Glass in The Glassary

This project has been in my mind for a long time now, so I’m very excited to finally reveal it to you. The idea has been growing over the past few years but was put on hold due to Covid-19, although this did give me a chance to further evolve and diversify it.

My aim is to develop my glass art studio, A Touch of Glass Studio, which is nestled in the heart of a small Scottish Glen, Kilmichael Glassary. I've been working with glass for over  20 years now, six of which were from my existing studio. The space has become a little tired and I have outgrown it somewhat, so I am in need of more space and some extra equipment. 

This year has understandably caused a huge shift in the way we work, with sales predominantly online now, so I need somewhere to store this work, whilst still having room to create my bespoke pieces and customer commissions. I also have some valuable equipment in storage that a fellow glass artist donated to me when she retired. More space would allow me to install this equipment, which includes another kiln, enabling me to develop this space further into an area specifically designed around the growing needs of the studio.

The day to day needs of the business are not the only reason why I hope to expand, I have several plans for the new space that I can now reveal and cover in more detail below.

Throughout my career I’ve taken part in several community art projects, and I strongly believe these types of projects are more important now than ever. I hope to use the new space to run community art projects and workshops, specifically designed with plenty of room for everyone to be able to come and take part together.

Mental health, art and nature are all very closely related, and I feel very passionate about opening up a creative space surrounded by nature to offer a mindful experience and relief from a crazy world. Something that everyone can benefit from, whilst enjoying being part of something, all within a safe and inspiring environment.

So far I have secured some funding from Business Gateway to develop the business side of this project through their Local Growth Accelerator Program, and my studio has also secured help in the form of a loan from SJ Noble Trust. I feel incredibly honored to have secured this financial backing from both bodies, all of which is helping to contribute towards my goal.

It is, however, a big project and we have a shortfall in funds, mainly for kitting out the space to function for more than just myself. The aim is to be able to offer a space that is safe for all, not only from possible accidents in a workspace but also with Covid-19 social distancing in mind, and to meet current government guidelines.

The year of 2020 has been monumental for my studio, which has had an unprecedented amount of support from the community during these uncertain times. This in turn encourages me to give back to the community more than ever, to offer somewhere for everyone to have a safe space to create and enjoy. 

I look at the project as more of a chance to invest in us, rather than looking for donations. We have various rewards that are available, and funds raised from these rewards will be invested into the project. Saying that, donations are gratefully, very welcome no matter the size, as it all adds up and helps contribute towards the end goal. You can support us in other ways too,share the project, talk to people about it, and maybe you have skills to offer that can help with the project or events that will hopefully take place in the future too!

The campaign is an all or nothing, so if we don't reach our target, within 50 days from launch, the rewards are returned. If the target is reached, not only will I be happy dancing for weeks, but the development can begin! This is when your rewards will be created and sent to you, many of which are in form of gift experiences that you will be able to use once the development is complete and operational, which I am hoping will be by early summer 2021.

Thank you for taking the time to look at our story and here is to a lighter and brigter 2021,

Kirsty