Lots of new stock to see at Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery for 2012

A fresh new window for January!

Drop in and see what's new in store.

And check out the workshop schedule and book your place on an enjoyable craft workshop.

Happy New Year!

Le Grá has re-opened for 2012!

And very soon we will have a full range of classes on offer again including:

patchwork, felt-making, print-making, jewellery-making, photography, clay-moulding, clay slab-building, crafty creatures, creative journalling, crochet and lots more.

Join us for the free 'Crafty Tuesday Morning' sessions from 10.30-12.30 (10 places available so first come, first served).

Or book your place on the patchwork for beginners workshop every Tuesday evening 18.30-20.30 or Friday mornings 10.30-12.30 (tel 087 6193870).

Please call in and see the range of product by Irish craft-makers, artists and designers....there's new stock arriving all the time!

10 inch x 10 inch Art Sale at Bar no. 8, Dock Road, Galway on 7th November 6.30 to 10.00pm

This promises to be a great opportunity to buy some original artwork by established and emerging artists for a very affordable €45! All proceeds will go to further developments at Groundworks Studios to ensure it remains a vibrant centre for excellence in textiles, ceramics and visual art.

Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery opens at Claregalway Shopping Centre, Co. Galway

Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery opened its doors on Monday 10th October.

Everyone through the door was part of the celebrations with some sparkling juice and chocolates to lend a party atmosphere!

All the wonderful work of Galway-based and Irish craftmakers, artists and designers was on display in this new, bright and airy space.

Customers were suitably impressed with the talent and creativity of all those who make beautiful things 'le grá' (with love) right here at home.

And so it is with a happy heart that I can say Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery has had a lovely first week!

Thank you to all those who helped in any way to make this happen and thank you to all those who visited in the first week. And I look forward to welcoming those who have yet to visit Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery, Claregalway Shopping Centre (behind Hughes' Supervalu), Co. Galway.

le grá mór!

Ester

Random Shuffle 2: An exhibition of textiles and ceramics

Photo: Kim O'Sullivan

Random Shuffle 2, an exhibition of textiles and ceramics will take place at the Café Foyer, GMIT Main Campus, Dublin Road Galway from 10th October to 30th October.

The exhibition features the work of Graduates of GMIT Art and Design as well as the works of the members of Groundworks Studios in celebration of Year of Craft and will be officially opened on 14th October by Bridgette Brew at 4pm.

Cork Textiles Network presents "Colour of Sound"

Cork Textiles Network presents "Colour of Sound" an exhibition of textiles at the Cork School of Music, Union Quay, Cork from Thursday 24th November to Thursday 20th December, 2011.

Schedule of Workshops and Events at Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery

All sessions are from 10.30 to 12.30 unless otherwise specified.
All classes are 16 Euro (except those marked FREE).
To book your place at a class email esterkiely@gmail.com or phone 087 6193870).

Mon 10th Oct to be advised

Tues 11th Oct FREE: 'All stitched up' If you like to knit, crochet, patchwork, embroider, cross-stitch, etc... bring along your current hand-project, meet some new friends and share ideas at this open-day event. We have space for 10 people, so first come, first served!

Wed 12th Oct to be advised

Thur 13th Oct FREE: Local craft group will use classroom space and demonstrate their craft to the public (to book your group email esterkiely@gmail.com)

Fri 14th Oct Patchwork for beginners with Ester Kiely. Simple hand-sewing techniques. Today we will learn 'piecing over papers' with hexagons to make a 'Grandmother's Flower Garden' pattern.

Mon 17th Oct to be advised

Tue 18th Oct FREE: 'All stitched up' If you like to knit, crochet, patchwork, embroider, cross-stitch, etc... bring along your current hand-project, meet some new friends and share ideas at this open-day event. We have space for 10 people, so first come, first served!

Wed 19th Oct Creative Journals with Ester Kiely. Do you long to be creative but don't know where to start? Have you often wondered how an artist develops an idea for a piece of work. This workshop is suitable for all ages and no previous artistic experience is necessary. You will receive a blank journal and lots of tips and tricks to kick-start your creativity!

