Meet the maker Kirsten Clark

Make and Do was set up in 2010 with the intention of encouraging people to be creative and to provide beautiful handmade things for people who don't have time to make it themselves.We moved in to our current space in 2013 where we teach a range of textile based classes and stock a great section of fabrics, ribbons, buttons and other crafty goodies.

I have a degree in Fine Art in Context from the University of the West of England. In 2005/06 I did PGCE in secondary Art and Design at Bath Spa University and went on to spend three years working as a teacher in Bristol. As an artist I have shown my work both locally and nationally including Gasworks (London), the Saltburn Gallery (Teesside), Fairfield Arts Centre (Basingstoke) and Centre Space (Bristol).

I have been actively involved in the arts in Bristol for several years. In November 2006 I worked with Deborah Weinreb to set up Windows204, an exhibition space on the Gloucester road, Bristol. I was on the steering group of Southbank Bristol Arts from 2005 to 2013 (being chair from 2011 to 2013). In January 2009 I set up Broadwalk Arts in Broadwalk Shopping Centre, Knowle as a space for artists, craftspeople and groups to show their work. It later became a CIC of which I was a director.

Finally (and most importantly) I am a Mum, my oldest is 5 and my youngest is 3.