Stopress, CCoI Winter 2009

EmErging makEr award 09 p.4

Buy irish Craft CCoi’s rEtail Campaign p.10

News and Reviews P.2

Christmas Greetings from the CEO

P.3

Your Contacts and Supports at CCoI

P.4

Ceramics Student wins Emerging Maker Award

P.5

Leonardo Mobility Placements in Norway Fulbright Seminar Series at NCAD

P.6

Regional Networking Event - Galway Design Challange

Season’s Greetings

P.7

Savour Festival Kilkenny

P.8

Showcase 2010 News Updates

P.10 CCoI Christmas Retail Initiative P.12 Collecting Contemporary Craft Objects

Craft Community Forum P.15 GANS Featured Network - Feltmakers Ireland P.16 CCoI Awards at 100@DESIGNYARD P.17 Press News: Peter Meanley P.18 Rudolf Heltzel Exhibition

Opportunities P.19 Mentors with CCoI New Benefit for CCoI Registered Craftspeople Studio Space Opportunity P.20 Dates for your Diary

Advertisements P.20 Advertisements

Exhibitions - NCG ‘Beast’ by Grainne Watts (Ceramicist)

P.22 Snapshots - Generation at NCG P.23 NCG News P.24 Upcoming Exhibition - On the Edge

WINTER 2009

2

News and Reviews

Season’s Greetings

Dear reader, Season’s Greetings to all our clients and members from the Board and Staff of the Crafts Council of Ireland.

As we say goodbye to 2009 and all the challenges that the economic downturn has presented to craft businesses nationwide, I would particularly like to reflect on those that may have been affected by the extensive flooding throughout the country. Our thoughts are with you and we hope that 2010 will bring you a renewed sense of energy and hope.

The last few months have been particularly busy in the lead up to the festive season.

Autumn ended with the ‘Savour Kilkenny’ food festival which included an exciting exhibition of work by CCoI’s ceramics students who collaborated with some local chefs in producing tableware to a set brief. See some snapshots on page 7.

Generation opened at the National Craft Gallery on 31st October when ceramicist Orlaith Ross was announced the winner of the Crafts Council of Ireland/Irish Arts Review Emerging Maker Award - see page 4. Under the guidance of Leslie Ryan, CCoI’s Education & Outreach Officer, a stimulating series of talks and seminars were given by the participating makers as part of the Generation outreach programme which culminated in a one day ‘Design Challenge’ - see page 6. Our Education, Training & Enterprise Development team has also been busy rolling out some new initiatives including the Fulbright Programme at NCAD and the Leonardo Mobility Placements. See page 5 for more details.

SOFA 2009 took place in Chicago in November. At the show there was a great level of interest in collector tours to Ireland and CCoI is working with our partners Fáilte Ireland in building and nurturing these growing international exchanges.

In December, we were delighted to announce the winners of our Irish Craft Bursary 2009; they were Róisín de Buitlear who won the

overall Irish Craft Bursary Award and Frances Lambe and Terry Dunne who received Merit Awards. Congratulations to all three winners - further information on their exciting projects will be featured in the Spring 2010 issue of ‘Stopress’.

The recession has led to renewed public interest in buying Irish goods and supporting local businesses. CCoI’s retail campaign for Christmas - www.buyirishcraft.com - has received a great reaction from both retailers and consumers, and feedback from CCoI clients who exhibited at the National Crafts and Design Fair in the RDS was also very positive.

Creative Island. We look forward to welcoming International and Irish buyers to Showcase and to seeing you there!

Wishing you and yours a very peaceful and prosperous New Year,

Úna Parsons CEO, Crafts Council of Ireland

In the wider crafts sector there have been a number of local Christmas fairs, as well as exhibitions and events. The Cork Textiles Network was particularly busy with the opening of their exhibition ‘The Long Note’ which was very well received. ‘Wunderkammer’ - an exhibition of work from the Design Tower Network made in response to the National Museum of Ireland’s Asian Bender Collection - was organised as part of the Institute of Designers of Ireland’s (IDI’s) ‘Design week’ and was supported by the Crafts Council of Ireland. It was a great success.