Thur 20th Oct FREE: Local craft group will use classroom space and demonstrate their craft to the public (to book your group email esterkiely@gmail.com)

Fri 21st Oct Patchwork for beginners with Ester Kiely. Simple hand-sewing techniques. Today we will learn hand-applique to make a simple flower pattern.

Mon 24th Oct to be advised

Tue 25th Oct FREE: 'All stitched up' If you like to knit, crochet, patchwork, embroider, cross-stitch, etc... bring along your current hand-project, meet some new friends and share ideas at this open-day event. We have space for 10 people, so first come, first served!

Wed 26th Oct to be advised

Thur 27th Oct Local craft group will use classroom space and demonstrate their craft to the public (to book your group email esterkiely@gmail.com)

Fri 28th Oct Patchwork for beginners with Ester Kiely. Simple hand-sewing techniques. Today we will learn half-square triangles using templates to make a star pattern.

Mon 31st Oct to be advised

Tue 1st Nov FREE: 'All stitched up' If you like to knit, crochet, patchwork, embroider, cross-stitch, etc... bring along your current hand-project, meet some new friends and share ideas at this open-day event. We have space for 10 people, so first come, first served!

Wed 2nd Nov to be advised

Thur 3rd Nov Local craft group will use classroom space and demonstrate their craft to the public (to book your group email esterkiely@gmail.com)

Fri 4th Nov Patchwork for beginners with Ester Kiely. Simple hand-sewing techniques. Today we will learn piecing over papers with diamonds to form a 'tumbling block' pattern.

Mon 7th Nov to be advised

Tue 8th Nov FREE: 'All stitched up' If you like to knit, crochet, patchwork, embroider, cross-stitch, etc... bring along your current hand-project, meet some new friends and share ideas at this open-day event. We have space for 10 people, so first come, first served!

Wed 9th Nov to be advised

Thur 10th Nov Local craft group will use classroom space and demonstrate their craft to the public (to book your group email esterkiely@gmail.com)

Fri 11th Nov Patchwork for beginners with Ester Kiely. Simple hand-sewing techniques. Today we will learn curved piecing.

Following on from the success of Galway Craft Month Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery will publish additional dates on 13th November.

Beginner's Patchwork Classes Monday Nights 18.30-21.00

Half-square triangles can be used to make star-shaped blocks. This first class on Monday 26th September, focuses on a quick technique suitable for hand or machine stitching. It is very suitable for beginners.
This is the first 2.5hr class in a series of 5. You can do only one class (25Euro) or sign up for all 5 classes (110Euro) - it's up to you. Each class stands on it's own as one technique....but if you put them all together and you've got the makings of a sampler quilt - your very own family heirloom!
The class takes place at Groundworks Studios, Lyrr Building 3, Mervue Business Park, Galway. Phone 087 6193870 for more information.

Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery opens 10th October 2011

opening on 10th October, 2011 in Claregalway Shopping Centre, Co. Galway will showcase the unique talents of Galway craft-makers, artists and designers. Ceramics, jewellery, textiles, prints, paintings and many other original artworks will be available for sale. Many of the artists will be available to teach workshops from 10th October to 10th November for Galway Craft Month. A full schedule will be published from 1st October to allow you to book your place and learn a new skill! Click here to view Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery blog www.legracraftstudioandgallery.blogspot.com.

Le Grá Craft Studio and Gallery included in programme of events for Galway Craft Month

"Go Create" Family day of arts at Campbell's Tavern, Cloughanover, Headford, Co. Galway

Solstice Arts Group will host another "Go Create" event at Campbell's Tavern, Cloughanover, Headford, Co. Galway on Sunday 25th September starting at 1pm. Lots of workshops, demonstrations, music for all the family.

