Atelier & Commissions

Introduction

Utopia is an artist gallery showcasing the fine art of international artist Jac Scott. It is a relaxed poetic space filled with contemporary artworks.

From 1 January 2026 the gallery will available only online.

Creative Director and Founder of Utopia: The Unexpected Gallery: Jac Scott

Jac Scott MRBS is a multi-award winning visual artist, a member of the Royal Society of Sculptors with an international exhibition portfolio.

For over 11 years she ran her own gallery in north Norfolk. Starting at Creake Abbey, near Burnham Market, she built a thriving business with her husband Michael Slaney.  After 5 years, the couple expanded to the centre of Holt where the company continued to flourish. For 5 years at 33 High Street and then at 9 Fish Hill.

Unfortunately, after several years Michael became ill with Alzheimers disease and had to retire from making his extraordinary lights and lamps from antiques. To fulfil his creative needs, Michael returned to his first love, wood, and when well enough, carves vessels from hardwood. His wonderful carved forms are available to buy on this website or at Laura Weeks Gallery in Holt.

On 1 January 2026 Jac had to walk away from the gallery to care for Michael who was rapidly declining in health. Today, Jac continues her art practice - artists never retire - selling online and through other galleries. This allows her to balance her husbands care needs with her own. 

Jac's artwork can still be found at 9 Fish Hill, Holt, where her gallery assistant now runs her own gallery, Laura Weekes Gallery.

 

Environmental Philosophy

Utopia’s environmental policy underpins its arts practice, hence the processes and materials used possess as green credentials as possible.

We are advocates of reusing clean packaging, buying recycled packaging and promoting reuse - lets keep the cycle small.

  

Working to Commission

Jac Scott works to commission with private and corporate clients to create bespoke art.  She will be happy to discuss the possibilities with you - just email her at art@utopiatheunexpectedgallery.co.uk

 

Here is a sample of some of the commissions

 

Drawing a Giant Magpie Feather

Mr & Mrs G. wanted an original drawing of a magpie feather as a present for their son's birthday. First, Jac sourced a pair of magpie wings and identified 2 feathers that might work well. The clients selected their favourite and then scaling up of the feather began. Here is the result at over 1 metre long.

 

Painted Sprout Stem on a Plate

Ms. H was tickled by the idea of having a stem of sprouts painted on a vintage plate to add to her already extensive Plated Collection. Finding the right plate was key, so after a lengthy search by Jac, the right one was identified by the client. Here is the result.

Ms. H. said "Wow! This one is now my favourite."

 Autumn Flight oil painting

Mr A. finds that he is homesick sometimes for his beloved Norfolk, so he commissioned Jac to paint a typical scene of the marsh with geese flying overhead. Seeing the result he said,

" The painting has arrived and it is beautiful! It evokes so many happy memories. Many thanks. I can't wait to be in N Norfolk again."

 

Heavenly Chocolate Paintings on Antique Plates for Master Chocolatiers Hunters of Holt Shop

For their new shop, the Hunters wanted something special for their windows, so asking Jac to capture the deliciousness of their signature chocolates in oils was a treat.

This commission was both a delight and a torture.

"Painting 6 giant chocolates on antique cake plates was fun as long as I didn't smell them".

 

Jelly Paintings for Mrs B.

Three paintings of old fashioned jellies were requested to be painted on antique cake plates. 

The commission involved sourcing some Victorian jelly moulds, making the jellies and then painting them before they dissolved.

The jelly paintings now hang in a kitchen on a wallpaper depicting jellies and cakes - what fun!

 

 

 

 

 

Encaustic Painting for Mr & Mrs D

The clients wanted a dark, dynamic storm painting of a particular size, so Jac painted Rain Dance 2.

Rain Dance 2 drying in the studio before going to the framers.

 

 

 

 

Drawing Bayfield Hall

Mr & Mrs C of Bayfield Hall commissioned Jac to do a large drawing of the estate from a particular perspective. It was a surprise present for their son.

The clients were delighted with the result.

 

 

 

Drawing Congham Hall

Owners of Congham Hall commissioned a drawing of the Hall for a wedding present to themselves with smaller print versions framed for guests.