Following a recent call-out, ArtHouse Jersey selected local artists Hayley Gibaut and Sophie Harris to take up residence in a new studio space at Cyril Le Marquand Court, just opposite the Arts Centre. Their prescence contributes in the mission to turn the new square in front of the upcycled signage that used to adorn Cycril Le Marquand House into quite the new creative quarter. The square is now surrounded with an Arts Centre, Arts popup, the excellent Downdog cafe / yoga studio and…erm..a sweet shop too.
The new creative space, which the pair have dubbed ‘The Stoodio’, has been made available to them free of charge thanks to a partnership between the charity, ArtHouse Jersey, and Andium Homes.
The artists will deliver community driven arts activities for the public that are free and accessible, while providing a chance for people to enjoy creative pursuits or develop new skills, without it being necessary for them to have any aspiration to become an artist. The artists will open the doors to ‘The Stoodio’ on Monday 20th January. The initial opening days and times are Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 6pm, Thursday and Friday from 12pm to 6pm and Saturday from 2pm to 6pm (closed from 2pm to 3:30pm on weekdays). People are welcome to pop into the space at any time during these hours and speak directly with the artists about taking part.
Hayley Gibaut and Sophie Harris are longtime friends and practising artists who have shared a passion for art since they were young. Over time, they have both discovered that they are neurodiverse and have relied on art for their own wellness. Through opening a space rooted in diversity, inclusive support, understanding, and continuous reflection and experimentation, they hope to support our community by promoting self-acceptance and self-discovery.
Their vision for ‘The Stoodio’, which is situated on the ground floor of Cyril Le Marquand Court, is to create a dynamic and open space for both their personal practice and the wider community. They hope it becomes a place where families, friends, couples, or anyone looking to try something new in Jersey can feel welcome. They are planning workshops, exhibitions, recurring clubs, art walk-ins, a small art shop, and curated art boxes, but above all they say they hope to help break down barriers to creativity, showing that art is accessible, enjoyable, and full of potential.
‘The Stoodio’ is open now. The planned opening times are Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 6pm (closed 2pm to 3:30pm), Thursday and Friday from 12pm to 6pm (closed 2pm to 3:30pm) and Saturday from 2pm to 6pm. Details of how people can get involved to be announced via ArtHouse Jersey and Andium websites and social media channels in the coming weeks.
TheStoodioJsy@gmail.com
SOPHIE HARRIS is a multidisciplinary artist, focusing on illustration and animation, with particular interests in fashion, textiles, and print. She utilizes a range of materials, including pen, acrylic, oil, and ink block paint, as well as digital software for her digital work. Harris has a passion for upcycling, creatively using found objects such as water bottles and planks of wood as canvases to bring quirky characters to life. Her varied talents enable her to blend traditional and contemporary techniques in her artwork.
HAYLEY GIBAUT works in both 2D and 3D formats. Her practice encompasses various mediums, including ceramics, biro sketching, acrylic painting pens, collaging, and photography. With a Fine Art degree and a Master’s in Communication Design her practice is deeply informed by her interests in archaeology and anthropology, particularly the societal and ceremonial aspects of history.