‘Le Grá’ Craft Studio and Gallery in Galway seeks submissions

‘Le Grá’ Craft Studio and Gallery opening in Co. Galway on 10th October, in time for Galway Craft Month, seeks submissions from Galway and Irish Craftmakers, Designers and Artists across all disciplines (painting, print-making, glass, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, woodwork, sculpture, etc) in the following categories:
- products for retail on a sale or return basis (primarily in retail pricepoints of under 25Euro, under 50Euro and under 100Euro)
- workshop proposals suitable for children and adults

For more information and application details email esterkiely@gmail.com

A Practical Guide to Setting Up Studio Space

I'm currently doing a little research into setting up studio space and found this VAI article very useful.

A Practical Guide to Setting Up Studio Space

Culture Night in Galway: Open night and workshops at Groundworks Studios

Friday 23rd September is Galway Culture Night and Groundworks Studios open their doors to invite you in and see the artists at work and perhaps participate in a workshop as well.

For more details see

http://www.craftinireland.com/events/details/what-are-you-made-of-craft-your-county-colours-with-groundworks-studios/

Opening of Groundworks Studios Exhibition at Niland Gallery, Merchant's Road, Galway

Title: CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH

Needlework, home-making, making do and mending tend to be referred to as ‘women’s work’……
Skills learned in the home are often under-appreciated when compared to those learned at school, in university or in the workplace.
This installation celebrates skills learned from the generations of women in my family who shared their knowledge of lace-making, dress-making, tailoring, knitting, crochet and more.

While the items included in this display are not for sale, the skills used to make them can be learned at Groundworks Studios workshops.

The exhibition is open from 10.30 to 18.00 every day until Saturday 6th July, 2011.

See www.groundworksstudios.com for more photos from the exhibition.

Groundworks Studios Exhibition at the Niland Gallery, Galway

Groundworks Studio members are holding an exhibition at the Niland Gallery, Merchants Road, Galway. The exhibition will include fine art, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery and textiles. The opening is at 19.00 on Saturday 30th July and you are all invited! For more information on Groundworks Studios see www.groundworksstudios.com.

August: Cork Craft Month

Lots of stuff going on in Cork in August for Cork Craft Month....so check it all out!

Wonderland: Summer camp of arts and crafts for children at Groundworks Studios

Join Groundworks Studios for their specialist childrens’ arts and crafts camp as they follow the footsteps of Alice down the rabbit hole into Wonderland! Themed on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland activities will include creative journalling, ceramics, textiles, painting, t-shirt printing, jewellery, papercraft and more! Complete with Mad Hatters Tea Party finale on Friday evening!

All workshops are led by practising crafts people in a safe, child friendly environment. The studio environment provides an opportunity for children to engage with professional working artists and to create under their guidance.

Maximum 12 participants per camp, therefore booking is essential. For booking please contact Joanna on 086 8774710. Suitable for children aged 7 – 12 years.

Week 1: 1st – 5th August 2011
Week 2: 8th – 12th August 2011
Time: 10am – 2pm
Price: €100 per child, family discount available.

The Brooklyn Library Sketchbook Project

I heard about this project last year and really liked the sound of it so I thought I'd sign up this year and get involved. To get involved you just need to sign up, pick a theme, pay the basic admin fee (about $25) and you will receive a blank sketchbook in the post. Fill your sketchbook and return it by the deadline for inclusion in the touring exhibition.

For more information check out.... http://www.arthousecoop.com/projects/sketchbookproject

Some more highlights from "Branching Out" at the Botanic Gardens

"Roses for Rosemary" by Christine McComish. I really liked the mixture of pieced patchwork and applique on this quilt. And the flowers seemed to have a 3d quality to them.

"Family Album" by Mary Ann Fitzpatrick-Browne. This traditional woollen quilt had lovely bainin wools, tweeds, felted sweaters and the backing was a recycled family blanket. I took photos of the details: cats, dogs, sewing machine, thread & scissors and this quirky chicken.

"Poppy Love" by Lynn Naughton. Although I had seen Lynn's quilt at our own exhibition I somehow missed the details! Lynn painted the poppies using a technique learned from the Kemshall's 'Design Matters TV'. But I enjoyed looking at all the little details I missed the first time: little stamped flowers on the trellis design and all the feathered quilting stitches.

