Stopress, CCoI Nov/Dec 2008

C o n t e n t s

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

24

NATIONAL CRAFT GALLERY TO SHOW

AT COLLECT 2009 p.23

EMERGING MAKER AWARD p.4

For the third year running the Crafts Council

of Ireland’s National Craft Gallery attended

SOFA (Sculptural Object Functional Art) in

Chicago. For contemporary Irish craft in

general it has been a huge success, with

influential gallerists, collectors and critics

being introduced to high-end Irish craft

and the artists who created it.

Participation at SOFA has benefits on many levels:establishing and deepening linkages with galleries,collectors, craftspeople, educationalists and potentialconsumers for Irish craft and visitors to Ireland.

The Crafts Council of Ireland stand has made an impact at SOFA, with visitors returning fromprevious years specifically to check out the Irishbooth. The Irish work presents an interesting counterpoint to other work at the fair - it isnotable for its sophisticated quietness in what

is, at times, a very loud show, yet it still manages to make a strong statement about the creativityand beauty of Irish craft.

For this third outing at SOFA, building on its experience, we took a different approach andadded a space in the Resource area as well as the large booth in the main body of the show. This provided information on the Crafts Council of Ireland and its services and helped to promoteIreland as a destination for American collectors and craft enthusiasts.

This experience for the National Craft Gallery andthe Crafts Council of Ireland will feed back into itsprogrammes for clients in product developmentand enterprise development, and helps to achieveour ambition to make Irish craft renowned andsought-after all over the world.

Sarah Daly, Craft Development Officer, Louth Craftmarkand Board Member of the Crafts Council of Ireland.

SOFA 2008 L - R: Úna Parsons, Chief Executive, Crafts Council of Ireland, MartinRouine, Consul General of Ireland, and Mrs. Rouine, Michael Ray(glassmaker) and Sarah Daly (CCoI Board Member, Louth Craftmark)

News and Reviews

P.2 National Craft Gallery at SOFA

P.3 SOFA - People and Events

P.4 Emerging Maker Award at NCG

P.5 Christmas Greetings from CCoI

CCoI Bursary 08

CCoI Board in Donegal

New Member Organisation

P.6 House & Home/CCoI Student Design Awards

P.7 CCoI 3rd Level Award Winners

P.8 Showcase 09

P.9 Education and Training Study

Christmas at CORE Outlet

CCoI at Ploughing Championships

CCoI at Higher Options Fair

CCoI at National Craft & Design Fair RDS, Dublin

Craft Community News

P.10 Craftmaker in Context

P.12 Ceramics at the Hallward and Sculpture in Context

P.13 Peter Meanley at Hunt Museum

Obituary David Byers

P.14 Craft Fair o8 at the Glucksman

Joseph Walsh in New York

P.15 Irish Makers at ORIGIN 2008

LEADER at Ploughing Championships

Mullingar Crystal wins Award

Making Memories Exhibition

Opportunities

P.16 Research Missions

Stopress Survey Winner

CCoI Education & Training Study

P.17 New Vacancies at CCoI

One-Day Stands at Showcase 09

Callout for Proposals: Talks at NCG

House & Home/CCoI Student Design Awards

P.18 Dates for Your Diary

Advertisements

P.19 Advertisements

Exhibitions - NCG

P.22 Snapshots of Breaking Out at NCG

P.23 NCG @ Collect 2009

RDS National Craft Exhibition

P.24 Breaking Out


News and Reviews 2

It’s year three and it’s so interesting being back in SOFA for the third time. It has all taken

on a very familiar look and we are no longer the new kids on the block. How quickly we

have moved from needing help to giving out advice, from introductions to welcome backs,

from ‘who are you?’ to ‘what have you of interest this year?’. Attendance is still high but

the economic conditions have made the collectors more cautious about their spend.

SOFA 2008

The more we come to SOFA, the more clearly

I see what defines Irish Craft. This is clarified

by spotting the difference between our booth

and everyone else’s and from feedback and

comments from the collectors and visitors.

Irish craft still has a very domestic feel to it.

It’s made to live within the home, and that

home is one of modest scale. We do not

make work with the museum or gallery in

mind and while not everything is about

function, that root is still firmly within sight.

The work we show also has a quietness and

stillness about it and seems to be made to

quietly sit within a room and be an object

of contemplation. Our American cousins are

a much brasher beast and sometimes scream

for attention.

Our booth has been much admired and has

had a lot of repeat visits. People have admired

the beauty and poetry within the work and

been drawn to the peacefulness of it all. The

makers who have attended have all gained

confidence at seeing their work stand up so

well to such salubrious company and enjoyed

the engagement of a wide and informed

audience. Opportunities are being offered

and I can see the benefits of our three years

paying off in a greater confidence in us as

a gallery.

It’s also great to see the work of Irish makers

begin to show up on American Gallery

booths. A series of pieces by Angela O’Kelly

at Charon Kransen, Karl Harron at William

Zimmer and Liam Flynn, Roger Bennett and

Emmet Kane at del Mano galleries. In the

lecture series we had Roger Bennett on a

panel and his work was also in a curated

show in the special exhibition area, while

Emmet Kane gave a series of demonstrations.

It’s nice to feel that we have arrived and

are players, part of the family and no

longer guests.

Brian Kennedy Curator, National Craft Gallery, 2008 Chicago.

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News and Reviews3

As part of SALON SOFA, the educational component

of the fair, a series of lectures, panels and artist

conversations around the show helps to

reinforce the presence of Irish craft.

Emmet Kane

Mark Hanvey

Frances Lambe

Jane Jermyn

Mandy Parslow

Michael Moore

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Martin Rouine and Mandy Parslow

On the opening night of SOFA 2008 Martin

Rouine, Consul General of Ireland in Chicago,

hosted a reception at the booth for Chicagoans

with connections to Ireland or the world of

craft in the US, and was presented with a bowl

by glassmaker Michael Ray.

Within the lecture series, Jennifer Goff, Curator of Furniture, Musical

and Scientific Instruments at the National Museum of Ireland, spoke

about Modernism in Irish Furniture Design; Roger Bennett, invited to

give a lecture at a seminar on “Wood and Color” presented by

Collectors of Wood Art, gave a passionate and poetic overview of

his relationship with colour and wood; Emmet Kane gave lively

demonstrations of his techniques at the Wood Turning Centre; Frances

Lambe gave a presentation and demonstration at Chicago Irish American

Heritage Center; and the Irish Arts Review launched the current edition

of the magazine and our Irish Craft 2008 supplement in Chicago.

Fourteen of twenty-two craftspeople represented on the booth had

travelled to Chicago and for them it was an opportunity to establish

connections with the American world of craft - through meeting

collectors, seeing major galleries and meeting with internationally

renowned artists and craftspeople to exchange ideas and experiences.

The Irish Arts Review launched

the current edition of the magazine

and our Irish Craft 2008 supplement

in Chicago.

The CCoI was delighted to welcome Minister for Agriculture,Fisheries and Food, Mr BrendanSmith TD (pictured here withRachael McKnight, jeweller) who was in Chicago onGovernment business. Photography: Aaron T. Anderson


News and Reviews 4

The exhibition features new work with

many innovative twists, such as University

of Ulster graduate Gillian Patterson’s

Paper Pleasures - a vividly-coloured 3-D

wall-hanging of screen-printed and

stitched paper that doubles as body

adornment. Another engaging idea is

Cork graduate Lucy Brisson’s ceramic

work, which encourages a tactile,

physical experience through the use of

braille and the inclusion of seating for

the viewer as part of the piece. Marika

Miklosi Manning’s unusual sculpted

felt vessels were eyecatching, as

were Lucy Meagher’s tender and

expressive ceramic sculptures. A number

of exhibitors have already garnered

awards and acclaim in recent years, and

the standard of work on display is high.

The opening evening was also the

venue for the announcement of Nuala

O’Donovan as the winner of the

inaugural Crafts Council of Ireland/Irish

Arts Review Emerging Maker Award.

A recent MA graduate of the Crawford

College of Art, Nuala makes complex

and delicate work in porcelain based

on growth patterns in nature. Her prize

includes a feature in the Autumn edition

of the Irish Arts Review, which has an

international readership of 45,000,

plus a cash prize of €5000. Nuala

plans to use the money to finance a

period of experimentation next year

and develop her work themes further.

