Jessamy proves to be clear winner

Sep 21 2009 By The Journal

A GLASS artist has scooped a prestigious prize for her work and her design company is now preparing for the launch of a new range at The Sage Gateshead.

Jessamy Kelly, who is studying for a PhD in Glass and Ceramics at Sunderland University, won the Glass Crafts category in this year’s Craftsman crafts&design awards then polled the highest overall number of votes to win the top prize in the magazine’s Selected Awards.

Craftsman editor Angie Boyer said: "With the challenging economic climate making it particularly difficult for small businesses, we thought the awards would be a good way to put crafts under the spotlight.

"The standard of work just seems to get better year on year."

Ms Kelly was recognised for her limited edition pieces made from clear glass and unglazed porcelain, which are on show at the National Glass Centre in Sunderland until October 4.

She is also about to unveil a new range of hand-crafted fused glass wall panels, designed with business partner Joanne Mitchell, at the Newcastle Gateshead Art Fair at the Sage on October 1.

The pair’s glass design business Juo was set up in early 2006 after they won the University of Sunderland’s Blueprint Business Planning Award.

Juo makes fused art glass products, including giftware, wall panels and sculpture for corporate and domestic interiors, plus presentation pieces and awards.