In an age where handcrafted goods are being rediscovered for their soul and sincerity, the creative retail industry is quietly thriving. From independent art studios to community-led workshops, people are craving experiences and products that feel personal and rooted in craft. More than ever, there is a movement towards mindful making, celebrating both the process and the people behind the pieces.
One shining example of this shift is Sarah & Mart’s Art Shop & Studio, a creative space and storefront based in Newry. Launched in 2021 by artist duo Sarah Walsh and her father Martin Walsh, this space was born out of their shared passion for original art and a desire to make it more accessible to their community.
A Creative Space Born from Passion and Purpose
Sarah, a glass artist, and Martin, a painter, saw a clear gap in Newry’s art scene. There were few, if any, spaces dedicated to showcasing original handmade work by local artists. So when the opportunity came to move into a larger studio, they decided to build something more—something open to others. That vision became Sarah & Mart’s Art Shop & Studio.
Their studio-gallery hybrid not only displays their own work but also features creations by a wide range of local makers. From ceramics and needle-felted pieces to handmade soaps, jewellery, and paintings, the shop is filled with personality. It is a curated blend of mediums and materials, representing the diverse artistic voices in the region.
A Community-Centered Mission
At its heart, Sarah & Mart’s Art is about community. The duo has built their space as a platform for artists and a place where creativity can be shared, learned, and appreciated. Through a rotating calendar of workshops, the studio invites people of all ages to explore creative practices, including glass art, painting, and felting. They have even hosted unique classes like wreath-making, offering something new and enriching to those who attend.
These workshops are not just about skills. Sarah believes deeply in the mindful, meditative quality of making art. By encouraging others to try their hand at different crafts, the studio is helping people reconnect with their creative side while also supporting mental well-being. It’s a rare offering in a town where creative spaces are still limited.
A Style Rooted in Nature, A Vision Aimed at Growth
Each artist featured at Sarah & Mart’s Art Shop & Studio brings something unique, yet many are united by a common inspiration: the natural beauty of Newry and its surrounding landscape. From modern, colourful interpretations to more subtle nods to local wildlife, the shop offers a visual journey through the region’s artistic soul. There is no single house style—just a rich and varied tapestry of artistic expression.
Looking ahead, Sarah and Martin have big dreams. They want to see more people discover their space, attend their classes, and feel part of something meaningful. They also hope to grow their community of featured artists, creating even more room for diverse voices. Ideally, they’d love to relocate to a more prominent location in the future, but for now, they are focused on expanding their reach and deepening their impact where they are.
Sarah & Mart’s Art Shop & Studio is more than a retail space. It is a home for creativity, a platform for local artists, and a quiet revolution in how art can connect us to place, to process, and to one another.
To know more visit Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/sarahandmartsshop?igsh=MTY5MnplenFpZTJqdg==
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