The Emerging Maker Award, along

with a new award for emerging

Critical Writing in Craft, also in

partnership with the Irish Arts Review,

aims to raise the profile of contemporary

Irish crafts and to support and promote

emerging talents.

Breaking Out runs at the National

Craft Gallery until 31st January 2009.

See also Page 24 for further details.

‘Breaking Out’ in the National Craft Gallery this autumn

showcases the work of some of Ireland’s most promising

emerging makers in an exhibition of thirty new talents

selected from open submission. A wide array of disciplines

are represented and it includes makers who have come

through third level education, through the CCoI’s training

courses, through apprenticeship or through a desire for

a second career. Emerging Makers shortlisted for the

award included Maggie Cashman, Sabrina Meyns

and Eily O’Connell.

Nuala O’Donovan

Winner of the Crafts Council of Ireland/Irish Arts Review Emerging Maker Award

Nuala O’Donovan, Úna Parsons, Gerry Crosbie (DesignYard) and SonyaPerkins, Chief Executive, Irish Ar ts Review

Porcelain form by Nuala O’Donovan

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Seasons Greetingsfrom all at the Crafts Council of Ireland

The Board and all the staff at the Crafts Council of Ireland would like to wish our readers a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.

Image: Christmas at CORE (Offaly Westmeath Crafted Design). See page 8.

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The Crafts Council of Ireland’s Bursary Award is made on an annual basis in order to support andrecognise the achievements of professional craftspeople in the creative development of their craft. It may be awarded to one or divided between two or three recipients.

Applications are invited each year and are judged by a distinguished group of Irish and International panelists. This year aftermuch consultation and close study, it was the decision of the panel that, whilst all applications had much to commend them, no single application showed an equal and consistent strength in both the proposal and portfolio of work and therefore noapplication was deemed to be of a sufficient standard to merit an award.

The Crafts Council of Ireland wishes, however, to ensure the prize money of €20,000 is put to valuable use and accordingly,the decision was made to dedicate it to mentoring programmes for the Bursary applicants in an area of their choosing. Over the next year The Crafts Council of Ireland will be organising a number of seminars to discuss best practice in the craftindustry and to provide continuing professional development opportunities for registered craft enterprises. Specific bursarybriefing sessions will also be held prior to the 2009 application process. Further details will be published in due course.

Crafts Council of Ireland

Crafts Council of IrelandBoard Meets in Donegal

New Member Organisation at CCoI

As part of its strategy to meet with craftspeoplein various locations around the country, theBoard of the Crafts Council of Ireland recentlyheld its Board Meeting in Donegal. An eveningwas also arranged where the Board met many of those involved in craft in the county.

A number of local craftmakers attended the event, aswell as Michael Tunney, Chief Executive of DonegalCounty Enterprise Board; Donna McFadden, DesignDirectorate, Donegal Enterprise Board; Joe McHugh,IDA Regional Office; Traolach O'Fionnain, Arts Officer,Donegal County Council and Lynn Temple, Chairman of Magee.

The evening was opened by Gerry Wycherley,Chairman of the Crafts Council of Ireland and ÚnaParsons, Chief Executive, gave a short presentation.This was followed by a general discussion on craft inIreland and in particular craft in the Donegal area.

The Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI) extends a warm welcometo our new member organisation, Irish Chairmakers, which was formed in September 2008. The group aims to provide a forum for the exchange of views and discussion of common objectives amongst skilled chairmakers, and to raisethe profile of chairmaking by holding annual exhibitions in different regions. For more information contact: IrishChairmakers , Alison Ospina, mobile: 087-6358086 or E: [email protected]

There are 52 member organisations affiliated with the CraftsCouncil of Ireland. See www.ccoi.ie for more details and howto apply.

Left/right/centre: (l) Lyndsey McGonigle and (r) Elaine McGonigle (McGonigle Glass Design)and Fiona Higgins (Sioda Batiks) at the recent meeting with the CCoI Board in Donegal


News and Reviews5

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News and Reviews 6

The Crafts Council of Ireland is delighted to

announce its new partnership with House and

Home for the 2009 Student Design Awards.

The awards have been set up to reward,

encourage and promote excellence and best

practice in the work of young Irish designers

working in the field of commercial design.

The CompetitionStudents are invited to design and

produce an ‘interiors-related’ product that

is contemporary, innovative, beautiful,

functional, affordable, saleable and easily

made for commercial production, taking as

the theme Future Classics. The product must

be of a high quality and professionally

finished. The Categories are:

• Ceramics • Lighting • Furniture • Textiles

• Metal Working • Glass • Industrial Design.

Participation is open to:

• all students studying design (full-time,

part-time or evening classes)

• students in the workplace who can be

regarded as apprentices or are still

learning their profession

• students who have design as a

significant component of their course

Students must take part individually and

not as part of a design team.

DeadlineStudents interested in participating in the

competition should register their interest

online at www.houseandhome.ie as soon

as possible. Product design ideas must be

submitted by post by Friday, 27th February

2009. The actual designed product must be

submitted by Monday 30th March 2009.

Judging processFive runners-up and an overall winner will

be selected. Entries will be judged on their

vision, innovation and contribution to

commercial design.

PrizesThe Student Designer of the Year will receive

a ceremonial piece, a prize fund of €1,000

and a trip to the design fair most suited to

the student’s area of design, as well as

relevant mentoring and support. The five

highly commended runners-up will each

receive a beautifully designed award.

The winners will be announced in April 2009

and their work showcased in the July/August

2009 issue of House and Home magazine.

For more information and to download

an entry form visit www.houseandhome.ie

Enquiries can be made to E: [email protected]

or E: [email protected]

Calling all student designers! Do you fancy yourself as a 21st Century Eileen Gray? Could you be

Ireland’s answer to Terence Conran? Enter the House and Home Crafts Council of Ireland Student

Design Competition and win €1,000 in cash and a trip to the design fair most suited to your area

of design, as well as relevant mentoring and support.

Crafts Council of Ireland

Linda WongWinner 2005

Conor TrawinskiWinner 2008

David McGrathWinner 2007

Karen MorganWinner 2006


News and Reviews7

The vibrant nature of future Irish craft was recognised

recently at the Crafts Council of Ireland 3rd Level

Awards. Award Winners were Jeweller Eily O’Connell,

National College of Art and Design (BDes) and

Textile Artist & Designer Logan Mc Lain (MA),

also of NCAD, with two additional merit awards

being made.

The Undergraduate Award went to Eily O’Connell

for her unique cast jewellery combining stones and

found objects. The award was given to assist Eily in

the development of a body of work for submission to

Origin in the UK. Logan Mc Lain won the MA award

to assist in developing his new enterprise ‘Slogan’

producing T-shirts and one-off embroidery pieces.

Of the winners, the panel commented “Eily’s work is

remarkable…..her cast jewellery combining stones and

found objects was fresh and exciting”. Mc Lain’s “vision

of himself and how to accomplish his aims was well

formed and he displayed an innovative approach to

product development and marketing”.

With a total award value of €5,000 the competition

between graduates and post-graduates at the Awards

is always of the highest standard. The judging panel,

comprising textile artist Alice Kettle, ceramicist Jack

Doherty and jeweller Gráinne Morton, therefore

requested two additional “merit awards” for

ceramicist, Nuala Ní Fhlathúin, GMIT, Galway and

for David Withers, University of Ulster, whose

modelling of animal forms was highly commended.

The 3rd Level Award is a significant recognition of

their skill and ambition to pursue a career. “The

awards recognise the breadth of being a craftsperson

and can make a real difference to that journey”, says

Alice Kettle. Jack Doherty remarks “The Third Level

Awards programme provides a vital stepping stone on

the path from college to a successful creative career.”

For further information contact Louise Allen, CCoIEducation & Awarness Manager T: 056 7761804 or E: [email protected]

Logan Mc Lain & Eily O’Connell winners of

the Crafts Council of Ireland’s

Eily O’Connell Logan Mc Lain

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At the presentation of the Crafts Council of Ireland’s 3rdLevel Awards: (l to r) David Withers (Merit Award), ÚnaParsons (Chief Executive, Crafts Council of Ireland), Logan Mc Lain, Eily O’Connell

Ceramics by Nuala Ní Fhlathúin


News and Reviews 8

Get Ready for Fresh Ideasat Showcase 09(18th - 21st January, RDS)

New and exciting developments for Showcase 2009 are well in train. These initiatives have been designed to reinvigorate the show and, critically, to place the spotlight firmly on craft and on unique products that are both ‘everyday’ and ‘special’.

