Peak District Artisans Emerging Artist Award Winner

Photo by Ian Daisley

I am absolutely thrilled to have been selected as the 2023 winner of this prestigious award. The biennial competition, funded by Trevor Osborne Charitable Trust, is a brilliant opportunity for early career artists & makers to get involved with the Peak District Artisans (PDA) network, benefitting from exposure and support over the year, with the option of discounted membership for a number of years following on.  Previous award winners include ceramicist Rebecca Perry (pictured, to my left) and painter Bethan Nadin.

PDA is an association of professional fine artists, designer makers and contemporary artisans based in and around the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District. Since 1991 members have been exhibiting together at group shows, including the annual Great Dome Art Fair in Buxton and winter exhibition at Chatsworth House, to mention just a couple. 

As a direct result of the award, I have already been on Sheffield Radio (twice, very nerve-wracking!), been interviewed by Derbyshire Life and have a solo exhibition lined up at The Courtney Gallery in Ashbourne later this year. In July, I will be taking part in what is probably the group’s most prominent show - the Great Dome Art Fair, which I’m very much looking forward to. The fair runs during the last weekend of the Buxton International Festival, so it’s well worth a trip to the beautiful spa town at this time of year. 

I can’t thank the group enough for selecting me for this amazing opportunity, I look forward to seeing where it leads.

If you’re interested in applying for the award, the next round of applications open in May 2025.