Pop Up shop at Cruthú Studio, Claregalway: 
every Thur, Fri, Sat in August 2015

A number of local artists have come together for a pop-up shop at Cruthú Studio, Claregalway for the month of August. Pop in and see the range of work available for sale.

Launch of new Craft Fair at Galway City Museum

Sinead and I enjoy a glass of festive cheer at the Galway City Museum's new Craft Fair, which was officially launched on Saturday 11th December by Galway City Arts Officer, James Harrold.

Some of my embroidered journals are for sale at the Museum.

One of my 'Stone walls, tall grasses and moon' series of silk wall-hangings.

Another wall-hanging beside Joanna McGlynn's wonderful bird series.

Some more of my embroidered journals included in the mix of products on offer. Lisa Ryder's digitally printed cushions are also in this photo.

Thanks to Mairead Cunningham for the great photos of the event.

Crafts Exhibition at Linenhall Arts Centre, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

I'm off to Castlebar on Saturday 27th November, with a whole new batch of embroidered journals, textile wall-art and other goodies for the annual craft fair at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar. This is always a great event organised by Alex and Brendan. The Arts Centre has a nice coffee-shop and it's a busy venue on the main street. I enjoy meeting customers who come to visit year after year and it's great to catch up with other craftspeople and see what they are working on. I often come home with a few Christmas purchases of my own as there is a great selection of ceramics, woodwork, jewellery, textiles and lots more on offer. If you are in the area, pop in and say hello as we get ready to enter into the Christmas season!

Feile na Tuaithe, Castlebar Museum of Country Life

The weather was fantastic on 22nd and 23rd May for this great annual event at the Museum of Country Life in Castlebar. Lots of beautiful craftwork for sale with traditional craft demonstrations and exhibitions in the park grounds. If you haven't already visited this Museum it's worth a trip and watch out for Feile na Tuaithe next year!

Feile na Tuaithe, Museum of Country Life, Castlebar

I'll be stitching furiously over the coming days in preparation for Feile na Tuaithe at the Museum of Country Life, Castlebar on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd May, 2010.

This is a very enjoyable event as there are lots of outdoor activities for the children to enjoy: music concerts, magic-shows, facepainting, etc. There are food and craft producers exhibiting their work in 2 marquees. A number of traditional craftspeople will demonstrate their techniques. The museum's permanent and temporary exhibitions are open to enjoy. Various artists are invited to create sculpture and other installations around the lake and the grounds. The restaurant and shop are open all day. And if the weather is good, there's plenty of nice picnic spots around the grounds.

Art in Action, Townley Hall, Slane Rd, Drogheda

Art in Action is an event that takes place every year on the June Bank Holiday Weekend. I've attended since 2000: first as a customer, then a craft-trader and now a demonstrating artist since 2008. I've always been hugely impressed with the quality and variety of arts, crafts, workshops, demonstrations, music recitals, food providers at this event. Come along from 5th to 7th June, 2010 (only 30mins from Dublin on the M1) and meet the makers, watch them work, ask questions and be inspired! For more information see http://www.artinaction.ie/.

Christmas Craft Fairs

A photo of some of my notebooks and brooches at the Christmas Craft Fair at the Menlo Hotel, Galway yesterday.

I was very impressed with the variety and quality of local craft at the show. I particularly liked:

• Wire sculptures of windblown Hawthorns and figures mounted on found objects by Glenn Gibson (http://www.glengibson.net/)


• Beautifully soft hand-knitted shawls and scarves by Agnieszka Rupnik (www.2knitornot2knit.blogspot.com)


• Delicately embossed ceramics by Louise Browne (http://www.livinggingerdesigns.com/)


• Lovely bear illustrations by Morgan O'Brien (http://www.morganobrienart.com/) whose work I remember from the programme for the Baboro Children's Art Festival in the past.

And there were lots of other goodies like home made cakes, jewellery, painting, pottery, etc. This was the first time this fair was held and it has the potential to grow if more people knew about it! It would be a wonderful place to get unique, handcrafted gifts from local craftspeople so hopefully it will happen again next year and the crowds will come!

In the meantime I prepare for my next fair at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Saturday 19th December.