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

Ron and Maralyn O'Keefe held parties to mark five years since the opening of The Glass and Art Gallery in Consett, 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, County Durham, 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 are set."

The glass artist opened the gallery in what was formerly her studio, in Medomsley Road.

The business has blossomed and occupies three floors of the building, but still offers visitors the chance to watch stained glass being designed and made.

It has also provided a venue for 150 North-East artists to showcase their work.

The couple opened Serendipity, in Wolsingham, last year, 12 months after the former Blue Circle cement works at nearby Eastgate closed with the loss of 147 jobs.

"With the death of Blue Circle, shops were closing," said Mrs O'Keefe.

"We took the bull by the horns, went ahead anyway, and think we have got it right here.

"We have gone back to traditional, hand-made values, and this seems to increasingly appeal to people, whether they are buying food or stained glass from us."

The couple are hoping the business 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: 23/09/2004