In order to compile comprehensive up-to-date information on the important contribution that the crafts industry makes to the Irish economy, CCoI recently commenced a Crafts Industry Survey. We would like to thank all those who may have been contacted by a telephone interviewer for their participation.

The data gathered will help in promoting and growing the industry and will be important at a policy making level. It will also ensure that the services offered by the Crafts Council of Ireland are relevant and delivered to a high standard.

kilkenny design Centre window display featuring CCoi’s ‘Buy irish Craft’ retail campaign

Finally, our market development team has also been finalising preparations for Showcase 2010 - see page 8 and 9 for more details on their exciting plans, including the launch of alan ardiff (Jeweller and sculptor) pictured with his work at the opening of the ‘wunderkammer’ exhibition, which ran as part of the idi’s design week.

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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WINTER 2009

News and Reviews

Your Contacts and Supports at the Crafts Council of Ireland: MEMBERSHIP SERVICES & OPERATIONS Karen Hennessy

EDUCATION, TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT Helen Murphy

Karen Hennes s y (Head of Operations) Contact for: Membership Services & Operations Direct Dial: T: 056 7796143 E: karen@ccoi.ie

Breda English Mary Whelan

Breda Englis h (Customer Services) Contact for: Customer Service & General Enquiries CCoI Direct Dial: 056 7761804 E: info@ccoi.ie NCG Direct Dial: 056 7796147 E: ncg@ccoi.ie

Helen Murphy (Head of Education Training & Development) Contact for: Education & Training Development Direct Dial: 056 7796156 E: helen@ccoi.ie

Emer Ferran Louise Allen

Mary Whelan Customer & Business Development Co-ordinator Contact for: Business Enquiries Direct Dial: 056 7796131 E: maryw@ccoi.ie

Mary Rhatigan Julie Jackman

Mary Rhatigan Customer Service Assistant (Part-time) Contact for: Registration & Membership Enquiries Direct Dial: 056 7796140 E: maryr@ccoi.ie

Louis e Allen (Education & Awareness Manager) Contact for: Education Development Programmes Direct Dial: 056 7796142 E: louise@ccoi.ie

Leslie Ryan

Nuala McGrath

Julie Jackm an (Finance Assistant) Contact for: General Accounts Enquiries Direct Dial: 056 7796135 E: julie@ccoi.ie

CCoI’s Training Courses Gus Mabels on (Ceramics Skills Course Manager) Contact for: CCoI’s Ceramics Skills Course Direct Dial: 056 7724777 E: gus@ccoi.ie

Eimear Conyard Amanda Walsh

Nuala McGrath (HR & Corporate Services Manager) Contact for: Human Resources & Corporate Services Direct Dial: 056 7796133 E: nuala@ccoi.ie

Eim ear Cony ard (Jewellery Skills Course Manager) Contact for: CCoI’s Jewellery Skills Course Direct Dial: 056 7796149 E: eimear@ccoi.ie Am anda Wals h (Education & Training Assistant) Contact for: Education/Training Enquiries Direct Dial: 056 7796134 E: amanda@ccoi.ie

MARKET DEVELOPMENT Brian McGee

Les lie Ry an (Education & Outreach Officer) Contact for: Education Outreach Programmes Direct Dial: 056 7796151 E: leslie@ccoi.ie

Gus Mabelson

Mary Blanchfield (Finance Manager) Contact for: Financial & Accounts Enquiries Direct Dial: 056 7796138 E: mary@ccoi.ie

Mary Blanchfield

Em er Ferran (Enterprise Development Manager) Contact for: Enterprise Training Programmes Direct Dial: 056 7796144 E: emer@ccoi.ie

PUBLIC AFFAIRS & COMMUNICATIONS Susan Brindley

Brian McGee (Head of Market Development) Contact for: Market Development Enquiries Direct Dial: 056 7796145 E: brian@ccoi.ie

Gillian O’Callaghan

Gillian O’Callaghan (Retail Programme Manager - Maternity Cover) Contact for: Retail Access Programmes Direct Dial: 056 7796153 E: gillian@ccoi.ie

Emma McGrath

Em m a McGrath (Retail Executive) Contact for: Retail Enquiries Direct Dial: 056 7796150 E: emmamcgrath@ccoi.ie