"Birchfield" by Elaine Doyle. This subltle quilt was really beautiful. Neutral coloured silks with machine and hand embroidery and lovely machine quilting.

"Parachutes" by Ann Fleeton. I've been a fan of Ann's work since I first met her at an Eastern Branch IPS meeting and I've been lucky enough to participate in a number of her classes. Here she has pieced together cotton organdie, silk organza and silk paper. I love the delicacy of her hand-painted fabrics and machine-stitched drawing.

What makes a successful quilt?

.....when someone small and very cute decides to snuggle up on it! This is Zoey, a visitor, who obviously feels very much at home here!

Branching Out: National IPS exhibition at the Botanic Gardens

The National Exhibition of the Irish Patchwork Society is currently running in the Botanic Gardens, Dublin until 2nd August, 2011. Together with other members of the Western Branch I made a trip by bus to see it at the weekend. The exhibition is well worth a visit if you get the chance, the Botanic Gardens are beautiful and the restaurant has lovely teatime treats or lunch.

The following photos are just some of the highlights that particularly caught my eye (I will credit each artist name below soon but I just don't have the details to hand as I upload these photos). Trust me there's loads more to see, with a huge variety of skill levels, techniques, colours and fabric choices in traditional and contemporary styles....so there's something to appeal to everyone's taste. The IPS members at the information desk are helpful, there's a catalog on sale for 5 Euro and there's a sticky felt design-board for children to play at designing their own patchwork patterns.

"Breathe In, Breathe Out, Interior, Exterior Spaces"by Meg Kenny. I liked the mix of techniques in this piece (Photo printing and applique).

"Growth Patterns" by Ailbhe O'Callaghan I loved the colour choices in this quilt and also the precision of the composition.

"Branching Out/New Beginnings" by Brenda Hogan. I almost missed seeing this piece as it was hung on the side of a pillar. My photo doesn't really do justice to the autumn colours of the batik fabrics used.

"Poppies and Daisies" by Moira Byrne. I loved the colour-wash pieced background and the applique on top in this quilt.

"The Chameleon" by Joke Bursma. The colours and the detailed stitching were worthy of close inspection. But stand back and the piece has immediate visual impact also. This piece was chosen for the cover of the catalogue.

Groundworks Studios Summer Camp 2011

Groundworks Studios announce Summer Camp 2011

Camp Details
Week 1: 1st – 5th August 2011
Week 2: 8th – 12th August 2011
Time: 10am – 2pm
Age: 7 – 12 Years
Cost: €100 per child (inclusive of materials) - 10% sibling discount
Location: Summer camps will take place at Groundworks Studios, Lyrr Building 3, Mervue Business Park, Galway

Description
Join Groundworks Studios for their specialist childrens’ arts and crafts camp as they follow the footsteps of Alice down the rabbit hole into Wonderland! Themed on Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland activities will include creative journalling, ceramics, textiles, painting, t-shirt printing, jewellery, papercraft and more! All workshops are led by professional arts and crafts practioners in a safe, child friendly environment. The studio environment provides the perfect opportunity for children to engage with working artists and to create under their guidance.

The week will end with a Mad Hatters Tea Party finale (Friday), showcasing the childrens work! Face painting, tea party, fun and games can be expected! Children wil be fully supervised at all times.

Maximum 12 participants per camp, therefore booking is essential. For booking please contact Joanna on 086 8774710. Suitable for children aged 7 – 12 years.

Children should bring a healthy packed lunch daily.
Creative mess is encouraged therefore children are advised to wear suitable clothing!

For more information see www.groundworksstudios.com

"Modern Languages" at the Galway City Museum

I received an invitation through the Cork Textiles Network and textile artist, Deirdre Nelson (who gave a talk at their conference this year) to this exhibition opening on 12th July. I've been asked to pass it on......so all you craft enthusiasts out there you are invited too!

