in one of the workshops, which include sketching in clay, eco dyeing, cyanotypes, paint & stitch, life drawing, stained glass, and woodcarving.

Guides will be available from community venues, libraries, and tourist information offices in early August. An online version will also be available, along with more information about each of the artists on the website, www.devonopenstudios.co.uk.