To reflect these ideas, a fresh look has been designed for Showcase that is a celebration of Irish craftsmanship and design. Priority space is being given in the Main Hall, theBalcony Area and the Shelbourne Hall for core product.

There is also a designated area for new exhibitors who can take ‘One Day S tands’, providing them with an easy way to take part in an international show and a way for buyers to meet emerging makers.

For the buyers, there are new facilities and special events to make the experience both productive and enjoyable. These include opportunities to:

• Meet some of Ireland’s leading makers and des igners • See trend-setting products in our new designated display area• Spot the future - see creative ideas from Emerging Makers• Relax and take stock in a redesigned, comfortable Buyers ’ Suite• Get practical advice for business through an extensive,

buyer-focused seminar programme• Network and attend social events - to develop stronger

relationships with exhibitors and stakeholders.

On the marketing side, a new web s ite is up andrunning. Check it out at www.showcaseireland.com.Buyers will also receive a specially commissionedShow Preview and the show catalogue is being re-designed with rich editorial content on what’snew and hot in the industry sector. Our PR campaignto promote Showcase to home and internationalbuyers is also well under way.

Get ready now to bring fresh ideas toShowcase 2009; it’s the best place in the worldto do business.

A New Face at the Crafts Council of IrelandMary Jennings has joined us as Showcase Manager for Showcase 2009. We look forward to Mary working with the CCoI and ExpoShowcase teams. Mary has over twenty years’ experience in the marketing services industry and runs her own consultancy in marketingcommunications. She has a particular knowledge of design and brand identity issues, and a personal interest in craft and design.

One Day Standsfor New ExhibitorsThese 2x2 sq.m. stands are ready-to-gowith shell scheme walls, carpet, 2 spotlights and a name panel at a cost of €245 plus vat. A professional merchandiser will assist you with thestand display. All stands for Sunday 18thnow fully booked. You can book forMonday 19th, or for Tuesday 20th &Wednesday 21st together, by contacting:

Emma McGrath, E: [email protected] T: 056 7761804 or John Hick at Expo Events E: john.hick@expo-events .com T: 01 2958181

www.showcaseireland.com

Data Pens are small hand-held scanning

devices designed to take the labour

out of sales lead data collection by

capturing the information you require

in an instant, leaving you more time

to talk to your customers.

All buyers are issued with a unique bar-codedbadge. When they visit your stand, you simplyscan the barcode on the buyer’s badge. Oncethe scanner has been downloaded, the data isupdated to the Data Pen website and you willthen receive an email with an access code thatallows you to access all your own information inan easy format. This allows you to follow up onsales leads more effectively. To purchase thisservice (costs approx €250 plus VAT) simply complete and return the order form in theExhibitors’ Manual.

For further information, contact Pauline Kennedy, Operations Manager at Expo Events, E: [email protected]

Take the Lead with a Data Pen


News and Reviews9

Crafts Council of IrelandEducation and Training StudyThe Crafts Council of Ireland is currently undertaking a study on craft education and training provision inIreland. The objective of the study is to map the current provision of craft education and trainingthrough the diverse range of formal and informal settings where learning takes place.

These include the primary, secondary, tertiary and further educationsectors, after school clubs and summer schools, craft studios and workshops, adult and community contexts and the FÁSapprenticeship programme. The study should identify gaps in the provision of training, identify future trends nationally and internationally and make recommendations which will inform theCrafts Council of Ireland’s strategic direction, particularly in the keyareas of enterprise development and education.

In this context, the Council invites written submissions from peoplelinked to the sector who may have views or recommendations inrelation to craft education and training issues. Please submit theseto: Finbar McDonnell, Hibernian Consulting, 600B CathedralCourt, New Street, Dublin 8. E: [email protected]: 01 6574004 W: www.hibernianconsulting.ie

It is expected that the Study will be published early in the New Year.

National Crafts & Design Fair3rd - 7th December 2008, RDS, Dublin

The Crafts Council of Ireland will have an informationstand at the National Crafts & Design Fair, located in the main hall, near the front entrance. We encourage all craftspeople exhibiting at the show to take this opportunity to visit us with any questions you may haveor feedback on any of our services. Craft specialist retailoutlets, The Leitrim Design House and Louth Craftmark at Highlanes Gallery will also be exhibiting - in associationwith the Crafts Council of Ireland. We wish everyone participating in the fair a successful show.

www.nationalcraftsfair.ie

Crafts Council of Ireland atHigher Options Fair, RDS,September 2008This year the Crafts Council’s stand at the Higher Options

Fair was a great success. The stand provided up to date

information to Leaving Certificate students and career

guidance counsellors on pursuing a career in Craft and

Design. The winner of the CCoI iPod competition is:

Sharon Kenny, St. Nathy’s College, Co. Roscommon.

For further information in relation to careers in Craftand Design contact Amanda at the Crafts Council on T: 056 7761804.

Crafts Council of Ireland at the Ploughing Championships 2008This year’s Ploughing Championships, which took place in Kilkenny, were a huge success. It is the first time that theCrafts Council of Ireland has taken a stand at the Ploughing Championships and its presence at this event played animportant part in raising awareness of the vibrant craft industry in Ireland.

The Ploughing Championships offers us an important forum at which Irish craft can be promoted to the general public and where we can

provide information regarding supports and services offered by the Crafts Council of Ireland as well as advice to students interested in

pursuing a career in craft. We are committed to increasing our presence at the Championships in the coming years.

CORE Looks Forward to itsfirst ChristmasCORE (Offaly Westmeath Crafted Design), the firstoutlet to be launched under the CCoI’s RegionalOutlets Programme, is looking forward to its first Christmas.

This co-operative craft outlet in Ballinahown on theOffaly/Westmeath border is reaching out into the communitywith a programme of craft classes for the Christmas season.These have been developed with a Christmas theme for children, while their parents can use the hour to shop atCORE, visit the Café. Next year will see further developmentof adult and children’s craft classes. CORE is also hoping towork closely with its makers on product development andplans have been made to host international buyers at Core in 2009.

Craftmaker in Context by Cornelia McCarthy

This is a series of articles where the work of a craftperson, registered with theCrafts Council of Ireland will be featured along with the Guild that supports themand a retail outlet that carries their work. If you would like to be considered forselection in future issues of Stopress, please email [email protected]

Eddie Doherty - Weaver

Labels are sewn on using the old Singer sewing machine

It is a commonly held belief that you haveto be engaged in a craft for at least tenthousand hours to become skilled. That’sabout 3-4 hours a day for 6-7 years. Ifyou subscribe to that measurement thenEddie Doherty is ‘off the scale’ in terms of skill. One of the few remaining professional hand-weavers in Ireland,Eddie has been weaving in Ardara, CoDonegal his entire life. His antique loomturns the local wool from Kilcar intotreasured possessions for the home or pieces to be worn. 2009 will be the 50thanniversary of ‘Eddie Doherty HandwovenTweed’ producing rugs, throws, scarves,waistcoats, capes, caps and suiting tweed.

Eddie has just completed a project at theCliff House Hotel in Co Waterford withDouglas Wallace Architects and Designers.He was specially commissioned to makelarge bed-throws that perfectly fit andmatch the décor of each of the 38 rooms.The colours, pink, olive green and paleblues, are mixed with a gorgeous warmcream which continues into matchingcushions. Take a trip to the bar and sinkinto the soft herringbone throws that aredraped over the bar sofas. Contemporaryinterior design with a most successfullocal Irish accent.

Eddie learned to warp and weave over 50 years ago and now weaves on hispremises where the traditional looms areon display. He is joined every day by hiswife Evelyn who uses the sewing machineadjacent to him to sew labels on everygarment and throw.

Ardara was traditionally the capital ofweaving in Co Donegal. Most cottageshad at least one loom housed on thepremises. Those who manned the looms

had wool and prepared beams deliveredto them. These piece weavers processedthe wool on their own looms until it wascollected by the factories of Molloys orMagees. Into this traditional craft Eddiegrew and he started fulltime weaving inMolloys at the age of 16. As the industrywent up and down through the 50s and60s, Eddie began to grow a following forhis work and an individual client base.Encouraged by a large order of rugs for alocal shop, he set up on his own in 1959and hasn’t looked back since.