You are invited to the opening of Modern Languages, a co-production between Galway Arts Festival and the National Craft Gallery, Ireland. Curated by Katy West, Modern Languages (re-interpreting the Irish vernacular) presents the work of Nao Matsunaga, Laura Mays, Deirdre Nelson, Ciara Phillips & Barbara Ridland. Coming from Ireland, Scotland, Canada and Japan, these artists offer new interpretations of traditional Irish craft.
The exhibition explores the relationships between indigenous Irish craft and contemporary international creative practice. It focuses on the intentional adoption and corruption of craft practices within the artist’s work; each adapts elements of the Irish vernacular to convey meanings that are no longer dictated by historic provenance but by their own personal interests and motives.
Modern Languages will be at the National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny from the 22nd of October - 11th of January 2012

Branching Out: National Exhibition of the Irish Patchwork Society at the Botanic Gardens

I was delighted an image of my work (top right) was chosen along with 7 other pieces (4 from Galway in total!) for the invitation to 'Branching Out' the National Exhibition at the Botanic Gardens, Dublin. The exhibition runs until 2nd August and the official opening is at 11.30am on Tuesday 5th July. The Western Branch will travel to the exhibition by bus on Saturday 9th July (members can contact Joan Colleran for details or see http://www.westernips.blogspot.com/). More information about the exhibition celebrating 30 years of the society can be seen at

http://irishpatchwork.blogspot.com/ and also on the Crafts Council's Year of Craft website
http://www.craftinireland.com.

Galway Craft on display at the Galway County Hall

Galway City and County Councils wish to promote Galway craft as part of the Year of Craft Celebrations in 2011. My work is included in a display along with 7 other craftspeople at the Galway County Hall, Prospect Hill, Galway from 4th July to 1st August. The display includes woodwork, ceramics, jewellery, slate and textiles. I hope to include some photographs here soon, but if you're passing the County Hall, do drop in!

"Outside the Box" a showcase of Irish Fine Art Craftsmanship

The work of fellow Cork Textiles Network member Jenny Monks will feature in "Outside the Box" a showcase of Irish Fine Art Craftsmanship at the Twenty Twenty Gallery, Cork from 9th to 20th June.

Groundworks Studios display work at the Galway Discover Ireland Centre

A selection of textiles, ceramics, paintings, prints, jewellery and more by members of Groundworks Studios is currently on display at the Galway Discover Ireland Centre, Forster Street, Galway until Saturday 4th June, 2011. For more information about the group, upcoming events, workshops and exhibitions see www.groundworksstudios.com.

"CrafTiNg" an exhibition of textiles by the Cork Textiles Network

Some of my work will feature at the Cork Textiles exhibition 'CrafTiNg' which opens on Thursday 2nd June in St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, Cork. The exhibition will run until Thursday 16th June. For more information see www.corktextiles.com.

Places available at 2hr Beginner's Patchwork Class on Friday 20th May

This 2 hr class is suitable for beginners and will take place on Friday 20th May from 10am-12pm.

‘Half-square triangles’ can be hand or machine-pieced. This simple technique creates two squares at a time. Combine these with a light background fabric as shown above and you will soon have a 12 ½ inch block. You can use this block to make a simple cushion cover or continue to make enough to create a cot, lap or bed quilt like the one shown in the photo above.

Bring the following supplies, if you have them:
 100% cotton fabrics (Hickey’s, Pippa Blue, Rags for Linda are suppliers in Galway see links to these websites in the right-hand column of this website)
 ‘sharps’ sewing needles
 neutral (cream or light grey) cotton thread
 sharp fabric scissors.

But don’t worry if you don’t have any of the above I will have basic equipment to share, scraps you can use free of charge and ‘fat-quarters’ of fabric you can purchase for 2-3Euro each.

Class notes will be provided.

If you'd like to join this friendly workshop (coffee and biscuits provided!) contact me asap at esterkiely@gmail.com there are only 2 places still available!

Solstice Arts: Art for Everyone at Campbell's Tavern Wednesday 11th May

The Solstice Arts group will hold another 'Arts for Everyone' event at Campbell's Tavern, Cloughanover, Headford on Wednesday 11th May at 8pm. All are welcome to attend and meet local writers, visual artists, craftspeople and musicians in a relaxed, friendly environment. Last month's event was a great success and Solstice Arts intend to hold regular 'Arts for Everyone' events throughout the year.

