Latest news . . .
Stay up to date with the latest news and happenings at Sakura Studio Gallery, from exhibitions and events to announcements and milestones.
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3rd Nov. 2025
​​Introducing.... Boundless Creativity!
​I’m thrilled to share that I’m organising a brand-new community arts festival set for Sunday 19th July 2026!
This event will celebrate the incredible creativity across our region with hands-on workshops, have-a-go sessions, live demos, performances, and more — all focused on active participation rather than just observing.​​​
I’m already working with amazing local partners, including Suffolk Sight, Cohere Arts and UAL to help make the festival inclusive for everyone. We’re also planning to revive our Young Artists Showcase, giving emerging creatives a chance to exhibit their work and learn from others.
Plus, throughout the day you’ll be able to contribute to community art projects — collaborative pieces that celebrate the vibrant creative spirit of our area and will help raise money for charity!
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1st Nov. 2024
​Introducing Workshops!
Our studio space in Pod 6-7 is up and running with a whole variety of classes, workshops, demos and exhibitions!
We love to support our local artists and creators, as well as encouraging creativity in those wanting to try their hand at something new, experiment or grow within their own creative practice!
Check out some of our upcoming workshops below or visit to our Workshops and Events page to see view our calendar with all events booked so far.
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1 December 2024
Christmas & New Year Closure
Sakura Studio Gallery will be closed from 23rd December 2024 to 10th January 2025 for the festive season.
We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year! Thank you for your support throughout 2024—it’s been an incredible year of exhibitions, workshops, and creativity with our amazing artists and visitors.
We’ll be back in January, ready for a fresh new year of events, workshops, and inspiration!
7 November 2025
New In – Workshop Loyalty Cards!
I’m absolutely chuffed with the workshops we’ve hosted over the last year and the amazing response from both our artists and visitors!
As a little thank you for all your support, I’m so pleased to introduce our Workshop Loyalty Cards—a way to give something back while you continue exploring your creativity with us.
We’re so grateful to all the talented artists who share their knowledge and passion in the studio, and to everyone who joins us to learn, create, and be part of our growing community
3 October 2025
UK Small Business Awards Finalist!
The excitement doesn’t stop—Sakura Studio Gallery has been named a finalist in the UK Small Business Awards 2025 for Best Creative Arts Business!
Following on from our recent journey to the UK Start-Up Awards final, this recognition feels incredibly special and is such a proud moment for the studio.
Thank you so much to our amazing artists, visitors, and supporters - your continued support means everything and makes moments like this possible
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The national winners will be announced on 13th December, and the event will be broadcast live on the UK Small Business Awards website...
We can’t wait to see what happens!
14 September 2025
Ideas Fest 2025 – What an Experience!
We’re back from Ideas Fest 2025, and what an incredible few days it’s been!
From the awards evening to meeting so many inspiring businesses and creatives, it was such a special experience to be part of the UK Start-Up Awards final after winning East of England Rural Start-Up of the Year.
While we didn’t take home the national title this time, it was an amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and celebrate alongside so many brilliant people.
It was also really special to experience it all together as a family - the kids absolutely loved it, which made the whole trip even more memorable
I’ve shared a video with some highlights from the trip - it’s a moment I’ll always look back on with pride.
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4 September 2025
Ideas Fest - 6 Days to Go!
Just 6 days until we head to Ideas Fest… and find out who has won the national titles in this year’s Start-Up Awards!
After winning East of England Rural Start-Up of the Year, we’re now in the running for the national title—and I’m feeling a mix of excitement, nerves, and anticipation!
Wish us luck
24 July 2025
UK Business Awards – Suffolk Start-Up Businesswoman of the Year!
We’re absolutely thrilled to announce that Sakura Studio Gallery has WON the UK Business Awards 2025: Suffolk Start-Up Businesswoman of the Year!
This incredible recognition celebrates everything we do to support local artists, host workshops, and share creativity with our community.
A huge thank you to our amazing artists, visitors, and supporters - you make moments like this possible, and we couldn’t have done it without you
Check it out on Business Awards UK
14 July 2025
Studio Closed – Special Group Booking
Sakura Studio Gallery will be closed on 19th July for a special group booking.
We’re excited to be welcoming the 43rd Saxlingham Nethergate Scout Group for a day of learning, crafting, and exploring at Stonham Barns Park. They’ll be joining us in the studio for a polymer clay sculpting session!
1st July 2025
Studio Closed – Birthday Weekend!
Sakura Studio Gallery will be closed for the first weekend of July as we take a short break to celebrate a very special family birthday weekend for me and my Mum (3rd) and Juni (6th)
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We’ll be back open as normal the following week—thank you, as always, for your continued support!
