Somerset Crafts
Somerset Crafts are a group of dedicated professional Somerset artists and craftspeople who have turned a vision into reality. The group set up and run an arts and crafts gallery situated at the Avalon Marshes Centre, and have established a close working relationship with Natural England who own the site. Avalon Marshes Centre is situated near the village of Westhay, Somerset and close to Shapwick Heath. Shapwick Heath is one of Britain’s most valued national nature reserves and a special jewel in Somerset’s crown.
The Gallery
The gallery displays and sells unique, original hand-crafted items of quality – all produced by Somerset Crafts members. The artists occasionally hold exhibitions and demonstrations at the centre and when these are planned, we will post on our News & Events page.
Becoming a Member
The main criteria for becoming an artist at Somerset Crafts is that you live in Somerset and are a practising artist producing your own original high quality work.
We’re always happy to hear from artists interested in joining us. New members are taken on when space allows, and where their work complements — rather than duplicates — the range of disciplines already represented in the gallery.
We have 2 types of artists
Full Membership
Full members exhibit their work on a long-term basis, with a 25% commission on sales. Members also help run the gallery by stewarding for two days each month.
If you’d like to be considered, please download and complete the application form
Guest Artist
Guest artists exhibit for a 3-month period. The cost is £30 per month to rent a space, with a 30% commission on sales. There’s no requirement to steward the gallery.
To apply, please download and complete the application form, and make sure to read the information sheet before submitting, alternatively email victoriajohnstonceramics@gmail.com
Links
Natural England
‘Our purpose is to protect and improve England’s natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get involved in their surroundings.’
Avalon Marshes Centre
The Avalon Marshes Centre sits at the heart of Somerset’s Avalon Marshes and is where the Somerset Crafts Gallery can be found. The centre is an important focus for educational and other events and the central hub for the management of the Avalon Marshes nature reserves
Ham Wall Nature Reserve
RSPB Ham Wall is a wetland teeming with wildlife – from rare species like water voles and otters to magnificent birds like bitterns and kingfishers.
Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve
Natural England Shapwick Heath is an internationally important site for wetland birds – a mosaic of wetland habitats including meadows, ditches, fen, mire and wet woodland, open water and reed beds.
Starling Murmurations
Spectacular murmurations can be seen in the Shapwick Heath and Ham Wall nature reserves. Find out where they roosted the night before by calling the Starling Hotline. (Nov-Feb)
Tel. 07866 554142
Hawk and Owl Trust
For 50 years the Hawk and Owl Trust has been dedicated to conserving owls and birds of prey in the wild, conserving and managing their habitats and contributing to our understanding of them.
Avalon Archaeology
Avalon Archaeology Park is a place to discover local heritage alongside the natural environment in a beautiful rural location. History is brought to life through archaeological reconstructions celebrating human interaction with the Somerset Levels over thousands of years.
Marshes Hub Tea Spot
Stop for a cuppa, lunch or a snack at the Marshes Hub Tea Stop here at the Avalon Marshes Centre, behind Somerset Crafts Gallery.