A local artist and her brother have completed the purchase of a well-known Forres art studio building, with plans to help strengthen the town’s creative community and support local artists for years to come.
After renting a studio within Orchard Road Studios for the past three years, artist Sasha McMahon has now become co-owner of the building alongside her brother, Jools.
Originally from Grantown-on-Spey and now based in Forres, Sasha has dedicated much of the last two decades to drawing, painting and learning, both professionally and personally. She studied art intensively in Ullapool before continuing her education at The Glasgow School of Art.
When the opportunity arose to purchase the building that houses her own workspace alongside ten other local artists, Sasha said she knew she had to seize it.
“I’ve been curious about creating art for as long as I can remember, and I’ve loved renting my little studio here over the last three years,” she said.
Exciting new chapter
“So when the opportunity arose to invest further in my creative career and become part of the future of Orchard Road Studios, it felt like a natural step. I’ve sold original artwork and commissions for years, so taking on the studio as co-owner is an incredibly exciting new chapter.”
Cat Millar, one of the eleven artists based at Orchard Road Studios, says she is excited about the studio’s future after renting a space there for almost ten years: “As a group, we’re really looking forward to building on what’s already here – creating a vibrant creative space where we can showcase our work, hold regular exhibitions and events, and engage even more with the local community.”
Sasha’s own artwork focuses primarily on pastel and graphite drawings, with commissioned pieces sent to customers across the UK and beyond. She can often be found working in the studio alongside her dog Luna, who is rarely far from her side and is already a familiar face to fellow creatives in the building.
Lovely wee community
Her brother Jools joined her in the venture after the pair spent years working together in their family business.
Becoming co-owners of Orchard Road Studios, Sasha says, felt like the perfect next step for the siblings.
Together, they hope to build on the studio’s reputation as a welcoming creative hub in Forres, supporting local makers, encouraging collaboration and helping the local art scene continue to grow.
“We really want Orchard Road Studios to continue to be a positive and inspiring space for artists and creatives,” Sasha added. “There’s so much talent locally, and we’re excited to be part of helping that flourish. Orchard Road Studios is already a lovely wee community, and we’re thrilled to build on that even more.”