TEIAS Arte Local is a collaboration of unique independent local makers, with the Algarve very much at the centre of their lovingly made creations.

Following years of selling at markets and organising events together, a group of local makers decided 2024 was the year to come together as an association and open a beautiful gallery and shop in the old town of Lagos.

The nine brilliant long term resident artists consist of international and local talent, with Gill Goode, Nina Bradley, Sandra Knop, Oficina Poeta Azul, Jewel Kat, Margarida Gorgulho, Romp, Two Dogs and HMN.


At TEIAS you can expect to find an Aladdin’s cave of jewels with an eclectic mix of puzzles, paintings, jewellery, ceramics, cards, sculptures and wooden pieces. Sustainability is at the forefront of their lovingly curated pieces, that are either inspired by the Algarve or use materials from their beloved region. Here you will find something for every age and pocket, with the price range being from a euro up to €850.


On your arrival at TEIAS, you will be greeted by one of the nine makers, who are tending the space for the day as they all take turns minding this haven. Here you can explore the work of each maker, learn about their different artistic processes but most importantly you can find unique treasures to take home (they make wonderful gifts too!).


Best of all, you will find the artists photos in all their glory so you will know who is behind your chosen craft which really gives TEIAS that personal touch. Sandra jokingly added “there is nowhere to hide for our group and by having out pictures and showing who TEIAS is, it gives such a different atmosphere as the product is not mass produced.”


Uplifting arts & crafts

It felt fitting to hear about how special TEIAS is over a cup of coffee, it was a heartwarming tale of a close-knit group with an ardent passion for arts and crafts and who wish to showcase their work whilst engaging with the community.

Central Magazine spoke with two of its makers, Jewel Cat’s Catarina, who makes botanical jewellery using hand-picked wildflowers from the Algarve and Sandra Knop, who designs and creates handmade wooden puzzles. “Our space honours Portuguese heritage and gives those who visit us the chance to take a little bit of the country back home with them,” shared Catarina.


Catarina also explained that: “Some of us from the team have worked together for about eight years, at markets, exhibitions in Lagos and in a beautiful little space in Caldas de Monchique which is a shop that runs a similar system to TEIAS. At the beginning of this year, we decided we needed a home and to do our own thing all together and it was clear that we nine worked so well together under pressure, under stress and challenging circumstances such as covid”, explained Sandra.


Catarina added, “At TEIAS we all bring something unique; Sandra has her puzzles which have either an animal, family or friendship themes and then she has her linocuts which have cats and the Algarve and the ocean, next door you have Poeta Azul with notebooks, stamps, everything connected to the Algarve and its architecture and the sea so it is Algarve shines through each of us individually. We are all inspired by the location or we source our materials from it so Márcia and I use the plants, Gill’s landscapes, doors and towns and then we have Rita who does sculptures of the waves.”


To most having a shared space between nine artists could be a recipe for disaster but not for TEIAS, you can really tell that these artists have trust and respect for one another and admiration for each other’s work. “We found out who is bringing what to the table and by having different nationalities, ages and different products we really found that our strengths complement each other really well. I am honoured and excited to be around the other artists”, reiterated Sandra.

Artisanal workshops

It was wonderful to hear that TEIAS has started hosting a diverse collection of artisanal workshops, both for adults and children alike. Keeping in line with their ethos of inclusivity, the workshops are available in different languages, with hopes to expand this offer further. Additionally, they are always open to meeting other artists, so if you would like to give a workshop at TEIAS please do contact them at info@teiaslagos.pt

You can find updated workshops and more information at www.teiraslagos.pt or alternatively, you can find them on Instagram/Facebook @teias.lagos.

Teias Artísticas Associação, R. António Crisógno dos Santos 31, 8600-687 in Lagos

Author

Following undertaking her university degree in English with American Literature in the UK, Cristina da Costa Brookes moved back to Portugal to pursue a career in Journalism, where she has worked at The Portugal News for 3 years. Cristina’s passion lies with Arts & Culture as well as sharing all important community-related news.

Cristina da Costa Brookes