Melton Mowbray art studio team celebrate being named the region's best

Kathryn Saunby Art Studio started as a very small venture and its move to new premises on Norman Way in 2020 was almost ruined when the Covid pandemic took hold.

But the business, which is owned and run by Kathryn Saunby and her fiancé Kelly Richardson, features a strong team of artists and tutors who teach art and craft to adults and children, as well delivering art projects to schools.

And the team there – which includes Zoe Gascoyne, Aria Dudhia and Amanda Jackson – were delighted to see it named as Art Studio of the Year for Central England.

Founder Kathryn said: “To be recognised as Art Studio of the Year for Central England is truly an incredible honour.

"The studio wouldn’t be what it is today without our amazing team, whose hard work, dedication, and passion continue to drive everything we do, as well as everyone who has been part of our journey along the way.

“A special thank you to my fiancé, Kelly, for her tireless work behind the scenes in helping take the studio to the next level.”

Founded in 2011 by professional artist Kathryn, the first studio was a modest set-up consisting of only two rooms.

She balanced giving a handful of art lessons, whilst creating and selling her own artwork.

In those early days, she often walked or cycled four miles to work, unable to afford petrol, while working up to 80 hours a week to keep the business alive.

Financial pressures were constant. Rent was due quarterly, and during the studio’s first Christmas, Kathryn was forced to withdraw cash from a credit card just to cover the payment.

She put up posters and flyers across a 20-mile radius, from railings at traffic lights to local cafés, while continuing to build her reputation as both an artist and teacher.

In 2020 the business moved into it’s current premises, at 23 Norman Way – Kathryn was returning from a maternity break and plunged all her savings into the new building.

The day she received the keys the entire country closed down because of Covid and Kathryn says she sat in the car park of the new building and cried.

Refusing to give up, she used the small grant from the council and a bounce back loan to build a website with a small team of staff, whilst juggling child care for her two small children.

Today the studio has grown through a double dip recession, Covid and the cost of living crisis, facing challenges like a 600 per cent gas and electricity hike in one year.

Despite all of these setbacks, the studio continued to grow and evolve, becoming a thriving creative hub within the local community, with now a regular weekly base of over 200 students.

Kathryn added: “Our students know how much love, care and passion goes into this business.

"We love our jobs and it makes us so proud to walk through those doors every day and spend time with so many amazing people.”