Des Doyle

S us an Brindley (Head of Public Affairs & Communications) Contact for: Public Relations & Press Enquiries Direct Dial T: 056 7796152 E: susan@ccoi.ie Caroline O’Riordan (Communications & Marketing Manager) Caroline O’Riordan Contact for: Communication Enquiries including: Stopress, Ezine, Images & Press Emma Briscoe Direct Dial: 056 7796141 E: caroline@ccoi.ie Em m a Bris coe (Communications Assistant - Part-time) Contact for: Information/Communication Enquiries Direct Dial: 056 7796136 E: emma@ccoi.ie

Des Doy le (Collector & Craft Tourism Development Manager) Contact for: Collector & Tourism Programmes Direct Dial: 056 7796137 E: des@ccoi.ie

Brian Byrne

CCoI’s National Craft Gallery Ann Mulrooney (Exhibitions Manager & Curator) Contact for: Exhibition Development Enquiries Direct Dial: 056 7796132 E: ann@ccoi.ie

Ann Mulrooney

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICE Úna Parsons

Úna Pars ons (Chief Executive Officer) Contact Executive Assistant (see below)

Brian By rne (Gallery Assistant - Part-time) Contact for: Gallery and Exhibition Enquiries Direct Dial: 056 7796147 E: ncg@ccoi.ie

Mary Dunphy

Mary Dunphy (Executive Assistant) Direct Dial: 056 7796148 E: ceo@ccoi.ie Contact for: Speaking engagements, meeting requests with the CEO etc.

WINTER 2009

4

News and Reviews “We were looking for a craftsperson whose work demonstrated excellence and creativity, and pushed the boundaries of their chosen discipline…and for someone who was at a point in their career where this award would provide both practical support and professional encouragement.”

Sonya Perkins, CEO, Irish Arts Review

Ceramics Student Wins Emerging Maker Award

Úna parsons (CEO, Crafts Council of ireland), sonya perkins (CEO, irish ar ts review) and Orlaith ross (Emerging maker award winner)

‘por traits of an urban landscape’ by Orlaith ross (detail)

Ceramicist Orlaith Ross, a recent graduate of the National College of Art & Design (NCAD), has been presented with the

The announcement was made at the opening of ‘Generation’ at the National Craft Gallery - where the work of metalworker

Crafts Council of Ireland/Irish Arts Review

Laura Caffrey was highly commended.

Emerging Maker Award for 2009.

Now in its second year, the Crafts Council of Ireland/Irish Arts Review Emerging Maker Award was established to support and assist a new generation of talented and innovative craftspeople in the development of their career and creative craft-based practice. The award is open to newly-trained craftspeople, recent graduates and career changers. As winner of the Crafts Council of Ireland/Irish Arts Review Emerging Maker Award for 2009, Orlaith received a prize fund of €5,000 and a profile feature in the Winter 2009 edition of the Irish Arts Review.

Orlaith’s work explores the decay and regeneration of the urban landscape and involves a delicate process of photographic printing onto paper-thin porcelain panels.

She was selected as the winner of the prestigious award over 48 other candidates by a selection panel that included: Sonya Perkins, CEO of the Irish Arts Review; Megan Johnston, Director and Head Curator of the Millennium Court Arts Centre in Portadown and Ann Mulrooney, Exhibitions Manager and Curator at the National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny.

Presenting the award, Sonya Perkins, Chief Executive, Irish Arts Review commented, “we were looking for a craftsperson whose work demonstrated excellence and creativity, and pushed the boundaries of their chosen discipline. We were also looking for someone who was at a point in their career where this award would provide both practical support and professional encouragement. In Orlaith Ross, we found a worthy winner and we have high hopes for her future.”

‘por traits of an urban landscape’ by Orlaith ross

Since winning the inaugural Emerging Maker Award in 2008, ceramicist Nuala O’Donovan’s work has been acclaimed internationally, most recently at the International Ceramics Competition in Carouge, where her work was selected for exhibition at the Musée de Carouge.

The Crafts Council of Ireland is delighted to work in partnership with the Irish Arts Review in presenting this award, which recognises the importance of supporting graduates in transition from college life to building a career in the crafts industry and wishes Orlaith every success in the future.