Workshop places available: Photo printing on Fabric

The last few places are still available for a workshop on using your inkjet printer to print on fabric.

I will show a number of options for printing digital photos (or scanned images, drawings, etc) onto fabric using:

• commercially available pre-prepared A4 cotton



• your own fine cotton or sheer fabrics cut to A4 and stabilised with paper



• tshirt transfer sheets

The workshop takes place on Wednesday 18th May at my studio. For full details please email me at esterkiely@gmail.com.

(For more photos from a previous workshop on this process see

www.esterkiely.blogspot.com/2010/11/printing-photos-onto-fabric-workshop-on.html

Workshop for children: I'm an artist and this is my ideas book!

Every one of us is creative. We each have a unique view of the world around us. Our memories, thoughts, feelings and reactions provide us with lots of inspiration for making artwork.

An artist is always looking, observing and keeping notes. This information allows the artist to create a personal response to the world around them.

In this workshop each participant will start with a blank notebook.

With a few simple techniques the notebook will be personalised with colour, mark-making, collage and embellishments.

With a few simple tricks we will learn how to deal with questions like…
 Where/how will I start?
 What if I make a mistake?
 What if I don’t like what I do on my page?
 What if I don’t think it is good?

In the class the focus is on ‘kick-starting’ creativity, having fun and taking away the fear of having to produce something perfect. The journal is a place to play and explore, make mistakes and just enjoy the process. The outcome expected is not a finished, perfect journal, but an experience of what it is like to follow your own creative process with the freedom to express yourself, without explanation or justification.

Workshop Duration
2.5hr ‘taster’ workshop

Max 12 per class.

Materials Provided

 Blank Notebook (to keep)
 Zip-lock bag (to keep little scraps of collage material gathered in the class to take home and continue working with)
 Other materials will be provided for use at the workshop (paint, glue, pencils, scissors, papers, collage material, memorabilia, stamping equipment, common household materials that can be repurposed, etc). Materials used are deliberately ‘cheap and cheerful’ and easily obtainable from ‘2Euro Shops’, Tescos and other value stores.
 Participants are also welcome to bring along any art supplies or collage materials they would like to use themselves.

Cost per child 15Euro

Location: Groundworks Studios, Mervue Business Park, Galway on Friday 29th April, 2011.

Email: esterkiely@gmail.com for information about future workshops.

"Now and Then" an exhibition by Cork Textiles Network

I am delighted that a piece of my work "Stone walls, Tall grasses and a Blue moon" was selected to feature in this exhibition (and in the centre, bottom row of the invitation) which opens at 6pm on Thursday 21st April, 2011 at Leahy & Associates Architects Ltd., 4 Camden Quay, Cork. The exhibition runs until 2nd May 2011. For more information see www.corktextiles.com.

"Branching Out" an exhibition by the Western Branch of Irish Patchwork Society at the Galway City Museum

PLEASE NOTE THIS EXHIBITION HAS CLOSED EARLY DUE TO RENOVATIONS AT THE GALWAY CITY MUSUEM. APOLOGIES TO ANYONE WHO MISSED THE EXHIBITION DUE TO THE SHORT NOTICE OF THE CLOSURE

"Branching Out" an exhibition of quilts by the Western Branch of the Irish Patchwork Society will open at 3pm on Saturday April 16th at the Galway City Museum, all are welcome! It promises to be a great exhibition, so don't miss it!

On 7th April, 2011 the Western Branch of the Irish Patchwork Society presented the museum with this beautiful quilt "Western Reflections" showing some scenes of life in the West of Ireland. The quilt will remain part of the Museum's permanent collection.

For more information about the Western Branch of the IPS see http://www.westernips.blogspot.com/

"The Narrative Line" An exhibition by Alice Kettle and Bernie Leahy

Before travelling home from Downpatrick on 12th March I took a detour to visit the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn for the last day of an exhibition of textiles by Alice Kettle and Bernie Leahy which is a touring exhibition organised by the Crafts Council of Ireland.

