ARTISTS who turned their passion into successful rural businesses are celebrating two important milestones.

Ron and Maralyn O'Keefe threw parties to mark five years since the opening of The Glass and Art Gallery in Consett, County Durham and the first birthday of their latest venture, Serendipity, a caf and gallery in Wolsingham.

"When we first announced we were going to open a gallery in Consett, people thought we were mad," said Mrs O'Keefe.

"They said it would never work. We are proving that you can operate rural art galleries and make it work.

"They say in business that if you can last five years, you're set."

The glass artist opened the gallery in what used to be her studio, in Medomsley Road.

The business has blossomed, having showcased the work of 150 artists, and now occupies three floors, but still offers visitors the chance to watch stained glass being designed and made.

The couple opened Serendipity in Wolsingham last year, one year after the Blue Circle cement works at nearby Eastgate closed, with the loss of 147 jobs.

The couple are hoping Serendipity will be awarded official tourist attraction status - and the coveted brown road signs that go with it - which their Consett site won in 2002.

Published: 24/09/2004