‘against the grain’ by laura Caffery (highly Commended)

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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WINTER 2009

News and Reviews

Education, Training & Development Updates

Leonardo Mobility Placements in Norway 2010 In June of this year the Crafts Council of Ireland was awarded Leonardo Mobility funding through L茅argas. The funding enables CCoI clients to avail of work placements in Norway in 2010 and in the newly revamped Ulster Museum in 2011.

A call out for expressions of interest in the first round of placements to Norway was made earlier this year. Interviews were held in recent weeks and two craftspeople Karl Harron and Gear贸id Muldowney have been selected for placements in the spring of 2010.

Karl Harron an established glass artist put forward a proposal

to work with The Glassforum, who play an active role in developing the glass milieu in Averoy, Norway. Gear贸id Muldowney has suggested a list of progressive Norwegian companies such as NORWAYSAYS or FANTASTICNORWAY who have been at the forefront of public creative projects in

Norway for the last couple of years and have won many awards for their work.

The Crafts Council of Ireland will be advertising a further two opportunities for placements in Norway early in the new year. www.mamut.net/glassforuminternational www.fantasticnorway.no www.norwaysays.com For further information contact: education@ccoi.ie

Fulbright Seminar Series at NCAD Earlier this year the Crafts Council of Ireland, NCAD and the Fulbright Commission in Ireland came together to bring a US scholar Mary Banyard White to Ireland to deliver a series of seminars for Crafts Council of Ireland clients and MA students from NCAD. The seminars focus on critical theory, writing and aesthetics in relation to craft based professional practice.

The opportunity to participate in this series of seminars was advertised in Stopress (Summer 2009) and following an interview process twelve applicants were selected to participate alongside eight MA students. The seminar series is now well underway and feedback is very positive. In addition to the theoretical aspects, participants are asked to develop a piece of work that will form part of an exhibition and conference in April 2010. Another benefit of the seminar series is the opportunity it affords established craftspeople, MA students and recent graduates to network, discuss their practice and share experiences.

Crafts Council of Ireland clients selected to participate are: Deirdre Rodgers Geraldine Grubb Renata Pekowska Suzannah Vaughan Aoife Ludlow Liz Nilsson Eva Kelly Muriel Beckett Breda Haugh Brigitta Varadi Peter Fulop Clare Turley

Glass Ceramics Glass Glass/concrete Textiles Textiles Glass Textiles Jeweller Textiles Ceramics Ceramics

For further information contact: education@ccoi.ie

WINTER 2009

6

News and Reviews Crafts Council of Ireland’s

Regional Networking Event - Galway Regional Networking Events were hosted

by CCoI at five locations during 2009. These events create opportunities for dialogue between CCol, craft enterprises and anyone involved in supporting and promoting the craft industry. Attendees also have the opportunity to learn more about CCoI services.

Crafts Council of ireland Executive, Board members and various craft industry representatives from the western region at the galway regional networking Event

On October 21st, CCoI hosted a Regional Networking Event in Galway. The event was chaired by Laura Magahy, CCoI’s newly appointed Chairman and attracted a large audience from the craft sector.

During the open discussion, makers identified help in selling their product as their primary support need. A number of topics relevant to the craft sector was openly discussed and debated by the various key stakeholders in the region.

Key discussion points at the event included the following:

• Promoting craft: how to persuade Irish people to buy Irish Craft and how to educate people on Irish Craft

• Support for retailing of craft: requests were made for CCoI to facilitate and support more nationwide retail opportunities and quality controlled craft fairs around the country

• Networks: a number of participants

• Accessibility of training: the importance

requested ‘peer networks’ for craft makers to be set up in their areas to create forums for peer support

of CCoI seminars being more accessible and delivered at multiple locations around the country

• VAT: a discussion took place on alternative

• Small Business Support: the importance

rates of VAT for craftmakers and clarification was sought on tax exceptions for craft makers

of CCoI focusing support on the specific needs of very small business (1 - 2 people operations) which face a multiple of challenges in comparison to larger more established businesses.

