Meet the Creatives: Art Gallery & Studio by Aga Kubish
15th April 2024
North Somerset is home to many wonderful and unique businesses and organisations. This month, we’re delighted to introduce Marta Hutt and Aga Kubish from Art Gallery & Studio by Aga Kubish
How did Art Gallery & Studio by Aga Kubish start and how has it developed?
The idea for the brick-and-mortar gallery arose naturally as our art businesses expanded, and Aga needed a larger studio space. While I [Marta Hutt] have my painting studio at home, Aga needed more room for her linocut printing press, a sizable piece of equipment.
Our vision was to establish an independent, accessible space connecting artists and art enthusiasts, featuring curated fine art exhibitions, workshops, and events.
Why did you decide to base yourself in North Somerset?
I relocated to North Somerset nine years ago, following becoming a mum and a decision to leave my managerial role at Harrods in London. A brief holiday visit to North Somerset captivated me with its stunning landscapes, Victorian architecture, and relaxed pace of life.
Aga and her family moved here five years ago from Poland, having been enchanted by the area while watching the BBC’s TV program “Escape To The Country”.
What have been your biggest challenges?
Our greatest challenge, without a doubt, has been balancing our careers with the demands of motherhood.
Both of us transitioned into the art world later in life. We had had different careers previously and we both started our art businesses from nothing, without knowing anyone in the industry, without any external support, grants or loans. Before we met, we were just two stay-home mums with babies learning all ropes by ourselves.
We initially met through work a couple of years ago during a large art event at Tropicana, which Marta organised and curated. Since then, we’ve collaborated on several projects and became good friends. We both have to mention our supportive husbands without who we wouldn’t be able to do what we do, as they help us with work when we need them and they step up at home when we are have to focus on our work.
What are your plans for the future?
We have 2 years of planned art exhibitions ahead and we are happy to already have so many talented artists on board with us. We are looking forward to all the art that we are bringing to Weston and all the upcoming exhibitions, workshops and events. All this while doing what we love and what we are good at!
What have been your proudest moments?
The proudest moment for us was receiving the keys to the venue, knowing that we had achieved this independently through our own work. It marked a significant milestone, and the beginning of a new chapter.
Our Opening Evening is on Saturday 20th April (tickets : PRIVATE EVENING \ OPENING Exhibition ‘Behind The Lines’ Tickets, Sat 20 Apr 2024 at 18:00 | Eventbrite).
The inaugural ‘Between The Lines’ group exhibition will be open to public until 20th May and will proudly present the works of nine Somerset-based artists:
- Aga Kubish ARE
- Marta Hutt
- Gail Reid
- Ian Shipton
- Frank Harwood
- Ruth White
- Susannah Crook
- Ruth Baker
- Anna Brzezinska
This diverse collection features portraits, landscapes, still life and more. Visitors will be able to discover narratives of portraiture, from intimate close-ups to expressive large scale compositions, offering a glimpse into a human condition.
Read between the lines as our artists explore a variety of mediums and styles, pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms. From bold abstracts to intricate mixed media creations, each artwork reflects the unique vision and passion of its creator.
To find out more about Art Gallery & Studio by Aga Kubish, please visit www.agakubish.com or pay the gallery a visit in person for the Opening Event on 20th April – Opening Exhibition – Between the Lines at 4 Walliscote Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UG.
