Get creative in Carrigaline

A new art facility called Be Creative Centre is opening in Carrigaline, Co Cork. This new hive of artistic and creative activity will be run by fashion designer Jim Upton and artist Kerry Collins. 

"Our aim is to assist, encourage and allow people to release their inner creativity", explains Jim, who will be hosting a range of creative craft classes, including sewing for all ages. He has a wide range of ideas and visions including junior design clubs , hat fascinator making and creative cushion making. He also plans to host an heirloom class, where expectant mothers or other family members can make vintage style christening robes for generations to come. Jim is also planning a fabric retail shop within the centre, and a garment alteration service. 

Also involved in the business is Kerry Collins, an established and accomplished trained artist and co-founder of Arthaven, which operated in Crosshaven in 2005. The gallery was a lively centre of culture and art education, holding music evenings, dance and drama events, kids and adult art classes, as well as a multitude of art exhibitions. Since the gallery closed in late 2005, Kerry has continued to work, teach and exhibit.

Kerry is thoroughly excited about her new studio space, which she describes as a "Willy Wonka experience for creatives". She will be holding painting and drawing sessions for all ages and is also focusing on kids' parties and hen nights with a difference. 

The Be Creative Centre is currently putting plans in place for stop motion animation class, jewellery making and much more with other creatives in the area. 

The centre is located in the Carrigaline Industrial Estate on the Crosshaven Road. Visitors are greeted by the unmissable flamingo pink doorway, which leads onto other visual spectacles including crystal chandeliers, hot pink wallpaper, vintage dressers and china crockery when you enjoy your tea break. 

For more information, keep an eye on the centre's facebook page www.facebook.com/BeCreativeCentre.

Bookings are now being taken for the first kids classes in stop motion animation, which will run for ten weeks. Contact Kerry on 086-3405241 to book a place.