Maker's bio

Hello, I’m Karen Sargeant and with my husband Mark, we run a small farm at The Barracks, focusing on wildlife alongside productive farming. The farm features herbal leys, wild ponds, billowing hedges, newly introduced woodland, wildflower meadow and a willow bed. In summer cows from a neighbouring farmer are grazed in the fields. My career background is in magazines and in the past I have worked for Artists & Illustrators and Painting World magazines. Alongside writing and editing I have always enjoyed art and crafting hobbies and The Barracks has given me a gorgeous location in which to share those hobbies with others. Our goal is to offer workshops to small groups, using the house, barns, gardens and fields to provide creative inspiration and spaces to work. No matter what your level of experience or talent, you are welcome here to come and play, experiment, celebrate mistakes and most of all have fun. You will not be judged and not all classes are designed with a specific goal in mind. Art as mindfulness, therapeutic time out or catharsis is always present and enhanced by the beautiful natural surroundings, but our main goal is to use enjoyment and friendship as a gateway to endless inspiration. Have fun!