Black Swan Resident Artists

Black Swan Arts proudly supports an evolving body of talented resident artists and creative initiatives within the building. Studio residents are selected for their skill and professional strength. They keep the centre a dynamic, current space for the arts, actively pursuing their practices from purpose-built studios and units throughout the building.

The Black Swan Arts Resident Artists Exhibition 2025 brings together current studio residents, showcasing the diversity of their talents across a variety of different mediums. We’re delighted to spotlight their experience and creativity for the first time as a talented team in this joint exhibition.

Downstairs studio units will remain open as usual throughout the exhibition.

Studio 1: Sally Swannell 

Sally is a painter and illustrator working primarily in emulsion and watercolour, creating detailed depictions of rural scenes and British wildlife. Rooted in a background of illustrative art and nature, Sally’s work explores the quiet beauty of place, memory and belonging.

Studio 2: Pete Hempshall

Pete is a contemporary abstract painter whose work explores how we perceive the world – how sensory input and perception shape our sense of reality. He is interested in painting as an object and the way that the paint sits on the canvas, presenting itself as an illusionistic space through shape and color.

Studio 3: Victoria Sackwild

Victoria is a contemporary jewellery designer and silversmith, whose work is characterised by elegant, sculptural, organic and fluid forms, which are typically inspired by nature.  She makes jewellery and giftware in silver and gold, often embellished with contrasting surface textures, coloured gilding or gemstone accents. She particularly enjoys working with clients to design bespoke pieces with particular personal significance and meaning.

Studio 4: Jane Sheppard

Jane has worked as a practitioner and lecturer in ceramics for over 30 years. She specialises in handbuilding and is a selected member of Craft Potters Association. Her work is large scale and centres on the human relationship with clay.

Studio 7:  Dan Musselwhite

Daniel Musselwhite crafts exquisite bespoke commissions in silver, gold and platinum, transforming clients’ visions into timeless pieces. Driven by a passion for design, he also creates unique silver and semi-precious stone collections.

Studio 9: Kift Ceramics

Kift Ceramics is a pottery studio open to all, which offers studio space and open-access membership, as well as a variety of courses, workshops and classes. Whether you are an absolute beginner, or are used to working with clay, or are looking to elevate your practice, Kift Ceramics studio can provide the space, tools, and community to create your ideas.

Kift Ceramics is run by Annabel Pettigrew, an artist and lecturer who lives and works in Frome. The studio is an extension of Annabel’s ceramics practice, intended to function as a space to grow and exchange ceramic practices with other artists and practitioners. The studio is a place where people can come to learn, engage, make, and contribute to the space.

Studio 10: The Write Place 
The Write Place is a creative work space in the heart of Frome where writers can escape isolation, stop procrastinating, and write together in companionable silence.