25 June 2025
We Won – East of England Rural Start-Up of the Year!
Sakura Studio Gallery is thrilled to announce that we have won the Regional Final of the 2025 Start-Up Awards UK in the East of England Rural Start-Up of the Year category!
It was such a fantastic night in Watford, meeting so many amazing fellow entrepreneurs. A huge congratulations to everyone who reached the finals, and thank you to the Start-Up Awards team for recognising the hard work of our little studio and community.
Next up, we’ll be competing for the National Title at Ideas Fest on 11th September 2025—wish us luck!
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7th June 2025
Beyond the Window – Thank You!
Our Beyond the Window: Landscape Artists Exhibition has now come to a close, and we’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part.
From the incredibly talented artists who submitted their work, to everyone who came along to visit, support, and purchase pieces—it’s been wonderful to see such a strong celebration of East Anglia’s landscapes and creative community.
We’re so proud to have hosted this exhibition and to continue supporting artists and sharing their work with the wider community.
25 May 2025
Beyond the Window – Exhibition Launch!
The Beyond the Window: Landscape Artists Exhibition is now officially open! It’s been wonderful to see such a fantastic turnout and to welcome visitors into the gallery.
The exhibition features an incredible collection of works from talented East Anglian artists, showcasing everything from local beauty spots to iconic landmarks.
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Exhibiting Artists:
Ben Kendall, Patrick Will Baker, Rachel Burchell, Janice Scott, Nathan Backhouse, Anna Taylor and Linda Murphy
A huge thank you to all the artists who contributed their amazing work, and to everyone visiting the gallery—we hope you enjoy exploring the exhibition as much as we enjoyed putting it together!
Come along and see the exhibition in person, meet some of the artists, and enjoy a browse through the beautiful landscapes on display.
20 May 2025
Beyond the Window – The countdown is on!
We’re just about set up for the Beyond the Window: Landscape Artists Exhibition and I’m so excited to be hosting so many wonderful East Anglian landscape artists!
Everyone is welcome to join us for the launch on Sunday 25th May, where you can meet some of the artists and see their incredible work up close.
Gallery opens at 11:30am – please help yourselves to finger food and refreshments while you browse the submissions, many of which feature local beauty spots and landmarks.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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1 May 2025
Introducing Cuppa & Craft Mornings
Join us for our weekly Cuppa & Craft social studio mornings—a relaxed and friendly space to enjoy a cuppa, connect with others, and get creative!
Each session offers a new craft to try, or you’re welcome to bring your own project and work alongside other like-minded creatives.
It’s the perfect way to spend a morning exploring your creativity in good company.
Check out all upcoming sessions on our Workshops & Events page and book your spot today!
28 April 2025
Submissions Closing Soon for Beyond the Window!
There are only a couple of weeks left to submit your work for our Beyond the Window: Landscape Artists Exhibition.
Submission deadline: 10th May 2025
Artwork delivery to the gallery: Sunday 18th May 2025, ready for setup
Don’t miss the chance to showcase your landscapes alongside other talented artists from across East Anglia!
For submissions or more information, email: sakurastudiogallery@gmail.com
21 April 2025
Sakura Studio Gallery – StartUp Awards UK Regional Finalist!
We’re thrilled to share that Sakura Studio Gallery has been named a regional finalist for the second year running in the Start-Up Awards UK!
Even better—we’ve been shortlisted in not one, but two categories:
East of England Creative Start-Up of the Year
East of England Rural Start-Up of the Year
A huge thank you to all our artists, visitors, and supporters—this wouldn’t be possible without you! We can’t wait for the next stage of the awards and will keep you updated.
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East Anglian Daily Times (21st April 2025)
5 April 2025
Our Studio Space is Fully Combined!
We’re thrilled to share that Pods 6 and 7 have been joined into one large, creative studio space, and a new doorway has been knocked through Pod 8 creating the final combined studio:
Pods 6–8 at Sakura Studio Gallery.
This expanded space gives us more room for artists, workshops, and exhibitions, and allows everyone in our community to explore and share their creativity in one vibrant, connected studio.
Come and see the new open layout, meet our artists, and check out the upcoming workshops and events in the fully combined space!
10 March 2025
Expanding the Studio!
Our studio space in Pod 7 has been up and running since February 2024, and now we’re growing again to keep up with all the creativity happening here!
Nearly two years since opening, we’re so proud to have supported so many local artists and makers, hosted regular workshops and classes, and encouraged creativity across the community. This expansion will give us even more room to welcome artists, run workshops, and showcase incredible work.