• Credit/Debit Card Machine Charges: requests were made for CCoI to apply for reduced installation rates for craft businesses

The Staff and Board of Directors of CCol would like to thank all attendees for their valuable contribution to this forum. The CCoI team is working on a number of actions following the meeting and will be in correspondence with the attendees of the Galway event in due course to advise them of progress made to date.

• Education and Supports: the need to work with the Dept. of Education and lobby for more time to be spent on creative activities in primary and secondary education; the need to look at supports available for those graduating from related third level courses to help them establish craft businesses

Design Challenge - A collaboration between CCoI and the Institute of Designers Ireland ‘Design Challenge’, organised as part of CCoI’s Education and Outreach Programme in conjunction with the Institute of Designers in Ireland involved second level students working with makers and designers from Generation (NCG’s current exhibition) in order to gauge the level of awareness of craft and design amongst this student group. The challenge involved forty students from five Kilkenny schools who participated in four distinct team based challenges, each with only five hours to research, develop and present their design solutions to a panel. Challenges included; developing the uniform of the future, rebranding the GAA, developing a new arts centre for Kilkenny and creating a new corporate gift that represents contemporary Ireland.

The process enabled the students to become better aware of how we accept objects in our lives and how they can be improved upon. The day was a great success, with each team finding exciting and creative solutions to the design challenges presented to them.

The ‘Design Challenge’ event was organised as part of the Generation exhibition's Education & Outreach Programme which involved a number of other interactive educational events throughout the duration of the exhibition; including tours, presentations, and workshops led by some of Ireland’s most promising emerging makers and designers. In all, over 350 secondary school students participated in the programme.

Collage of par ticipating 2nd level students, tutors and some of the final design solutions

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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WINTER 2009

News and Reviews

Savour Festival Kilkenny Last autumn craft and food came together at Kilkenny’s food festival, Savour Kilkenny. The Gourmet Ceramics exhibition in Gallery One, Castle Yard was a collaboration between Kilkenny chefs and students from CCoI’s Ceramics Design & Skills Course in Thomastown, Kilkenny. The students were briefed by local chefs and worked with them to create a range of functional yet beautiful pieces. The finished pieces were exhibited over the duration of the festival. Below is a snapshot of the opening.

paddy donnelly and gerr y moran

anne neary (ryeland house Cookery) and gus mabelson (CCoi Ceramics skills Course manager)

mairéad mc anallen (gourmet pots), leslie reed (former CEO of CCoi) and tony Barry (gourmet pots)

gemma mcgirr, kathleen moran (kilkenny design Centre), anna O’sullivan (director & Chief Curator Butler galler y) and Jane O’malley (painter & printmaker)

pottery by CCoi’s Ceramic skills & design Course students

kathleen moran (kilkenny design Centre) and sonja landweer (designer maker)

mar y Jennings (CCoi showcase project manager) and kevin dundon (Celebrity Chef)

gus mabelson (CCoi Ceramics skills Course manager), helen faulkner (CCoi Ceramics design & skills Course student), anne neary (ryeland house Cookery) and rosie naughton (CCoi Ceramics design & skills Course student)

CClr. séan Ó hargáin, mary whelan (CCoi staff) and Edward hayden (Celebrity Chef)

WINTER 2009

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News and Reviews

Showcase 2010 News Updates Irish creativity takes centre stage at Showcase 2010 - which takes place at the RDS from 24th-27th January 2010. To reflect a new approach, Showcase has a new, modern identity, now being applied across all marketing material.

Creative Island The Creative Island, incorporating a trends area, brings together some of Ireland’s most exciting makers and designers in a specially designed space at the top of the Main Hall. See the 3D images of the floor plan for the 2010 show (draft as of November 2009).

Creative Island, at the top of the Main Hall, features 60 craft makers and designers, specially selected by a panel of retailers. With large hanging banners and graphic frames, and a striking diamond shape configuration of stands, Creative Island is designed to make a strong visual impact for the many buyers from Ireland and overseas expected this year.

Website Check out the website www.showcaseireland.com. It has up to date information on exhibitors, show highlights, travel information and latest news.

Good quality photographs will be featured in the Gallery section - one of the most frequently visited sections of the site - and exhibitors are encouraged to email their images directly to: kellie.fitzgibbon@ expo-events.com

www.showcaseireland.com

Promotion

Showcase Awards

If you have a ‘good news’ story - announcement of new product launches, new business gains or other developments buyers will be interested in - tell us about it and we can feature it in the News section of the Showcase website.

