The Juno Gallery in Kirn on the outskirts of Dunoon was opened last year by two Scottish designers, Maria and Joanne Mackellar, who wanted a space to exhibit not only their own work but also that of other artists from across the UK.

Maria , a graduate of Glasgow School of Art, designs and hand weaves silk scarves and stoles for both men and women. In October she will be exhibiting at Chelsea Craft Fair for the sixth time and her work is featured in our Chelsea Showcase.

Her daughter, Joanne, a silversmith and jeweller, also studied at Glasgow School of Art. In her work she combines materials such as acrylic, resin and gold with silver to create contrast in colour and texture. She creates objects that are tactile and unusual as well as functional or wearable.

Her work is indirectly influenced by the forms and colours of sea vessels as well as the rocking motion they have in the water. Joanne believes this is because she has lived near the sea for most of her life, and indeed the gallery itself faces the sea. Her new range of work is currently showing at the gallery.

Her silver and resin bowls reached the final of the first Bessemer Open Exhibition which took place during September. The open exhibition of ceramics, textiles, glass, jewellery, furniture and metalwork is on until 23 November at The Bessemer, Sheffield Winter Garden, 90 Surrey Street, Sheffield. Web: www.bessemergallery.com

In their gallery Maria and Joanne show work by designers in all disciplines including textiles, jewellery, and ceramics, as well as design-led gifts and handmade cards. This is combined with a solo painting exhibition.

They believe the gallery is only as good as the work it exhibits so they are constantly looking for new contemporary designers to keep the space innovative and exciting. Anyone interested in exhibiting should send slides and information to the gallery.

Juno Design Gallery, 55 Marine Parade, Kirn, Argyll Tel: 01369 707767 Opening hours Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 6pm. Sundays and Bank Holidays 12 noon – 4pm. Closed Mondays. Web: www.junogallery.com