GITH Magazine Meets Abi and Emma, The Ladies Behind Bejta Artisan.
Abi and Emma met at the school gates and their passion for art immediately bonded them.
Their gallery, Bejta Artisan at Ta’Nikol opened five and a half years ago and they have courageously and joyfully supported and showcased local artists ever since. Bejta Artisan at Ta’Nikol Gallery in Victoria has recently closed its’ physical doors but founders Abi and Emma are still as busy as ever having taken their artistic life online whilst offering their ever-popular kids classes from Emma’s home on Gozo. The pair are full of heartwarming positivity and it is clear that it is this that runs through every project they undertake. It’s guaranteed that a few moments in their company will bring smiles and laughter.
They strive to be ecologically mindful and everything they sell online is sourced and made locally – brimming with upcycled or recycled products inspired by the beauty of Gozo. They do everything they can to create work that is made from reclaimed materials, from cupboard doors to broken china and anything else they might be given. Only recycled packaging is used and they are part of the international green initiative Morsbag, whereby recycled materials are turned into bags and given away. What a great way to use unwanted fabric whilst reducing landfill waste!
Their online shop features around ten local artists, something to suit a variety of tastes. Beyond artwork, it is a treasure trove of authentic Gozo-made trinkets and items such as tote bags, tea towels, glassware, jewellery, handcrafted cards and much more to ensure you find a perfect present or treat for you. Abi and Emma are talented artists themselves and you can buy many of their own one-off pieces too. Abi’s speciality is mosaics and Emma works with clay. They have joined artistic flair to bring you Colour My Gozo – a series of colourful collages of traditional Gozitan buildings and scenery and Abi joined forces with Catherine Mia Designs in a wonderful exhibition called
“Instead of the ‘new normal’, we like to think of it as the ‘new forward’. It will be whatever it will be, we cant overthink or over plan, just move with it and stay positive”
Abi McCleod
Abi and Emma worked tirelessly throughout Covid making sure children weren’t stuck with things to do at home. Among other things, they created a series of craft kits and hand-delivered them to children around the island and we are sure that this kind of support was a huge help to parents whilst the kids were home from school. They uploaded a really cool arts and crafts tutorial for children too. Is there no end to these ladies talents?
More information:
Bejta Artisan on Facebook, Instagram. Sunshine Arts Club on Facebook