'Something for everyone' at Cork Craft Month
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Jacob and Jonah Ludick with their mother ceramicist Orla O’Regan, Orla O Visual at the launch of Cork Craft Month in the Cork Craft and Design store in the Douglas Wooden Mills.Image 2 of 3
Paul Murphy The Mindful Maker with his work.Image 3 of 3
Niamh Morrison HEN Jewellery with her work at the launch of Cork Craft Month in the Cork Craft and Design stores. Photos: Darragh KaneWhether you’re simply a craft lover or enjoy rolling your sleeves up and getting stuck in, you’ll have plenty to pique your interest at the annual Cork Craft Month which gets underway next week.
Now in its 14th year, the month will kick off with a Craft Fair in the Marina Market on Friday 28 July, with events taking place throughout August. The line-up will include over 79 workshops and exhibitions, with master classes, artist talks, trails and demonstrations all available to explore.
Speaking at the programme launch, Ava Hayes, Cork Craft Month (CCM) Director at Cork Craft & Design said: “We are excited to launch Cork Craft Month with something for everyone to enjoy. Our opening event at the Marina Market promises a craft fair that is vibrant, welcoming and supportive of the local community.
“Our programme for 2023 focuses on accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability, three things that are very important to the CCM team, which will be key components throughout the events, exhibitions and workshops that are available this year.”
Some of the highlights of the festivities include Interwoven, an exhibition displaying Cork Craft and Design members at the Old Mill Library in Kinsale. This exhibition explores the deep connections between Irish craft and design and the society in which they are created.
The Gallery @ No.46 on Grand Parade will host a returning exhibit called Emerge, centred around up-and-coming Cork crafters. This exhibition will include graduating students from MTU Crawford College of Art and Design, Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa, St John’s Central College, Kinsale College and Skibbereen College of Commerce.
Douglas is also a centre of activity, where Cork Craft & Design’s member shop at St Patrick’s Mills will be open.
Visitors will be able to purchase handcrafted items ranging from woodwork and ceramics to glass and textiles, while Douglas Village Shopping Centre will be the setting for the celebration of works made by Cork-based makers committed to creating exceptional, functional items, central to home-life. In addition, On the Pigs Back café, also at St Patrick’s Woollen Mills, will play host to a selection of local craft pieces, available for purchase.
To find out more, go to www.corkcraftanddesign.com.