One of the many issues for craftspeople is developing a market for their work. In the early 90s, Eddie encouraged by silversmith Michael McCrory, a friend and fellow angler, took the plunge anddecided to exhibit at Showcase. Thisbrought him to the attention of bothestablished retailers in Ireland and overseas and to the press. Orders fromGermany, France, the US and all aroundIreland followed as well as press coveragein leading magazines. As a result heopened an outlet with workshopattached, adjacent to the pub in Ardara.The publicity has continued and Eddie isfrequently featured in articles which celebrate Irish craftsmanship, Donegaland indeed speciality pieces for interiors.Although he has ceased showing atShowcase, retailers order directly fromhim frequently during the year and he stillexhibits at the National Crafts Fair &Design in December. Assisted by variousfamily members, trade is brisk forChristmas and he makes contacts at theevent that follow up throughout the year.He finds that face-to-face contact with his customers, either at the December Fair orin his workshop, generates a substantialpart of his business.

Top: Eddie Doher ty in his shop in ArdaraBottom: Handwoven throws commissioned for the Cliff House

Hotel, Ardmore, Co. Waterford

10Craft Community News


Like many of Eddie’s customers, I wanted to

leave Donegal with a piece of it! What better

way to do this than to choose an Eddie

Doherty handwoven throw. In its structure is

superb craftsmanship. Its colour has the dark

peaty soil, the grey rock, the green and brown

grasses and mosses, the spiky brown heather

branches or purple blooms, and dots here and

there of white sheep. It is a veritable postcard

that you can wrap around you, use in your

home as a throw, a sofa covering or curtains,

or give as a special gift.

Eddie has a long list of loyal and happy

customers and counts amongst them all

sorts of celebrities who holiday in Donegal.

Countless others visit Eddie’s annually but

also call him and order directly from him

with their own favourite pieces to use as

their ‘speciality’ wedding gifts. Eddie

has frequent requests for his tweeds which

are transformed into jackets or coats. One

internationally famous singer dresses himself

from head to toe in three-piece suits with

Doherty’s tweeds.

The classic and beautiful tweeds produced at

the loom - internationally treasured but pure

Donegal, bring to mind W.H. Auden’s words on

“a Poet’s hope: to be, like some valley cheese,

local, but prized elsewhere.”

Eddie Doherty, Front Street, Ardara,

Co. Donegal. Tel. & Fax 074 95 41304.

E: [email protected]

W: donegalhandwoventweed.com

MAGEES of DonegalMagee Clothing make a wide range of menswear and asmall selection of classic womenswear. Since 1866 their hallmark has been fabric quality, excellent tailoring and asophisticated use of colour. Alongside their apparel you will find a fine selection of handwoven throws and rugs by Eddie Doherty.

Magees of Donegal, New Row, �Donegal Town, Co Donegal

T: (074) 972 1100 W: www.mageedonegal.com

The Donegal Craft GuildThe Donegal Craft Guild is a group of artist/craftmakers who

promote their work and raise the profile of crafts in the county.

Including Eddie Doherty there are thirty members representing a

wide range of crafts: basket makers, ceramicists, glassmakers,

batik-artists, weavers, jewellers and clothing designers.

If you are a maker of high quality crafts working in Donegal then you are

welcome to join the Guild. The Guild recently held an Open Day which

encouraged new craftspeople working in the county to join. The benefits

to members are many: in the past the Guild has managed to get funding

with the help of the Donegal County Enterprise Board for road signs for

workshops, brochures and leaflets, a craft map for tourists showing

locations of workshops, group exhibitions during the Earrigal arts festival,

training in photography, display and marketing and study visits to

international craft fairs.

For further information contact: Niall Faulkner on 071 9856907 or email: [email protected]; or contact the Enterprise Fund Business Centre, Ballyraine, Letterkenny, Co Donegal Tel. (074) 9160735

Cornelia McCarthy is a consultant and project manager working with creative businesses.

Spoiled for choice: a selection of Eddie’s tweeds

Magees of Donegal

Guild members pictured at the Guild’s Open Day in Letterkenny

Supporting and Representing the Craftmaker


11 Craft Community News


Craft Community News 12

In addition to ‘Sculpture in Context’

Alison Kay also won the Hallward

Mill Cove Award at ‘Ceramics at the

Hallward’ in September 2008 and will

hold a solo exhibition at the galleries in

2010. While the Ceramics Ireland Award

went to Lucy Meagher, whose work

also features in ‘Breaking Out’ at the

National Craft Gallery (see page 4

and 24). ‘Ceramics at the Hallward’

is to become an annual event every

September a number of public and

private bodies have expressed an

interest in providing further awards

at the exhibition to raise the value

and profile of this medium.

While ‘Sculpture in Context’ creates

opportunities for practicing artists and

craftspeople to exhibit their works in

a wider public arena, more selected

exhibitions are required to bring this

work to a wider audience.

With this in mind the Mill Cove Gallery in

Castletownbere (partner of the Hallward)

is to open its Sculpture Gardens in June

2009. The gallery is set on 4 acres of

mature grounds overlooking the sea and

across to Bere Island. Some 40 works,

including ceramic works by Jim Turner,

Niamh Synnott, Niamh Garvey, Annika

Berglund, Frances Lambe and Etain

Hickey, will be selected for installation.

The Sculpture Gardens will be opened

officially in August 2009 with an

exhibition at the gallery and of course

the gardens.

Dr. John Goode

‘Sculpture in Context’ offers a platform for artists outside thenormal gallery context and has been held in various outdoorvenues since its formation in 1985. Since 2002 the NationalBotanic Gardens in Glasnevin has offered both indoor and outdoor exhibition space. A number of craftspeople working invarious media have been shown at the exhibition. This year’sshow included ceramicists Alison Kay, Frances Lambe, BrigittaSeck, textile artist Caroline Schofield and glass artist DeirdreRogers, among others.

‘Ceramics at the Hallward’ and ‘Sculpture in Context’

Two Recent Exhibitions in Dublin Help to Raise the Profile of Craft

Ceramics by Michelle Maher

Woodcarving by Werner Groll Ceramics by Ulrika Holmquist

Úna Parsons, Chief Executive, Crafts Council of Ireland andceramicist Alison Kay with her award winning piece

Ceramics byMassey Hawthorn

The fine line between art and craft has been intentionally blurred by recent exhibitions such as ‘Ceramics at the Hallward’ and ‘Sculpture in Context’ at the National Botanic Gardens

Obituary David Byers 1953 - 2008

A man of vision, energy and passion - DavidByers, a commissioner at the Office of PublicWorks (OPW), made a difference to the individual as much as to the State. In a recentconversation I asked him if he did any architectural work these days and he said he “just managed acquisitions” - he wasalways modest in his achievements. He was a brilliant dealer and manager and herealised some of his visions in opening Statetreasures to the public and encouraging people to be part of history in the makingby participating in events and by creatingsculpture, furniture, textiles, ceramics, glassand other artforms to embellish State properties. He rescued Evie Hone’s stainedglass from storage and integrated it intoGovernment Buildings for all to see. Onebedroom in Farmleigh pays homage toEileen Gray and it is a thrill to see such fineexamples of her work here in Ireland. AtDublin Castle, the Coach House is home toart, craft, music and events, with a helicopterpad designed as part of the SculptureGarden. He protected and restored the artand craft of the past while encouragingcraftspeople and artists of today to create an Ireland to be proud of in the future. He was responsible for some of our bestcraftspeople being commissioned to produce contemporary works and restoration forimportant public sites and buildings.

Working with David was a great honour - he wasn’t afraid of colour or shy of takingrisks; he was very charming and knew howto get things done. He inspired you withconfidence and showed great respect for you and your work. Let us hope that theOPW will honour his legacy and vision bycontinuing to commission Irish craftsmanshipto embellish and compliment StateProperties for many years to come.

David is survived by his wife Anne, theirdaughters Sarah and Jenna and his parents,John and Phyllis Byers. His ashes will beplaced in the burial wall he designed, in aspecially commissioned ceramic urn, atGlasnevin Cemetery.

