When you step inside Small Impact Studio in Mittagong, you’re greeted not only by light bouncing across glass but by a profound sense of artistry, sustainability and passion. The studio is the creative project of internationally awarded glass artist Scott Chaseling and glass jeweller Gina Fairley, who have combined their talents to build a unique space that will be open to the public during this year’s Southern Highlands Arts Trail.

The studio itself, a lofty and leafy warehouse, sets the stage for their work. It is a space filled with light, reflection and the shimmer of a material that has captivated artists for centuries. Visitors who make the stop will discover the very different but complementary practices of two makers working with the same medium.

A Space of Two Practices

Small Impact Studio offers a rare opportunity to see how one material can be transformed in completely different ways. On one hand, there is the intricate, wearable scale of Gina Fairley’s glass and silver jewellery. On the other, there are the sculptural and large-scale pieces of Scott Chaseling, created through a variety of traditional and experimental glassmaking techniques.

This contrast is at the heart of the studio experience. Visitors will find themselves drawn into the diversity of approaches: jewellery that invites personal connection, and sculptural works that transform space through colour, form and light. Together, they create a full picture of the versatility and beauty of glass.

About the Artists

Scott Chaseling

With more than three decades of experience, Scott Chaseling is an internationally recognised glass artist. His career spans numerous exhibitions and commissions, and his work has been recognised with several awards. Known for his ability to combine technical mastery with conceptual depth, Scott uses a range of glass-making methods to produce works that are distinctive and highly individual.

Gina Fairley

Gina Fairley focuses on jewellery design, combining glass lampworking with sterling silver. Each piece is made with careful attention to detail and carries a sense of individuality. Her practice explores how glass, when paired with silver, can be transformed into wearable art objects that are both delicate and enduring.

Sustainability and Innovation

One of the studio’s defining values is its commitment to sustainability. All of the kilns at Small Impact Studio are powered by solar panels, significantly reducing their environmental impact. Many production pieces are made using recycled wine bottles sourced from the Southern Highlands region, transforming what might otherwise be waste into items of beauty and function.

This approach highlights how sustainability and artistry can work hand in hand. By re-using glass from the local area and relying on renewable energy, the studio demonstrates that creative practices can also reflect environmental responsibility.

The Nature of Glass

Glass is a material that demands both patience and dexterity. It is dynamic and complex, requiring careful handling at high temperatures. In the hands of skilled makers like Gina and Scott, these challenges become opportunities. The outcome is always unique – every object carries the organic mark of its making.

Visitors to Small Impact Studio will be able to see the results of this process firsthand. The works on display, from sculptural forms to finely crafted jewellery, reveal the beauty that emerges when technical precision meets artistic vision.

Why Visit Small Impact Studio on the Arts Trail

The Southern Highlands Arts Trail is renowned for giving audiences direct access to the creative lives of artists. Small Impact Studio is a highlight of this year’s event, showcasing two established makers with complementary practices and the unique distinction of being the only glass studio on the trail.

Visitors will be welcomed into a space that reflects the alchemy of glass. The light-filled studio, the diversity of work on display and the chance to see how one material can be approached from such different directions all make it a stop worth prioritising. More than just an exhibition, Small Impact Studio embodies what the Arts Trail is all about: connection between artists and audiences, tradition and innovation, individuality and community.

The Southern Highlands Arts Trail 2025 will be held across the first two weekends in November, the 1st & 2nd and 8th & 9th from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Studios and creative spaces throughout the region will be open, offering visitors the chance to connect with local artists, discover unique works and enjoy the vibrant creative spirit of the Southern Highlands. Download your map here today!