New Products Awards will again feature in Showcase 2010.

Full details will be announced on the Showcase website at: www.showcaseireland.com or email Mary Jennings

Email Mary Jennings at: maryj@ccoi.ie

at: maryj@ccoi.ie

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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News and Reviews

Top Tips on Preparing for Showcase James Burke of James Burke and Associates, offered some tips to exhibitors at the Showcase Exhibitor Meeting in November.

An edited version of his presentation is given here to help you in your preparations for Showcase 2010. The advice covers pre-show preparation, how to make the most of your time at the show and the importance of post-show follow up.

Pre-show planning

• •

• •

Have a clear overall Showcase objective Set out a list of current and new buyers to target - Prepare performance history - Agree targets for 2010 - Assign owner Seek out any research available on your product category Understand every cost

Create promotional plan

• • • • • • • •

Explore all distribution options and select most suitable Overview your competitors Prepare any sample/display stock Brochures Business cards Price lists Giveaways DVD

Know your USP (Unique Selling Point)

• • • • • •

Price Creativity Design Reputation Service levels Continuity of supply

At the show

• • • • • • •

Meet every morning to plan the day Send courtesy emails at end of day Complete pre-prepared follow up sheets Be prepared for unexpected visits Have multiple currency price lists for overseas buyers Be clear about delivery times Know shipping arrangements and regulations

Learning at the Show

• • • • • •

Have a plan to visit all halls Take your camera Collect brochures Compare prices Look for innovation Know your competitors

Post show

• • • • • • • •

WINTER 2009

Prioritise leads Move swiftly Assign help to follow up Despatch samples asap Systematically follow up each request Have structured follow up process Persist, persist, persist!

Buyers will rate you on your follow up!

Take the Lead with a dataPen Data Pens are small hand-held scanning devices designed to make it easy to capture buyer information in an instant, leaving you more time to talk to your customers at Showcase.

All buyers are issued with a unique bar-coded badge.

When they visit your stand, you simply scan the barcode on the buyer’s badge. Once the scanner has been downloaded, the data is updated to the Data Pen website and you will then receive an email with an access code that allows you to access all your own information in an easy format. This allows you to follow up on sales leads more effectively. To purchase this service simply complete and return the order form in the Showcase Exhibitor Manual.

For further information, contact: Pauline Kennedy, Operations Manager at Expo Events, E: Pauline.kennedy@expo-events.com

BUYER BEWARE: A timely reminder.... read before you sign!

As many readers may be aware, some craftspeople inadvertently may have signed up to a publication formerly called the European City Guide (and may now be referred to as the Registration of EU Companies 2008/2009). We have also recently become aware of another publication with similar terms and conditions entitled The Exhibitors Directory for Fairs and Exhibitions. This may have been posted to you already or may be distributed to all Showcase exhibitors either before or at the fair).

After reading the small print they realised that they had agreed to pay substantial amounts of money for listings which they had thought were free but in fact only updating it was free!

Unfortunately, this type of practice is becoming more common and we are coming across increasing numbers of people who are becoming embroiled in such agreements unknowingly. Unfortunately, legally there is little you can do if you have signed a contract. Therefore we would urge craftspeople to read all booking forms and contracts carefully prior to signing - and not to be pressured into signing up to any service, scheme or publication on the spot. Such decisions can prove not only costly, but distressing and worrying.

Remember, if you receive an email or are approached by a salesperson particularly at a fair or event when you may be busy and under pressure, take the time to research the offer, check references and ask around to see if other businesses have found the company good to deal with. This takes time. If the salesperson is pushing you to sign up there and then, there may be a reason and if it seems too good to be true - it probably is.

So buyer beware!