Laura O’Hagan

Ceramicist

The familiar shapes and forms of Meanley’s

vessels recall historic examples. Recently

15C-17C stoneware jugs from England

and Europe have become a source of

inspiration. A particular series known as

‘Bellarmines’, after a Cardinal whose face

they depict, prompted Meanley to use his

own face as decoration on a jug, while

eighteenth century Toby jugs inspired his

‘Toby Series’. His work is not meant to

be ironic, rather, it is a deeply serious

homage to (or apotheosis of) the English

tradition. The most recent pieces in the

‘Toby Series’ see his portrait and the pot

morph into a surreal hybrid holding out

to the spectator a tiny miniature teapot.

The Hunt Museum

Rutland Street,

Limerick.

W: www.huntmuseum.com

T: 061 312833

This retrospective exhibition of almost

100 pieces, in association with The

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, is

sponsored by the Department of Arts,

Sport and Tourism.


Craft Community News

Past Gazing Future GlazingThe Ceramic World of Peter Meanley at the Hunt Museum to 31st December 2008�

A retrospective exhibition at

Limerick’s Hunt Museum shows

the work of Peter Meanley,

perhaps Ireland’s foremost

ceramic vessel maker. The

Belfast-based potter trained

at York School of Art and the

Royal College of Art and taught

for over thirty years at the Belfast

College of Art, now the School of

Art and Design of the University

of Ulster. Peter Meanley

13


Craft Community News 14

Inspired Craft in the Glucksman GalleryThe first weekend of November saw the Lewis Glucksman Gallery

in Cork host its first ever Craft Fair. Visitors to the gallery had the

opportunity to view and purchase the unique craftwork of some

of Ireland’s leading craftmakers.

Craft Fair o8 is the gallery’s first craft fair

and director Fiona Kearney commented:

“We’re delighted to have such a variety of

high quality craftmakers participating in

the craft fair. The exceptional quality of Irish

craft is part of our artistic heritage and

will make for a wonderful display in the

gallery spaces”.

This was a fantastic opportunity for the

public to view and acquire distinctive gifts

from craftmakers. Admission to the gallery

is always free and this was also the case for

Craft Fair o8. The fair introduced visitors to

both the Glucksman and contemporary Irish

crafts in an informal way. As well as being

an opportunity for craftmakers to showcase

their work, it also allowed visitors to see and

meet the person behind the work and learn

more about the process involved in producing

the crafts. Gallery staff were available to

talk to visitors about the craft fair and also

about other programmes and activities at

the Glucksman.

Lewis Glucksman Gallery, University

College Cork. For further information

please contact: Eileen Kearney

T. +353 21 490 1844 F. +353 21 490 1823

W. www.glucksman.org

E. [email protected]

Solo Exhibition of work by eminent designer Joseph Walsh in New York

‘Realisations’, an exhibition of work by designer maker Joseph

Walsh at the American Irish Historical Society (AIHS) at 991 Fifth

Avenue (80th street) has been extended by another month until the

end of November. This is Walsh’s first major solo exhibition in New

York and points to increasing recognition of his work in the US.

The limited edition Selected Works on view include ‘Suaimhneas’ a rocking

chaise, which is included in the collection of the National Museum at Collins

Barracks and has also been purchased by a well-known American collector.

New limited edition works exhibited for the first time at the New York show

include ‘San Martin’ and the ‘Prism Cabinet’.

On November 3rd Joseph Walsh presented a lecture on his work to tutors

and students at Harvard Graduate School of Design before travelling to

Chicago to take part in the Crafts Council of Ireland’s stand at SOFA.

‘Realisations’ continues at the American Irish Historical Society,

W: www.aihs.org New York, until 30th November 2008.

W: www.josephwalshstudio.com

Joseph Walsh (left) pictured at the opening of his exhibition,Realisations, at the American Irish Historical Society, New York

Cathy Prendergast, INTI Leathers at the LEADER craft village at the Ploughing Championships


Craft Community News15

LEADER at the Ploughing Championships The LEADER Craft and Food Villages were once again represented atthe National Ploughing Championships in Kilkenny in September 2008.

This annual three day event is certainly not for the faint hearted, but as event

coordinator Peter Pollock from Cavan Monaghan Rural Development says; ‘Where else would you get the opportunity to exhibit to a potential crowd of over two hundred thousand people at such a reasonable cost’?

The craft village is an inter-territorial project involving LEADER companies from many

parts of Ireland. The Villages have grown from twenty five craft and food exhibitors in

2003 to this year when there were up to eighty exhibitors in two dedicated craft and

food villages. Most of the exhibitors have been attending for four to five years and

many say the Ploughing Championships is their number one selling event in Ireland.

‘Making Memories’ Celebrating a decade of the West Cork Craft & Design Guild

‘Making Memories’ an exciting group exhibition from the West Cork Craft & Design Guild opened 30th October at the award winning gallery Etain Hickey Collections in Clonakilty. It was a chance to see the work ofThomas Kay who won 1st prize in the Furniture category at the RDS with one of his sculptural chairs (see page 23) and from Sara Roberts who has just completed making the awards for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Etain Hickey Collections, 40 Ashe Street, Clonakilty. T: 023 21479

Entrepreneurial Spirit Award for Mullingar Crystal

Mullingar Crystal won the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award at the recent Westmeath County Enterprise Board Awards.

Earlier this year Mullingar Crystal developed Crystal

Print, a system whereby a colour logo, text or even

a photograph can be embedded into crystal to

customise an award; after only two years in business

they have had great success supplying awards to

sports clubs in Ireland and the UK.

Irish Makers atOrigin 2008

All were unanimous in their enthusiasm for Origin and said thatthey would be applying to return next year. Several remarked thatwhile it is important to have a high standard of display, it helps toshow work at different price points: the show attracts consumers as well as galleries and retail buyers. Considering the present economic climate, sales were good; and above all the Irish makers appreciated the potential for making new contacts and the opportunity to exhibit and sell at an international show of a consistently high standard. As one said “the visitors are interestedand knowledgeable and include some serious collectors”.

A number of Irish makers were admitted to show at Originin London this year, including Beth Moran, Roger Bennett,Nuala Jamison, Rachel McKnight, Sara Flynn, Hope &Benson, and Inga Reed.

T - B: Roger Bennett, Inga Reed, and Nuala Jamison at Origin 2008

Inspired Craft in the Glucksman Gallery


Opportunities 16

Final Call - Closing date extended to 15th December 2008

Research MissionsFinancial assistance towards visiting shows

If you want to travel to research an event, a show, a summerschool, a conference or symposium in 2009 and want to availof assistance with costs, apply now

Some recent research missions:

“… the course was excellent and allowed me to develop a new technique which will enhance my current work. … The networkingopportunities were excellent .” Edmond Byrne, glass artist, onPilchuck Glass School, USA.

“I would recommend it to anyone involved in children’s fashion, not only for inspiration on colour and trends but also for merchandising ideas..” Liadain de Buitlear, knitwear designer,on Pitti Bimbo, Florence.

For further information or to download an application form, go to the ‘Opportunities’ section of our website www.ccoi.ie or contact Mary Whelan E: [email protected]

NOTICE Crafts Council of IrelandPROGRAMME AND PERFORMANCESURVEY 2008Thanks to everyone who submitted to the CCoI Survey.

The CCoI recently conducted a client survey to help influence the direction and development of the Crafts Council of Ireland 2009services and programmes.

The draw for the winning prize for a weekend away will be announced shortly.

Results will be published in the next issue of Stopress.

Many thanks to all who responded to our

Stopress Survey asking our readers what they

most enjoy about Stopress and what they

would like to see more of in these pages. Your

answers will help us to shape the pages of

future editions of Stopress.

A draw has taken place among the participants

for a prize to the value of €150. The prize goes to:

Clare Bollard, Baile Ard, Castlehill,

Ballina, Co. Mayo.

NOTICE: Response to Stopress Survey

Submissionsinvited for Crafts Council’sEducation andTraining Study

The Council invites written submissionsfrom people linked to the sector whomay have views or recommendations inrelation to craft education and trainingissues. Also see notice on page 9.

Please submit these to: Finbar McDonnell, Hibernian Consulting, 600B Cathedral Court, New Street, Dublin 8. E: [email protected] T: 01 6574004 W: www.hibernianconsulting.ie

Hope BensonShowcase 2009

Amoc GoldsmithsShowcase 2009


Opportunities17

Callout for Proposals: Talks at The National Craft GalleryFollowing on from the recent series of talks in the National Craft Gallery for second level students - which discussed work from the RDS National Crafts Competition and the upcoming ‘Breaking Out’ exhibition - CCoInow looks forward to developing its 2009 talk and lecture series.