We love supporting local talent and helping people explore their creative side. If you’re an artist interested in using our space or leading a workshop, head to our Enquiry page to register your interest!
12 January 2025
Welcome Back – New Year, New Workshops!
Happy New Year from all of us at Sakura Studio Gallery! We’re back and excited to start 2025 with a whole host of new workshops led by both familiar and brand-new creators.
This year, you can try your hand at:
Stained Glass
Silver Clay
Wire Wrapping
Macramé
…and so much more!
Take a look at all our upcoming sessions on the Workshops & Events page and book your spot to get creative.
If you’d like to teach with us, visit our Enquiry page for all the details on using the studio, registering your interest, and joining our growing community of artists.
1 December 2024
Christmas & New Year Closure
Sakura Studio Gallery will be closed from 23rd December 2024 to 10th January 2025 for the festive season.
We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year! Thank you for your support throughout 2024—it’s been an incredible year of exhibitions, workshops, and creativity with our amazing artists and visitors.
We’ll be back in January, ready for a fresh new year of events, workshops, and inspiration!
4 November 2024
Fresh New Look for Sakura Studio Gallery!
We recently started using our new logo and are now proud to share our new studio branding, designed in-house to reflect our creative spirit.
This fresh design will feature across:
Studio signage
Business cards
Gift cards, which are now available for the first time!
It’s an exciting update that perfectly captures the vibrancy and community-focused ethos of Sakura Studio Gallery.
6 October 2024
Call for Artists – Beyond the Window: Landscape Artists Exhibition
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We’re inviting artists from across East Anglia to take part in our upcoming exhibition, Beyond the Window, celebrating landscape art.
Sunday 25th May to Saturday 7th June 2025
Artists may submit 3–5 pieces, including images, titles, materials, and dimensions.
Participation is free, and a 20% commission will be applied to any sales to cover transaction fees and postage.
For those attending the launch day, we kindly ask for a £5 contribution to help cover refreshments, to be paid at least 7 days prior.
For more information or to submit your work, please contact us at:
We can’t wait to see your work and celebrate the incredible landscapes of East Anglia!
2 October 2024
Festive Events & Fairs
As we head into the festive season, Sakura Studio Gallery will be taking part in a number of local fairs and events, alongside our workshops and exhibitions at Stonham Barns Park.
We’ll be bringing a selection of work from the talented artists and makers featured in the studio, giving you the chance to discover a variety of unique, handmade pieces.
Events include:
1 Dec - Bungay Christmas Street Fair
30 Nov - Elveden Courtyard Christmas Market
23-24 Nov - Stonham Barns Christmas Craft Market
23 Nov - Kennighall Craft and Gift Fair
It’s always a lovely time of year to get out, meet people, and support other small businesses and creatives—we’re looking forward to a busy and festive few months!
18 September 2024
Studio Update
We’re slowing down slightly over the next few weeks as I move house, but I’ll still be at the shop as normal and sharing our Artist Spotlights and newest works as they arrive
I’ll also continue responding to emails and artist queries—just please allow an extra day for replies over the next few weeks
This weekend at the studio:
Friday 20 Sept: Needle Felted Bumblebee workshop with Felting with Nature
Sunday 22 Sept: Autumn Equinox Dreamcatchers Workshop.
Book via our Workshops & Events page.
We can’t wait to see you and get creative this weekend!
12 September 2024
UK Final – Start-Up Awards at Ideas Fest
Sakura Studio Gallery travelled to Ideas Fest in Tring to represent the East of England as Creative Start-Up of the Year in the UK Start-Up Awards final.
It was a proud moment to attend as a national finalist, especially after winning the regional award earlier in the year. Being part of such an inspiring event and meeting other small businesses from across the country was an incredible experience.
A huge thank you to my family for their support in making the trip possible—it meant so much to be there.
While we didn’t take home the national title, it’s something we’d love to return to and experience more of in the future.
9 September 2024
Studio Closure – Ideas Fest
Sakura Studio Gallery will be closed for a few days as we head to Ideas Fest for the UK Start-Up Awards final.
We’ll be taking a short break over the weekend before reopening as normal next week. Thank you, as always, for your continued support
1 August 2024
“Through Our Eyes” – £472 Raised for Suffolk Sight
We’re so proud to share that our “Through Our Eyes” exhibition raised £472 for Suffolk Sight CIO
With over 120 pieces of artwork donated by artists across East Anglia—including many living with sight loss—this exhibition was a true celebration of creativity, community, and collaboration.
A huge thank you to every artist who contributed, everyone who visited and placed bids, and all those who supported the exhibition. Your generosity has made a real difference.
