QEST Scholars ready to shine at the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair

2nd October 2023

Stained glass artists, furniture makers and jewellers make up the talented group of QEST Scholars exhibiting at the 2023 Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair (GNCCF).

Held in Manchester from October 19-22 at the iconic Victoria Baths, GNCCF is now in its 16th year. It’s a popular event on the craft industry calendar and also the largest and most established selling event for contemporary craft in the North.

More than 200 of the UK’s most talented makers and designers will showcase their work to the public.

QEST is proud to be returning to the event for the second year in a row, with the following Scholars exhibiting on the QEST stand:

Sofia Karakatsanis (furniture making)
Kumiko Kihara (jewellery)
Willow Bloomfield (metalwork
Debbie Copley (stained glass)
Valerie Wartelle (wet felting)

At the QEST exhibiting area, there’ll be a hive of activity – Debbie Copley will be doing a live demonstration of making glass panels, while Sofia Karakatsanis will be demonstrating her wood carving technique.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to be part of the QEST stand at such an important Fair for makers in the North,” Sofia said.

“Not only does GNCCF provide an opportunity to network with other talented UK makers, fellow QEST Scholars and craft organisations but it’s also a great platform to sell our work to the public.

“I will be exhibiting a selection of pieces I’ve made, and demonstrating techniques I’ve learnt throughout my QEST Scholarship.”

Click here for more information and to buy tickets.

Fair opening times:

Thursday 19 October: 18.00-21.00* (Preview Evening only)

Friday 20 October: 10.00-17.00

Saturday 21 October: 10.00-17.00

Sunday 22 October: 10.00-16.00

Exhibiting Scholar works:

Sofia Karakatsanis