Professional makers interested in proposing talks related to National Craft Gallery exhibitions are asked to contact:

Louise Allen, Education & Awareness Manager T: 056 7761804 E: [email protected]

NEW VACANCIESat the Crafts Council of Ireland

The Crafts Council of Ireland is currently recruiting for

the following senior level appointments.

• Head of Operations• Head of Education, Training and Development• Head of Market Development• Head of public Affairs and Communications• Exhibitions Manager

Applications to Michelle Noone, KpMG Executive

Search & Selection, 1 Stokes place, St. Stephen's Green,

Dublin 2. Tel: 01 410 2801 Fax: 01 412 2801

E-mail: [email protected]

Further details on these and other open vacancies

can be found on the Crafts Council of Ireland’s

website www.ccoi.ie.

Calling all student designers! Do you fancy yourself as a 21st CenturyEileen Gray? Could you be Ireland’s answer to Terence Conran?

Enter the House and Home Crafts Council of Ireland Student Design Competition and win €1,000 in cash and a trip

to the design fair most suited to your area of design, as well as relevant mentoring and support.

For details of the competition and prizes see page 6 in this issue of Stopress.

Enquiries can be made to E: [email protected] or [email protected].

LAST CALL

One Day Stands for New Exhibitors

A professional merchandiser will assist you with

the stand display. All stands for Sunday 18th now

fully booked.

You can book for Monday 19th, or for Tuesday

20th & Wednesday 21st January together. For

more details see page 8.

Opportunities...Opportunities...Opportunities...Opportunities


Opportunities 18

OPPORTUNITY DIARY DATES BY/ON/CURRENTLY

CCoI Education & Training Studies Submissions as soon as possibleApplications for One-Day Stands at Showcase as soon as possibleResearch Missions: closing date for applications for financial assistance by 15th DecemberHouse and Home/Crafts Council of Ireland Student Design Awards:

Register interest online W: www.houseandhome.ie as soon as possibleSubmission of product design ideas by post by 27th February 2009

NATIONAL CRAFT GALLERY (NCG) EXHIBITIONS 2008For 2009 Programme contact [email protected] or log onto www.ccoi.ieNCG, Castle Yard, Kilkenny

Breaking Out on 18th October - 31st January 2009 For NCG Touring Exhibitions visit www.ccoi.ie or see Exhibitions Programme

INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR DATES 2009

Maison et Objet, Paris on 23rd - 27th January 2009Eclat de Mode, Paris on 30th January 2009Birmingham Spring Fair, Birmingham on 1st - 5th February 2009Inhorgenta, Munich on 20th - 23rd February 2009

SHOWS IN IRELAND 2008/2009

National Crafts and Design Fair, RDS, Dublin on 3rd - 7th December 2008Showcase, RDS, Dublin on 18th - 21st January 2009 Futura Fair, RDS, Dublin on 1st - 3rd February 2009

Dates for your Diary*Please note: The January/February issue of Stopress will be

published on 15th January 2008. Please forward all submissions

by 15th December 2008. Stopress is also available on-line at www.ccoi.ie


Advertisements19

DESIGNYARD Fixtures

& Fittings for Sale: Following

the relocation of DESIGNYARD

to Nassau St, we have a selection

of Wall Shelving Units, Plinths, and

Filing Cabinets for sale. Suitable for

retail start up business or artist

studio. Interested parties

should contact: Gerry Crosbie

on T: 086-8297276 or


Cromartie top loader

kiln for sale 6cu.ft.capacity.

9 kw single and 3phase electric kiln

in good condition with kiln furniture

and Safefire 3000 controller. €600.

Galway area. Contact Anne

on T: 087-6305714

11 x 50 kgs tubs/barrels

with lids and two or three

different types of clay which

will have to be test fired to establish

which clay is which. Contact Hazel

Cullen at M: 087 2464786

Information wanted:

Parshell is the name of a

Halloween cross. I am looking for

some information on a maker of

such a cross and perhaps some

background on its heritage. Kevin

Danaher has a book called The

Year in Ireland which references

the cross and festival and customs.

Contact: Stuart Marley

www.realirish.com


Studios available to rent

at Moxie Studios in Dublin 8

5 minute walk from Blackhorse

Luas stop. Contact Bear

on T: 087 6943188 or

E: [email protected] for prices

and availability

Studio space in Art

Gallery to rent, short term

or long term, parking, privacy

- Dungarvan, Co Waterford, at

very reasonable rent. Contact

T: 087 8557218

Bridge Street, 97 Bridge

Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth

invite submissions for a

studio space that will be coming

available over the next few months.

Subletting is also an option.

Reasonable rent. Includes access

to 12 cubic ft. kiln, computer,

broadband and excellent contacts

and networking opportunities.

For further information,

contact Fiona Thornton on

[email protected]

or the studio on T: 042 935 1712

The Contemporary Craft

Fair, June 5 - 7 2009 Mill

Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey, Devon

In Association with The Devon Guild

of Craftsmen. Call For Entries:

Applications are now being sought

from designer makers resident in

Britain and Ireland working to the

highest standard in ceramics, glass,

textiles, jewellery, silver, metal, wood,

plastics, mix media, leather, recycled

materials and paper. No paintings,

photography or musical instruments.

With 5 years firmly under our belt,

The Contemporary Craft Fair, in

association with the Devon Guild of

Craftsmen, has become one of the

largest and most prestigious shows

to be part of in the UK.

The lively, festival atmosphere at

The Contemporary Craft Fair has

built up a loyal following and we

represent 160 of the UK’s finest

designer makers. Our additional

on-site educational programme

includes demonstrations, workshops

for all ages, master classes and

lectures by some of the UK’s leading

names. All set in a marquee village

in idyllic parkland on the edge of

Dartmoor in South Devon with

excellent transport links via road,

train and air. Selected by an

independent panel of judges.

Closing date for applications:

30th November 2008.

For an application form contact:

Nina Fox, project Manager,

The Contemporary Craft Fair,

c/o The Devon Guild of

Craftsmen, Riverside Mill, Bovey

Tracey, Devon TQ13 9AF.

T: 0044-1626 830612.


www.craftsatboveytracey.co.uk

Careers at DESIGNYARD

Sales Advisor - Jewellery

We are seeking candidates with a

background in jewellery who have a

minimum of one year’s experience

working in a retail environment.

Applicants should be enthusiastic,

committed, and self-motivated, with

lots of initiative and enjoy working as

part of a sales team. Good

communications and organisational

skills are essential. please write

or e-mail with full CV to:

Ann Sevastopulo, General

Manager, DESIGNYARD, 48-49

Nassau St, Dublin 2.


Cork Textile Conference

2009 ‘Transforming Textiles’ is a

one-day conference with lecturers

from Britain and Ireland’s leading

contemporary textile artists.

Lectures, workshops and viewing

of work. Venue: Coláiste Stiofán

Naofa, Tramore Road, Cork. Sat 7th

March 2009. Entrance fee: €80.

For more information contact

Carmel T: 086 6095656 or


Feltmaking and

Embellishing Courses

at Clasheen, Borris, Co.

Carlow - 3 day rug making

workshops with master Turkish felt

maker Mehmet Girgic from 15th

- 27th January 2009, check blog for

exact dates and venues; 25th April

2009 'Felted Textures' with Sheila

Smith and 26th April 2009

'Explore-Experiment-Embellish' with

Sheila Smith. please contact Nicola

asap to reserve your space,

FOR SALE STUDIO

SPACE

JOB

OPPORTUNITIES

WANTED

EXHIBITIONS

& EVENTS

WORKSHOPS

/COURSES

OPPORTUNITIES


Advertisements 20

numbers are limited. Contact

W: www.clasheen.wordpress.com


M: 087 2789740

Felt Fantastic. Textile

Workshops. Near Ballina,

County Mayo. Come and be creative

with textiles! Learn wet-felting,

needle-felting and peg loom weaving

in a purpose built studio at the foot

of the Nephin Mountain with

stunning views of Lough Conn.

A day's workshop costs €60 and

includes materials used and use of

equipment. Bring a packed lunch

and your imagination! Contact

Clare Ballard T: 096 30836


W: www.felt-fantastic.com

Make your own glass

Christmas decorations and

small gifts. Beginners Class €150

Sat. 29th & Sun. 30th Nov. 2008

2-day course (10am-4.30pm each

day). Participants will learn how to

cut and shape colourful glass forms.