And we want to announce that many of the artists whose work wasn’t purchased have generously chosen to donate their pieces to a permanent collection, which will continue to raise funds for Suffolk Sight.
11 July 2024
Welcome to the World, Juniper
After a long and challenging few months, we are overjoyed to welcome our baby Juniper into the world. This little one has brought so much light and hope to our family, and we feel incredibly grateful for this blessing after such a difficult journey.
Thank you to everyone for your patience and support while I was away. It means the world to us. We’re slowly getting back into the studio and can’t wait to continue creating, hosting workshops, and supporting our amazing artists and community.
25th June 2024
Studio Closed – Family Time
Sakura Studio Gallery will be closed from 1st July for approximately 2 weeks as I take a short break.
Apologies for any inconvenience but we will be back and ready to continue workshops, exhibitions, and supporting our amazing artists very soon!
In the meantime, you can still book tickets for upcoming classes on our workshops and events page and place orders in our online shop which I will get sent out as soon as I return.
Thank you for your patience and support!
2 June 2024
“Through Our Eyes” Exhibition – Thank You!
Our “Through Our Eyes” exhibition has come to a close, and we’re so grateful to everyone who took part. Thank you to all the artists who donated their incredible work, to visitors who came to see the exhibition, and to the volunteers from Suffolk Sight who helped make it all run smoothly.
It’s been inspiring to see the community come together in support of such an important cause. We can’t wait to share the total funds raised soon!
24 May 2024
“Through Our Eyes” Opening Night
A wonderful turnout for our opening night, and an incredible collection of artwork on display—with over 120 pieces donated to help raise money for Suffolk Sight.
Thank you so much to the amazing volunteers from Suffolk Sight for helping run the evening and for being part of the exhibition, and to Amanda and Aga for all their work behind the scenes bringing this together for such an important cause.
The exhibition is open until 2nd June, with the silent auction continuing in the studio and online throughout.
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14 May 2024
Regional Winner – Creative Start-Up of the Year!
WOW—Sakura Studio Gallery has been named Creative Start-Up of the Year (East of England) at the Start-Up Awards!
This means we’ll be heading to Ideas Fest on 12th September to compete in the UK finals against other regional winners for the national title.
Thank you so much to the Start-Up Awards and to everyone who has supported the gallery and our artists—this means more than I can say
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East Anglian Daily Times (14th May 2024)
1 May 2024
Opening Night – “Through Our Eyes”
Join us for the private view of “Through Our Eyes” on Friday 24th May, 5pm - 7pm at Sakura Studio Gallery.
Be among the first to experience this special exhibition in support of Suffolk Sight CIO, meet the artists, and explore the incredible range of work on display ahead of the public opening.
We’d love to welcome you for an evening celebrating creativity, community, and an important cause.
25 April 2024
Double Finalist at the Start-Up Awards!
I came home to a wonderful surprise—Sakura Studio Gallery has been shortlisted as a regional finalist in not one, but two categories at the 2024 Start-Up Awards!
East of England Creative Start-Up of the Year
East of England Rural Start-Up of the Year
At just 13 months old, this feels incredibly special. Thank you so much to all of our artists, visitors, fellow small businesses, and the team at Stonham Barns Park for your continued support—it truly means the world
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Folk Features (11th April 2024)
East Anglian Daily Times (13th April 2024)
Diss Express (24th April 2024)
3 February 2024
Introducing Workshops & Creative Classes
Following our recent expansion, we’re excited to begin introducing workshops and creative classes at Sakura Studio Gallery.
We’re also looking to collaborate with artists and creators who would like to lead sessions in the space!
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Please email: sakurastudiogallery@gmail.com
9 January 2024
We’ve Expanded!
We’re excited to share that Sakura Studio Gallery has expanded into a larger space at Stonham Barns Park!
This next step allows us to grow what we offer—supporting more artists, creating room for exhibitions, and continuing to build a welcoming creative space for the community.
We’re also thrilled to have been featured in the East Anglian Daily Times following the expansion.
21 December 2023
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2023 – What a Wild Ride!
I know there’s still just over a week left in the year, but I wanted to take a moment to share this before we break for Christmas.
I’m Albany, an artist based in East Anglia, and this year I started my own little gallery at Stonham Barns Park to support other local artists while continuing my own art practice.
