What is StArt?

StArt began in 2021 as a pop-up exhibition project run by Seren Shaw. StArt still organises pop-up exhibitions around Carlisle, but now also has a physical space of its own, StArt Open Studios. It is located on West Tower Street opposite the Market Hall, between Carlisle Foodbank and the Dino Polish Shop. The studios are on the first floor and sadly not yet wheelchair accessible.

Zenith exhibition, July 2022 organised by StArt. Image by Scott Wigglesworth.

The studios are now home to six resident artists (more on them below) working across a number of different media. Every month there’s a different guest artist exhibiting in the space (interested? get in touch!). Regular arty events also happen in the studio, check out the What’s on page to see, well, what’s on. We’d love to see you.

Resident artists

  • Seren Shaw

    Seren is a freelance artist and creative practitioner based in Carlisle, Cumbria.

    She is inspired by the natural world and enjoys exploring concepts of collective memory and geographical history through her work. She works in various mediums, including painting, printmaking and textile/fibre arts. She has also recently branched out into silver and copper jewellery making.

    Seren is also the organiser of StArt, and her aim is to bring more art events to Carlisle and celebrate the talent of our local artists.

  • Ian Tisdale

    Ian is an illustrator and comic artist based in Carlisle. He is currently studying a Masters degree in Creative Practice at the University of Cumbria.

  • Rhys Robert Thomson

    Rhys Robert Thomson is a photographer and darkroom printer based in Carlisle and South West Scotland. He mostly uses analogue processes to create his work, he believes that doing this keeps real photography alive and can teach the basic principles of crafting light to make amazing images.

    Rhys is available for commissions as he works on a freelance basis and has a diverse portfolio that might suit what your looking for. 


  • Amy Baker

    Amy Baker aka Baker's Art is a self taught artist born and bred in Carlisle. She is currently a resident of StArt Open Studios.

    She works predominantly in the mediums of air dry clay, acrylic paint, spray paint and posca paint pens, using vivid colour and dotwork to create vibrant and sometimes psychedelic imagery. 

    She takes inspiration from the beauty and mystery of the natural world around her, the universe, time, space, energies and the human experience. 

    Amy is available for commissions and currently facilitates monthly Meditate and Create sessions and Creative Freedom Circle at StArt.

  • Georgia White

    Georgia White

    Georgia is an mixed media artist who creates bright and abstract paintings and recycled sculptures.

    Georgia regularly exhibits her work in local art exhibitions and her work is available to view in the StArt studios.

  • Kieran Hill

    Bio coming soon!