These will be fused together in a

kiln and finished with engraved or

sandblasted detail. These can be

hung from your tree, used as

personalised swing tags or given as

gifts. No glass making experience

necessary, just a little imagination

and lots of fun. All materials and light

lunch will be provided.

Sandblasting as an art form.

Sat.21st - Sun. 22nd and Sat. 28th

Feb 2009. 3-day course (10am-

4.30pm each day). Intermediate

Class €200 (Basic design and glass

skills are an advantage but not

necessary). Participants will be using

images or drawings with Adobe

Photoshop. These will be converted

into ‘resists’ for sandblasting onto

glass. Using UV light the images

will be applied to glass sheet and

sandblasted. Experimentation with

the etched surface and manipulation

of imagery with enamels will be

the main focus of this workshop.

All materials and light lunch will

be provided. Contact: see below

Create your own work of

art! - Mono printing from

glass plates. Beginners Class €80.

Sat.11th and Sun. 12th April 2009,

2-day course (10am-4.30pm each

day). Using leaves, found objects and

paper cuttings we will be composing

a picture on glass plates. These fun

images can be printed over again to

create interesting and unique paintings

to be hung in your house, given as

gifts or used in card making. Materials

and light lunch will be provided. This

course can also be adapted for

children in the classroom.

For the above courses please con-

tact Deirdre Rogers Contemporary

Glass & Design, Monktown, Garlow

Cross, Navan, Co. Meath T/F: 353

(0)46 9026610 M: 086 8117969

W: www.deirdrerogers.com

Feltmakers Ireland

Workshops. We are delighted

to welcome German feltmaker Sigrid

Bannier to Ireland to give four

one-day workshops. The workshops

"Painting with Silk" and "Felt

Jewellery" are being held in Dublin

on the 22nd & 23rd November and

in Killane, Co Wexford on the next

week-end 29th & 30th. Sigrid's visit

to Ireland has been supported by

the Craft's Council's Network

Support Scheme. For more

information contact Holly Angle

at [email protected] or

you will find more information

on www.feltmakersireland.com

Our annual, and very

popular, "Basic & Beyond"

workshop is taking place on

Saturday January 24th 2009 in Lucan

in Dublin. Participants will learn the

principles of Feltmaking, exploring

surface decoration, texture, nuno

and 3D. For more information

please see our website or contact

[email protected]

Derryaun Crafts Workshop.

Fri & Sat 6th/7th Feb 2009: Print

making with Marianne Heemskerk.

Sat & Sun 7th/8th March 2009:

Precious Metal Clay with Maura

Dickinson. Contact: Suzie

Sullivan T: 098 21888 or


W: www.derryauncrafts.com

29 November (Saturday)

11am - 5.30pm. Batik

Techniques - Follow-on Course

This is an advanced level workshop

for participants with previous

experience and practice in Batik.

As well as learning new and

experimental techniques they will

be also introduced to methods and

materials used in AFRICAN BATIK.

Tutor : Blaithin Quinn, Batik

Artist, Co. Dublin €95 (including all

materials). Contact: see below

30 November (Sunday)

11am - 5.30pm.

Experimental Techniques

in Silk Papermaking This one-

day workshop is focusing on three

dimensional, textured works and

experimental materials and methods

in Silk Papermaking - suitable for

participants with experience

and/or some previous practice in

papermaking. Tutor : Tunde Toth, Fibre

Artist, Kozo Studio €100 (including

all materials). Contact: see below

7 December (Sunday)

11am - 5.30pm Textile Art

with Caroline Schofield.

One-day workshop €95.

For all of the above courses

contact: [email protected]

or www.kozogallery.com

gatehouse gallery,

millmount craft centre,

drogheda, co. louth. Rachel

Tinniswood and Mel Bradley are

running the forthcoming textile

workshops. The workshops will take

place in Mel Bradley studio at the

gatehouse in Drogheda. “Felted

Jewellery”. At this 1-day

workshop you will learn to make

felted jewellery. Design and create

unique jewellery using wool fibres.

Ideal for Christmas presents for

your friends or a treat for yourself.

“Bracelets, Necklaces, Beads and lots

more Bits & Bobs” Saturday 6th

December 2008 10am-4.30pm

€75 including materials pack.

Further information and booking

form: Contact Mel Bradley

T: 086-3712927


Places are limited so book early to

avoid disappointment.

Hands on creative

workshops in West Cork.

A chance to spend time with top

professionals, learning arts or craft

skills. A wide range of classes, courses

and workshops, from single days to

ongoing day/evening classes in a

variety of locations in West Cork.

For further information contact

W: www.handsonwestcork.com

Christmas Art & Craft Fair,

Summerhill, Co. Meath. Sunday 30th

November, 12-6pm. Admission free.

In Aid of Chernobyl Children’s Trust,

Boyne Valley Group. Exhibitors

please contact Bernadette on

T: 086-8576207

CRAFT FAIRS/

STANDS AVAILABLE

DESIGNYARD

CHRISTMAS SHOW

GETS UNDERWAY

DESIGNYARD will showcase the latestcreations from many of Ireland’s topapplied artists and jewellers in a specialChristmas Show that will open onNovember 15th and run to ChristmasEve. The collection will include sculpture;wood; glass; ceramics and framed piecesand will feature jewellery from top Irishand European designers who work inplatinum, gold, diamonds, pearls andcoloured gemstones. The gallery will alsoshowcase some of the most impressiveand prestigious works of British and Irishsilversmiths, whose works have beenselected for the permanent collection atthe Goldsmiths’ Hall, London, a companyinternationally recognised as possessingone of the finest collections of silver.

Further information contact:

Ann Sevastopulo, DESIGNYARD

48-49 Nassau St., Dublin.

W: www.designyard.ie

T: 01 4741011


Advertisements21

The Bridge Complex

hosts its annual "Winter

Wonderland Art and Craft

Fair" for the 4th year running. It's

being held in the courthouse in

Sixmilebridge Sat 29th Nov. and Sun

30th Nov.10:30-6pm. It's a lovely

intimate event with only 15 indoor

and 10 outdoor stalls. With a dedi-

cated portrait studio and winter

wonderland themed decorations, it is

a well-sponsored local event with a

door prize worth over €300. Stall

charges for the weekend are: indoor

€80, outdoor €60. For further info

contact Lisa on Mobile: 086 811

8819, [email protected] or by post

to The Bridge Complex, The Old

Courthouse, Sixmilebridge,

Co. Clare.

Christmas Arts & Crafts

Fair 30 November in Clane,

Co. Kildare and on 14 December in

Celbridge Co. Kildare. Cost of stand

€60 each date. Contact

Elisabetta on T: 086-8215794 or


The Irish National Hunt

Festival which takes place

from 28th April - 2nd May

2009 is a mixture of top class

racing coupled with an unparalleled

buzz that draws crowds in their tens

of thousands per day from Ireland,

the UK and beyond. We invite you

to exhibit at this unique event which

gives you the perfect opportunity to

both sell and market products to a

broad range of target clientele. Early

booking is essential. For further

details contact: Jessica Collins,

Trade Stand Co-ordinator,

punchestown Racecourse, Naas,

Co. Kildare T: 045 897704


W: www.punchestown.com

Dublin City Enterprise Board offers

courses and training modules that

are run by professional trainers and

supported by FAS, the state training

agency. As a result we can offer high

quality business training at surprisingly

low cost. In today’s information driven

economy, training to acquire the

necessary business knowledge can

make the vital difference between

success and failure. Our training

venues are the National College of

Ireland, I.F.S.C., Dublin 1 and

Guinness Enterprise Centre,

Dublin 8. Book today at

www.dceb.ie/onlinebooking

Tourism Learning

Networks - a unique and flexible

learning networking initiative. You

choose from a wide range of

programme topics and we provide

support through mentoring and

providing access to information and

web based e-Learning. For further

information T: 01 884 7771


Fibres for spinning and felt

making. Top quality silk and wool

tops, Gaywool dyes perfect for

dyeing wool and silk. Ashford

Weaving and spinning equipment

and lots more. For personal

service and expert advice phone

Suzie Sullivan T: 098 21888


W. www.derryauncrafts.com

Ares Diamonds, Diamond

Merchants, Loose Diamonds GIA

Certified or Uncerted stones.

