A NEW studio for budding mosaic and cermaic artists has opened in Newport.

A NEW studio for budding mosaic and cermaic artists has opened in Newport.

The Art Studio, on Cambridge Road, is the brainchild of Anne Cardwell. For the past five years she has been running Making Mosaics, courses for beginners to the more advanced, in Saffron Walden from her home, along with fellow mosaic artist Gill Howe. More recently ceramic artist Marit Ammerud has joined the team.

However, she gone one step further: opening a new studio to enable the trio to run courses - in their respective fields – without being limited by space or time.

“In one day it is possible to make a very personal piece of unique art. Over three or four sessions a much more ambitious project would be possible,” said Mrs Cardwell.

“I enjoy sharing my love of the art. Whether I am working with children in primary schools or with adults, I am usually introducing them to mosaic for the first time.

“I love to see their reaction to the colours and shapes and it is hugely rewarding that they can quickly make a complete piece, something they will keep for years.”

The Art Studio caters for budding artists, whether as an individual or as a group. The key emphasis though, is to have fun.

“I’ve had students come and stay and it is great for birthday and hen parties,” said Mrs Cardwell. “I needed the space to fufill all these ideas that are just not possible to do from a family home.”

She added: “Marit’s work with ceramics compliments mosaic perfectly and will allow people to blend the two art forms together to create individual designs.

“I think this new course is unique. I’ve been planning it in my head for ages.”

Although the project is still in its early stages, Mrs Cardwell already has her sights on making the studio even more accessible, and is planning is to involve more artists.

“I’ve spoken to several artists who are interested in running print courses in various forms,” she said. “Perhaps an artist who reads the article will be interested.

“I have had enquiries from a special needs teacher about a course for a group of students, but I have to sort out various things before I can invite educational groups to the studio. I hope it will be possible. Exhibitions are also on the cards, in time.”

On October 4 (at 4pm, 6pm and 7.45pm) there will be an opportunity for visitors to pop along to the studio to try their hand at mosaics in exchange for a donation to Making Mosaics’ charity – the Esther Benjamins Trust which rescues trafficked children in Nepal.

For more details visit makingmosaics.co.uk or for more information about the Esther Benjamins Trust visit ebtrust.org.uk