Sakura Studio Gallery at Stonham Barns Park near Debenham has been shortlisted for Rural StartUp of the Year and Creative StartUp categories for the second year running.
The studio was founded by Albany Tripp in 2023 as an art space dedicated to showcase independent artists – as well as providing a space for visitors to experiment with their own creativity through a variety of workshops.
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“I can’t express how grateful I am to be able to have this art space where I am able to create and share my love for art, support and exhibit other artists and share our creative passions through workshops, all while raising my baby and toddler,” said Albany.
“To receive the news that my little creative space is a regional finalist in not one, but two categories for the second year in a row is just amazing.”
Winners from the regional round go through to the first UK final at Ideas Fest in Hertfordshire on September 12.
UK StartUp Awards founder Professor Dylan Jones-Evans OBE said: “This year’s finalists embody the very best of entrepreneurial spirit – spotting opportunities and, through dedication, skill, and resilience, turning them into thriving ventures that are making a tangible difference in their industries.”
Last year, Sakura expanded by taking on more space at Stonham Barns so that it could showcase work by creatives in Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex in one place.
Sakura Studio Gallery sells jewellery, figurative drawings, photographic prints, miniature sculptures and pargetting and earthenware pieces.
Albany – who has a young son called Kai and grew up near Snape – now lives in Diss.
She focuses mainly on sculpture and painting while other artists use different mediums to create a diverse range of artworks.
Albany’s grandfather used to paint and introduced her to the hobby while her Mum would sketch. She studied art in school and college and spent a year volunteering at a gallery space called Octagon Contemporary Crafts in Diss.
She is part Indonesian and says her artwork is “very much centred” around Asian influences.
“It is sometimes delicate, subtle and romantic but it can also reflect the deep history and culture of the continent,” she said.
“I enjoy experimenting and seeing what comes from free thinking and the use of different art mediums.
“My pieces are all the product of my thoughts and feelings wrapped up in art. It really is all about diversity and the freedom to choose what to do on any given piece.”
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