I've seen work by both artists before but was interested to see them both together as they are very different in style and technique although both rely heavily on stitch.

I am a fan of Bernie Leahy's work and marvel at her stitched drawing skills! The image above was taken from Google images and it is quite small so it's hard to see the detail. The piece itself was approx 20 x 30inches if I remember correctly. There were larger stitched drawings, bronze sculptures with stitched components, victorian lockets with stitched drawings and some plaster-dipped children's dresses with stitched drawings. I liked the variety of work and the mix of materials used. I also like the contemporary/conceptual element of her work. If you'd like to see more check out her website at http://www.efiberart.com/

Alice Kettle uses lots more colour and machine-stitching in her work, which is generally larger scaled. I wonder how she manages to manipulate these large canvas-based pieces on her sewing machine? The finished pieces undulate with the heavy stitching, a quality I think adds texture, depth and movement. Her work reminds me of Chagall's paintings, which I saw in Nice, France when I was a student in the late '80's. Alice Kettle also showed paper collages and ceramics in the exhibition. For more of her work see http://www.alicekettle.com/

The Island Arts Centre is one to be proud of where craft, fine art and the community live together happily! It is a large centre with lots of rooms for workshops. On the day I visited 3 or 4 of them were occupied with groups of all ages enjoying a variety of workshops. Naomi Whan teaches a number of textile workshops here (for info on her work see http://craftni.org/directory/maker/naomi-whan)

The centre has at least one (maybe more) artist studios. One of those is currently occupied by artist-in-residence, Andrea McCullough - a ceramic artist. I liked her quirky 'love-potion' bottle and brought one home to see if it works!

The centre also seems to have a vibrant community arts scheme with the resultant work by community groups also on display.

The centre supports local artists through an award/purchase scheme and the collection is displayed throughout. I was delighted to see that textiles feature prominently.

The Textile Art Forum residential week at Ballyduggan, Co. Down.

This was my second year participating in a week's residential with The Textile Art Forum in Ballyduggan, Co. Down (www.thetextileartforum.blogspot.com).
Four of us attended this year to explore the theme "Stitching the Legend".
I am initially creating some pieces with tree silhouettes against various sky backdrops, taking inspiration from the legend of "Eithne the fairy bride" which is associated with the hill of Knockma in Belclare Co. Galway near where I live.
The work each of us will produce on this theme which we have started during our residential week will be exhibited firstly in Ballyjamesduff Museum in June 2011 and will then tour to other venues through to 2012.
This residential week though relaxing is also very productive for me and I have come home with an initial signature piece completed and 3 others in various stages of progress (see above) and lots of ideas for further work....so I'm fired up and hoping to keep up the momentum!

"Function and Form" Conference by Cork Textiles Network

This year I got a chance to attend the Cork Textiles Network conference in Cork for the first time. I think this event will need to be a regular date for my calendar. I could only attend one day of this 2-day event this year but it was definitely worth the trip!

In the morning there were 3 artist talks:

Deirdre Nelson is currently artist in residence at the Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh, Co. Cork. Read all about her work at http://dstitched.blogspot.com/ and she is looking for textile artists to participate in some of her activities there during March.

Diana Harrison's work has been widely exhibited (see photo from CTN conference brochure above) and you can read some more about her at http://www.clothandculturenow.com/Diana_Harrison.html

Aileen Johnston received the Award of Excellence at the RDS Crafts Competition a few years ago for her stunning 'Book of Hours' which contains her beautiful machine-embroidered illustrations.

In the afternoon I attended a workshop 'sketchbooking for textile artists' with Jenny Monks, a tutor at Colaiste Stiofan Naofa. The workshop was very enjoyable and helped me explore some new directions for a new series of work I am planning related the folklore of Knockma, Co. Galway.

The four pieces above are part of a series called "Aunty's sewing Box" which were included in the "Seamless" exhibition at Colaiste Stiofan Naofa which continues until the 13th April.

II Hemming lace and Harris tweed IV Twinsets and darning wool
I Silk stockings and tea in Ballincollig III Hooks, eyes and pearly buttons