Local artist's clifftop oasis joins list of elite artisans

On a scenic clifftop high above the famous Gobbins path near Islandmagee, sits the quirky studio of Audrey Kyle Art. The workshop joins the growing network of Northern Ireland’s elite Économusée artisans by becoming the ninth creative space in the Mid and East Antrim and Causeway Coast and Glens area.

The spectacular landscape surrounding this artisan studio offers the perfect recipe for inspiration as it’s steeped in history and folklore of witches and tales of young love gone by.

Nothing short of inspiring, the workshop offers classes in watercolour painting, tours and of course the chance to marvel Audrey’s breath-taking work.

Économusée Artisans at Work is a concept that was developed in Québec and involves partners from Canada, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, Haiti, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The exclusive network of food and craft artisans open their doors to visitors and tourists to share the story of their journey and acquired knowledge, skill and passion.

Speaking at a special launch event, Graham Thompson, Chief Executive of Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and lead partner of the Économusée Artisan At Work project here said: “Audrey’s workshop brings yet another diverse and unique authenticity to this growing network of Économusée businesses. We are delighted to welcome Audrey Kyle Art to the Économusée network in Northern Ireland. With views across the sea to Scotland and an idyllic small working farm set on an iconic peninsula, I can’t think of anywhere more picturesque to develop another amazing artisan workshop.”

Audrey Kyle began painting in 2009 under the guidance of well-known local landscape artist, Paul Holmes. She enjoys expressing herself through the use of vibrant colour and works in a loose style, letting the paint make its mark. Audrey was accepted as a full member of the Art Society of Ulster in 2014.

Audrey said: “I would like to express my thanks to everyone for attending this special launch and all those that helped me reach this important milestone in my career. As part of my commitment to the Économusée network I will offer visitors pre-booked watercolour painting classes and tours of the workshop where they will see the storyboards which tell the history of the area and my personal journey.”

There are now four artisan workshops in the Mid and East Antrim area and five in Causeway Coast & Glens. Each workshop is situated on or close by the famous Causeway Coastal Route making it an ideal craft trail for visitors.

Carole O’Kane, Corporate Services Manager said: “By visiting each of the nine Économusée artisan workshops, tourists and visitors will gain an enhanced experience; learn about the history of the craft and the business; the enthusiasm of the artist along with the added opportunity of meeting the artisans face to face and discovering the beauty and authenticity of the products made and sold onsite. We are thankful to our funders; Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Tourism NI to enable us to increase the Économusée network in the area”.

Northern Ireland’s eight other Économusée workshops are Broighter Gold Rapeseed Oil in Limavady, Scullion Hurls in Loughgiel, Steenson’s Jewellers in Glenarm, Hillstown Brewery in Ahoghill, Hot Milk Forge in Martinstown, Ursa Minor Bakehouse, Broughgammon Farm and North Coast Smokehouse in Ballycastle.

For more information on the Économusée network contact the CCGHT office T: 028201752100 E: info@ccght.org W: www.economusee.eu