Test Valley Borough Council has awarded a £500 Business Incentive Grant to Andover-based artist and entrepreneur, Christine Dodd, to support her new business, Eve’s Garden.
Eve’s Garden offers members of the public the opportunity to take part in workshops to express creativity through painting, clay work, dance and mixed media. The focus of the workshops is to inspire and offer an opportunity for attendees to explore their own creative ideas and interests within a working artist’s studio. Christine runs women’s classes, mixed classes and children’s clubs in a variety of one-off sessions and long term courses.
Penton Bellinger ward member, Councillor Pam Mutton, presented the cheque to Christine at the Eve’s Garden studio at Fairground Craft and Design Centre in Andover. She said: “Christine is a very talented lady and has a unique ability to inspire creativity from anyone who attends her workshops. She has an impressive portfolio of work and her business is going from strength to strength.”
Christine said: “I would like to thank Test Valley Borough Council for the grant. The money will allow me the opportunity to help move the business forward and develop our marketing to bring more art activities to the local community.”
The £500 grants are available to anyone looking to set up their own business in Test Valley. Budding entrepreneurs should apply for the grant before they start their company and if it is still going strong six months later, they will receive the cheque.
For more information about the Council’s Business Incentive Grants, please visit www.testvalley.gov.uk/grantsandfunding.
