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Aberdeen Makers Gather for Weekend Showcase

Almost 40 independent designers will descend on Aberdeen Art Gallery this weekend for a showcase of creative talent.

Tea Green Events are holding their fourth market at the beautiful venue from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 July, returning with their festive market in November.

The market’s return to the Granite City is part of the Scottish company’s 10^th anniversary celebrations which will see them hold a record 20 markets across Scotland this year, driven by increased demand from independent makers and the public.

Specialising in carefully curated markets within some of Scotland’s most stunning creative spaces, Tea Green Events was launched by Dundee jeweller Joanne MacFadyen who had observed a lack of events for local designers to showcase and sell their creations.

Joanne said, “When starting out in my career, I was surrounded by talent but also aware of the lack of curated markets where designers can showcase their goods. I wanted to provide a platform for other artisan makers in Scotland within stunning creative venues that could add to the experience.  These premium products, from jewellery and knitwear to prints and pottery, are ‘wow!’ moments in themselves, so they deserve a fitting backdrop and Aberdeen Art Gallery is undoubtedly one of them.

“As someone who’s determined to champion Scotland’s creative talent, I’m excited to be returning to Aberdeen and to see the city and wider region’s growing design community come to life for all to enjoy.”

Matthew Williams, Commercial Development Manager at Aberdeen Art Gallery added, “Tea Green markets are undoubtedly the best makers’ markets in Scotland. They’re extremely well curated and presented and add so much to our space, and our city. As well as galvanizing the local makers’ community, they attract makers from elsewhere in Scotland so our visitors can explore things they wouldn’t generally see in the same space. The makers can also enjoy interacting with designers from other parts of the country, build their exposure within the Aberdeen area, and build their affinity with makers who have work in our collections.

“And of course, for the community, they get the chance to meet the people behind the products, explore their inspirations, processes and materials and purchase some truly amazing work within the beautiful setting of Aberdeen Art Gallery. While some are returning to a place they love but for a new reason, it’s lovely to welcome new visitors into the galleries who can discover and enjoy our wider collections.”

One of the designers showcasing her goods next week is Aberdeen-based Gabrielle Reith of Small Stories, a graduate of Gray’s School of Art.

Gabrielle, who is inspired by Aberdeen’s rich heritage, said, “Tea Green provides us makers and artists with an excellent quality opportunity and professional environment in which to showcase and sell our work. The venues are always the best in Scotland which pushes us as creatives to be the best we can, presenting our work in different ways and sometimes dreaming up new work to suit the spaces we are in. Tea Green has made a massive difference to my practice and put me in touch with the right audiences.  The work I will bring with me to Aberdeen Art Gallery will celebrate the city’s culture, mixed with a big dollop of Scottishness and plenty of cats! I have also made some new riso prints, tea towels and badges for the occasion.”

Fiona Ross of Fraserburgh-based knitwear business Candy Coated added, “We first got involved with Tea Green in lockdown and, since then, have been regulars at the markets. Jo has a real eye for quality so the markets have become known for that. Being part of the Tea Green community validates our business and makes us feel part of something bigger.  I think, with knitwear, people really want to see and feel our products and I also love interacting with the customers and getting their feedback. With the national growth of the markets, we also get to widen our reach and grow our customer base.”

For more information about Tea Green Markets and the programme of events, visit https://www.teagreen.co.uk/

ENDS