Community Stories

We moved with our three children to the Rame Peninsula two years ago. Initially living in a caravan, we took a little while to settle both financially and emotionally (I was struggling with anxiety).

Awenek Studio at Maker quickly became a sanctuary for me and our three (then home educated) children. We started to hire it very affordably for study sessions. The homely environment and support from Rosie was a real asset to our whole educational endeavour. We have enjoyed many group home education art sessions focussing on a different artist and medium each time. This has sparked a love of art in my oldest son in particular. Another of the children had their last birthday at the studio, with Rosie running a mask making activity for the children. We also enjoy the Community Open Days and fundraising events as a family, and have loved the art activities Rosie’s put on at local events and festivals. My youngest loves the ‘Maker Mayhem’ sessions that have helped me connect with a group of likeminded mums in our area.

For me, evening sessions such as the sketchbook social and jewellery making workshops have been a lot like therapy. A couple of hours crafting with a cup of tea, and always affordable, have massively benefitted my mental health. More recently, I have enjoyed learning new skills at the ‘Ready, Set, Sew’ and ‘Learning to Crochet’ sessions.

Essentially, we find Awenek Studio to be a real hub, and a credit to Rosie, who runs it as a real labour of love. It has been more than just a studio for our family, the local home educator and mums of young children and in terms of its presence in the wider community. Thank you, Rosie!

I am a former Trustee and member of Maker with Rame CIC. I have attended two sessions at Awenek, one cushion making with a professional teacher and all materials provided, the other an informal coffee/chat/craft work session mainly for artists.

Both sessions were very rewarding; I came away with a beautiful and of course unique cushion which I was able to pass on as a fortieth birthday present, which was much appreciated. At the coffee/chat session it was interesting to share ideas with artists and pick up tips for my granddaughter who is venturing out into the commercial art world whilst studying fine art at Falmouth University.

I find that Rosie has successfully established the Awenek to the purpose of her original vision. Whilst it is set up to be efficient and meeting all requirements, it is nevertheless a most relaxing and inspirational space, blending well with this beautiful landscape and being an asset to the Maker Heights Project too. She collaborates well with the Rame Conservation Trust, other tenants and, of course, the whole community which is benefitting from this space, both local and further afield.

For me personally it is wonderful at my age to feel welcome in this all-age space. Awenek celebrates excellence and experimentation alike, encouraging the creativity in everyone with surprising results.