A POPULAR crafts school is set to continue teaching Wearside creatives the art of kiln-formed glassmaking for years to come after moving to a new home.
Midori Art and Crafts has opened a new workshop and learning space at the North East BIC, where it will continue to deliver its much-loved glassmaking workshops.
The brainchild of Japanese artist Midori Shinmura, the business delivers eight, five-week courses every year to adults wanting to learn the basic skills of fusing, slumping and casting glass.
Attendees learn the basics of glassmaking, get the chance to design and create their own glass art and meet like-minded creatives.
Midori moved to Sunderland from Japan in 2001 to study for an MA in glassmaking at the University of Sunderland. She began delivering glassmaking courses at the National Glass Centre in 2003 and has since taught hundreds of people.
She said: “We have a great community of creatives who take part in our workshops, from repeat students who regularly attend every five-week course to new people who come just to try it. Some people have been coming for years.
“We have one student who is aged 80. She started learning glassmaking 20 years ago in my class and fell so in love with glassmaking that she studied and completed a degree in glassmaking at the University when she was 70 years old. She still comes to our sessions to this day.
“Over the years, several students have gone on to study glassmaking at degree level, although the courses are designed to suit all abilities, from complete beginners to more experienced makers. The classes allow individuals to build up their skills and confidence at their own pace.
“I think the reason for this is it’s not just about learning how to make glass, but it’s also about expressing your creativity and socialising with like-minded people. This is also why we’ve been successful in attracting people from all backgrounds and skill levels.
“Everyone is happy to help each other out, so you never feel out of place. It really is a lovely environment we’ve created together with our students and I think the move to the BIC will only help us build on that as we look to the future.”
The move to the BIC – which is just a short drive from the A19 and Sunderland city centre – will provide Midori with the flexible, secure workspace required to continue delivering her sessions and attract new customers.
She added: “The free parking at the BIC and its close proximity to the A19 was a major draw as many of our customers come from all over, so that really helps.
“I also fell in love with the location. It’s right on the banks of the River Wear and is just a lovely environment to be in.
“We’ve received great feedback from students so far. They all seem really happy with it, so I definitely think we’ve found the perfect place for us.”
Doreen Howard, Centre Manager at the North East BIC, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Midori Art and Crafts to the North East BIC.
“For the past 20 years, the company has helped hundreds of creatives study the art of glassmaking, socialise and improve their mental health and hopefully this new space will ensure the company can continue supporting the region’s creatives for years to come.”
For more information on the North East BIC, visit: https://www.ne-bic.co.uk/