It’s been a year of ups and downs:
Taking on the little pod
Meeting so many wonderful creative people
Attending fairs and watching my little boy grow while enjoying our days at the shop
Discovering I was pregnant, then losing that pregnancy in August
Hosting our first exhibition – Young Artists Showcase
Expanding the shop and hosting workshops and classes
Through it all, your support has meant so much. There were many moments when I thought about giving it all up, feeling overwhelmed, or unsure what I was doing—but we are finding our stride, and it has been wonderful sharing this journey with you so far.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me, my little business, and our talented artists this year.
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Watch our Year in Review video x
1 December 2023
Christmas & New Year Closure
Sakura Studio Gallery will be closed from 23rd December 2023 to 12th January 2024 for the festive season.
We hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and New Year! Thank you so much for all your support over the past year—it’s been amazing to see our little studio grow and connect with so many wonderful artists and visitors.
We’ll be back in January, ready for a fresh new year of workshops, exhibitions, and creativity.
21 November 2023
Call for Artists – “Through Our Eyes” Exhibition
We’re thrilled to announce a very special upcoming exhibition: Through Our Eyes running Friday 24th May to Sunday 2nd June 2024, in support of Suffolk Sight CIO.
We’re inviting artists to contribute one piece of artwork (partial or full donation) to help raise funds for this incredible charity. The works will be exhibited alongside pieces by artists and creators with varying degrees of vision loss, with visitors able to bid via a silent auction.
If you’d like to take part, please email sakurastudiogallery@gmail.com
Subject: Through Our Eyes
We hope you’ll join us in supporting Suffolk Sight—whether by donating work, visiting the exhibition, bidding, or sharing the event!
23 October 2023
We’re Expanding!
Exciting news—Sakura Studio Gallery is growing! We’ll be taking on the pod next to our current space in Pod 8, which will be used to introduce workshops and classes.
This is something we’ve always hoped to do, and we’re thrilled it’s happening so soon—just 7 months after opening! We can’t wait to welcome more artists, creatives, and visitors into our expanded space.
26 August 2023
Young Artists Showcase – Exhibition Wrap-Up
The Young Artists Showcase has come to a close, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the incredible creativity on display!
Over two weeks, our small gallery space welcomed the work of talented young artists aged 14–20, showcasing a variety of styles and ideas. A huge thank you to everyone who submitted their pieces, visited the exhibition, and supported our first showcase.
We’re looking forward to future editions and continuing to provide opportunities for young creatives in our community!
12 August 2023
Young Artists Showcase Opens!
The Young Artists Showcase officially opened today at Sakura Studio Gallery! Over the next two weeks, visitors can enjoy a free exhibition featuring the work of talented young artists aged 14 - 20.
A huge thank you to everyone who submitted pieces—we’re thrilled to be showcasing such creativity and variety. Don’t miss your chance to come by, explore the exhibition, and support the next generation of artists!
21 July 2023
Young Artists Showcase – Applications Closed
Thank you to everyone who submitted their work for the Young Artists Showcase! We’ve received some wonderful entries.
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Please can all pieces be delivered to the studio by Sunday 6th August
Private view: 11th August, 4pm–7pm
Exhibition: 12th to 26th August
We can’t wait to celebrate the creativity of these talented young artists!
21 June 2023
Young Artists Showcase - Call for Entries!
We’re excited to announce the Young Artists Showcase, running from 12th August to 26th August 2023!
This free exhibition celebrates local young talent aged 14 to 20, giving them the chance to display their work in our gallery. Each artist can submit up to 3 pieces.
Submission deadline: Friday 21st July, 4pm
How to submit:
Email sakurastudiogallery@gmail.com
Subject: YAS 2023​
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You must include:
Images or links to your work
Title, materials, and dimensions
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If you’d like your work to be available for purchase, please let us know
(There will be a 10% commission on all works made available to purchase to cover payment fees and handling)
We can’t wait to showcase the creativity and talent of young artists in our community!
20 May 2023
Sakura Studio Gallery is a Muddy Stilettos Finalist!
We’re thrilled to announce that Sakura Studio Gallery has been named runner-up for Best New Lifestyle Start-Up in the 2023 Muddy Stilettos Awards for Suffolk & Cambridgeshire!
It’s amazing to receive this recognition after just a few months of opening, and we’re so grateful to everyone who has visited, supported our space, and helped us showcase local creativity.
Finalists Announcement - Suffolk News
11 February 2023
Sakura Studio Gallery is Now Open!
We’re excited to announce that Sakura Studio Gallery has officially opened its doors at Stonham Barns Park!
This small but creative space features shelves for artists’ work, a few wall areas for display, and a cosy spot to welcome visitors. We’re looking for local artists and makers to join us—if you’d like a shelf or to exhibit your work, get in touch and apply now!
We can’t wait to share this new space with the community and celebrate the creativity of East Anglia.