From Grantown to Forres and beyond for visionary owners of Orchard Road Studios
A Grantown artist whose reputation spread through commissioned works across the UK and beyond has acquired the Forres studio she and others now work from and is set for ‘an incredibly exciting new chapter’.
Sasha McMahon, who after her Grantown Grammar School education studied art intensively in Ullapool before continuing her education at The Glasgow School of Art, rented a unit within the Orchard Road Studios in Forres some three years ago and has now bought the entire building, in partnership with Jools, her fellow former Grantown Grammar School pupil.
They have confirmed plans help strengthen the town’s creative community and support local artists for years to come.
She told the Strathy: “When the opportunity arose to purchase the building that houses my own workspace alongside 10 other local artists, I knew we had to seize it.
“I’ve been curious about creating art for as long as I can remember, and I’ve loved renting my little studio here over the last three years, so when the opportunity arose to invest further in my creative career and become part of the future of Orchard Road Studios, it felt like a natural step.
“I’ve sold original artwork and commissions for years, so taking on the studio as co-owner is an incredibly exciting new chapter.”
Cat Millar, also based at the studios, said she too was excited about the studio’s future after renting a space there for almost ten years: “As a group, we’re really looking forward to building on what’s already here – creating a vibrant creative space where we can showcase our work, hold regular exhibitions and events, and engage even more with the local community.”
McMahon’s own artwork focuses primarily on pastel and graphite drawings, with commissioned pieces sent to customers across the country. She can often be found working in the studio alongside her dog Luna, who is rarely far from her side and is already a familiar face to fellow creatives in the building.
Brother Jools joined her in the venture after the pair spent years working together at Greenflame, their family sustainable heating business which has been serving customers in the Strathspey capital since 2002.
Becoming co-owners of Orchard Road Studios felt like the perfect next step for the siblings, said the gifted artist.
Together they hope to build on the studio’s reputation as a welcoming creative hub in Forres, supporting local makers, encouraging collaboration and helping the local art scene continue to grow.
“We really want Orchard Road Studios to continue to be a positive and inspiring space for artists and creatives,” she added. “There’s so much talent locally, and we’re excited to be part of helping that flourish.
“Orchard Road Studios is already a lovely wee community, and we’re thrilled to build on that even more.”
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