Full GIA pricelist available. Located in

Dublin 2. All enquiries welcome,

call Ann Marie T: 085 1001170 or


Web Design You value your craft.

Let us design a website for you that

represents your skill at its best. Visit

our site www.mckeedesign.co.uk

http://www.mckeedesign.co.uk for

samples of work we have done for

other artists/designer/makers.

For further information contact:

T +44(0) 28 9756 5681 or


Are you happy with your Trade

Show Displays? Maybe we

can help. Full design/print/installation

service. Competitive rates.

Contact Tom at T. 056 7728797


Opportunity to acquire leasehold

of craft unit in Dublin 2 landmarkbuilding. C. 436 sq.ft., rent/rates/service charge @ €5800 p/a, 24 hoursecurity, car park space etc.Craft/Design Businesses only needapply. P.O.A. For further info

contact E: [email protected]

Workshop space/

accommodation for rent

with adjoining cottage available forrent in rural east Limerick. Suitablefor Artist/Craftsperson seekingpeace and seclusion. For further

information contact Johanna

Wollen T: 062 78258

M: 086 232 8586

TRAINING

& COURSES

SUPPLIERS

BUSINESS

& FINANCE

MISC


Exhibition Snapshots - NCG 22

Catherine Keenan (craftmaker) and family Claire McAllister (craftmaker)

Sabrina Meyns (craftmaker)

Nicola Farrell (craftmaker)

Nicola Brown (craftmaker) and friend

Aaron Kearney (craftmaker) and friendsStephen Mar tin (craftmaker) and family Gerry Crosbie, Director of Designyard, Dublin

BREAKING OUT AT THE NATIONAL CRAFT GALLERY

Maggie Cashman (craftmaker) and friend


National Craft Gallery - News23

National Craft Gallery Selected to Showcase Irish Craft at Collect 2009, London

The Crafts Council of Ireland is very pleased to announce that, after a rigorous

selection procedure, the National Craft Gallery will be one of the participating

galleries at Collect 2009. This is the first time the National Craft Gallery will

have a presence at this highly prestigious collectors’ event.

Ceramics by Cormac Boydell

Basket by Joe Hogan

Prizewinners from the RDS National Crafts Competition 2008 were

showcased in the Crafts Council of Ireland’s flagship exhibition space

during the month of October

RDS National Craft Exhibition at the National Craft Gallery

Collect is the only Art Fair in Europe for

contemporary objects and showcases the

very best in decorative and fine arts. The

stature of this event has been growing

steadily and reflecting this, Collect will be

moving to a new venue, the Saatchi Gallery,

in 2009. A strong Irish presence at Collect,

among the forty or so galleries from around

the world, highlights the fact that Irish

makers are operating at the highest level in

contemporary applied arts. Building on the

success of a three-year presence at SOFA,

Chicago, this is a significant and exciting

development for Irish makers. It is hoped

that this presence will continue to grow

over the next few years.

The Crafts Council of Ireland extends its

congratulations to the selected makers:

Cormac Boydell, Joe Hogan, Cara

Murphy , Angela O’Kelly , Liz Nilsson.

The National Craft Gallery’s presence at

Collect will be curated by Brian Kennedy.

Featuring work from a wide range of

disciplines, including calligraphy, ceramics,

glass, furniture, textiles, metalwork, felting

and quilting, prizes were awarded for a total

of 21 different categories. Prize-winners

included those just starting out on a career

such as jewellery designer/maker David

McCaul, and those who have garnered

international recognition for their work, such

as basket maker Joe Hogan. Materials were

traditional or modern - Beth Moran won first

prize in the Weaving Category for her tailored

coat of handwoven silk - while Rachel

McKnight’s polypropylene neckpiece was

a winner in the Jewellery: Alternative

Materials category.

RDS National Crafts Competition Prizewinners

represent a wonderful snapshot of craft

practice in Ireland. As such it attracts much

attention from both second and third level

students with many school groups visiting

the gallery.

The Competition celebrates its 40th birthday

year. The exhibition also celebrated the first

year of the Crafts Council of Ireland’s

involvement as key partner and sponsor of

the Competition.

Cha

ir by

Tho

mas

Kay


Upcoming Exhibitions - National Craft Gallery 24

FOR NATIONAL CRAFT GALLERY NEWS TURN TO PAGE 23

The copydate for the Jan/Feb 2009 issue

of Stopress is 15th December 2008.

publication date is 15th January 2009.

Advertising in Stopress is free and is

welcomed. Submissions for articles from

craftspeople and those interested in craft

are also always welcome.

please contact:

Stopress, Crafts Council of Ireland

t. 056 7761804 e:[email protected]

While every care has been taken in

the compilation of this Stopress, the

publisher cannot take responsibility

for errors or omissions

newsletter design: dy

namite

The Crafts Council of Ireland’s flagship exhibition space recently opened its doorsto some of our most promising youngartists.The packed exhibition was openedby Gerry Crosbie, the Managing Director of Designyard in Dublin, who shared storiesof his own entrepreneurial beginnings andoffered encouragement and advice to theexhibitors as they prepare to launch themselves into their new careers.

Curator Ann Mulrooney selected 30 artistsfor the show. A wide array of disciplines are represented and it includes makers who have come to a career in craft through various routes. “I was looking for technicalability, skill, a mastery of materials, innovation and consistency. I was also looking for what can best be described as a ‘spark’. It’s difficult to define but it’s thatinstantly recognizable quality that marks anartist out as special.”

Other selected artists include NatashaRollinson, a jewellery graduate from theUniversity of Ulster and Anthony O’Connorwho studied Ceramics, Glass and Metalworkat NCAD and is now working in 3-D modelling. Kevin Callaghan is anotheryoung artist exhibiting. A recent graduateof the Crafts Council of Ireland’s Ceramic

Design and Skills Course, his red terracottapieces are brought to life with strong, gestural brushstrokes.

The Crafts Council of Ireland is dedicated tosupporting and nurturing emerging talentand this year saw the introduction of a newpartnership award - the Crafts Council ofIreland/Irish Arts Review Emerging

Maker Award. On the opening night,Nuala O’Donovan was announced the winner of this inaugural Award. For furtherinformation see page 4. A recent MA graduate of the Crawford College of Art,Nuala makes complex and delicate work in porcelain based on growth patterns innature. Her prize includes a feature in theAutumn edition of the Irish Arts Review,which has an international readership of45,000, plus a cash prize of €5000.

BREAKING OUTat the National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny

runs until 31st January 2008

For further information on theNational Craft Gallery:

T: 056 7761804 E: [email protected] W: www.ccoi.ie

The National Craft Gallery opening times are:

Monday - Saturday 10am - 6pm Sunday 11am - 6pm

About the Crafts Council of Ireland

The Crafts Council of Ireland(CcoI) is the main champion of the craft industry in Ireland, fostering its growth and commercial strength, communicating its uniqueidentityand stimulating quality, design,innovation and competitiveness.CCoI’s activities are funded by theDepartment of Enterprise, Tradeand Employment via EnterpriseIreland.

All notices and advertisements arepublished in Stopress for generalinformation purposes only, at the

risk of the advertiser and at the discretion of the Crafts Council ofIreland (CCoI). CCoI make no representations or warranties aboutany of the information contained in any notice or advertisement andaccept no responsibility for the accuracy of any information containedin a notice or advertisement.

Advertisements in Stopress do notindicate endorsement by CCoI. It isthe responsibility of the reader tocheck that goods and services aredescribed fully and accurately.

CCoI expressly excludes liability fordirect or indirect consequential lossor damage which may arise in respect of Stopress or purchase of the goods and services. CCoI

does not accept any responsibilityfor or necessarily endorse the views expressed by third party contributors to Stopress.

All copyright, database rights, trade mark design rights and anyother intellectual property rightswhatsoever in Stopress are, ownedby and the property of CCoI.

Crafts Council of Ireland, Castle Yard, Kilkenny

t: 353 56 7761804 f: 353 56 7763754 e: [email protected] www.ccoi.ie

Kevin Callaghan (craftmaker)

Adele Stanley (craftmaker)

Celebrating a new generation of talentedand innnovative artists. Breaking Outshowcases beautiful work from emergingmakers of all disciplines. If you have notseen this show yet, this is one not to bemissed.

Documents

Stopress, CCoI Nov/Dec 2008