WINTER 2009

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News & Reviews

“...every €10 spent on Irish products generates a further €24 in the economy in comparison with just €15 generated from the same amount spent on imported goods.”

www.buyirishcraft.com Crafts Council of Ireland Christmas Retail Initiative

An initiative that encourages Christmas shoppers to buy Irish craft and to support the Irish crafts industry and Irish economy was launched by the Crafts Council of Ireland in November. ‘Buy Irish Craft’ is a dedicated retail campaign that includes branded point of sale material, advertising and a new dedicated website: www.buyirishcraft.com Gift items in the Buy Irish Craft initiative start at just €10, ensuring the retail drive is within everyone’s pocket range and covers a wide range of items from jewellery to pottery, ceramics, glassware and textiles.

Statistics issued by the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) have shown that up to €1billion is lost in the retail trade as a result of Irish people shopping elsewhere. However, every €10 spent on Irish products generates a further €24 in the economy in comparison with just €15 generated from the same amount spent on imported goods.

31 retail outlets and 25 craftmaker studios around the country are involved in the initiative which sees the goods of almost 300 Irish designers and makers promoted through the in-store point-of-sale and poster campaign and via the dedicated website developed for the Christmas shopping season and beyond.

‘kilkenny design Centre’ window display

Eden potter y alan ardiff (Jeweller y)

Since the launch of the website on the 23rd November, visitor numbers have been steaily increasing with an average of 4,000 hits per day, with impressive peaks following the recent press coverage received including; the ‘Buy Irish Craft’ promotional insert with the Gloss Magazine, distributed with the Irish Times on Wedensday 2nd December, and television coverage - News 2, 3rd November. In addition the dedicated CCoI ‘Buy Irish Craft’ radio advertising (RTE 1, Lyric FM and Today FM) campaign in December has resulted in an all-Ireland awareness of this initative and has signifiantly increased the traffic of potential craft buyers to the website.

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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WINTER 2009

News & Reviews www.buyirishcraft.com

Highlights of the campaign include a variety of crafted design gifts by internationally known brands such as Nicholas Mosse, Kiltrea Pottery and Jerpoint Glass as well as contemporary crafted design makers like silversmiths Edward Cook and Seamus Gill, ceramicists Gráinne Watts and Mary Neeson, jewellery makers Maureen Lynch & Rachel McKnight and basket maker Joe Hogan in addition to many more.

For a list of participating retail outlets and makers selling from their own studios see the website: www.buyirishcraft.com

Edward Cook (silversmith)

made in kilkenny ‘pop up shop’ featuring CCoi’s ‘Buy irish Craft’ retail campaign

sinead lough (Ceramics)

UPCOMING OPPORTUNITES www.buyirishcraft.com The retail campaign spearheaded by CCoI’s Market Development Team and project managed by Emma McGrath, CCoI’s Retail Executive was launched as a pilot in mid-November to take advantage of 2009 Christmas Shopping season.

After the post-Christmas review, the CCoI’s Market Development team will be formulating plans for next years campaign.

Details to follow in 2010. For enquiries please email Emma McGrath on: emmamcgrath@ccoi.ie

WINTER 2009

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News and Reviews

Collective Passion

roger Bennett (woodturner)

Collecting Contemporary Craft Objects “Every passion borders on the chaotic, but the collector’s passion borders on the chaos of memories.�

(Benjamin 1992) 1

To collect is to assemble, to amass, to place order upon objects that hold meaning. We are all collectors to some extent, preserving memories in material objects, collecting objects through which we can understand and order our world. The act of collecting therefore becomes a marriage of memory and material, an activity which grounds our identity and thinking in a real physical object.

For the butterfly collector the act of collecting many hundreds of specimens, some with only slight variation places order on chaos and records the multiplicity of natural selection and also acts to preserve the history of a period in time. frances lambe (Ceramicist)

Collections of objects give meaning to, and place order upon, our current culture - they exist as a repository for objects and link objects to memory. Collectively they become libraries, archives, celebrated collections where the most important pieces in a given field are lovingly assembled, often at great expense, and preserved.

In science, the collection and maintenance of collections of germ cells, bacteria, spores, and the analysis of the behaviour of these organisms, serves to develop and improve our understanding of illness, of prevention, and of the hopeful creation of a cure.

The archives of libraries record the thoughts of the great and good, or the plain unusual - to provide a snapshot of time, the thinking of the day; from this we can observe how much we have evolved and how our current thinking has moved or changed from what

inga reed (Jeweller)

is recorded.

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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WINTER 2009

News and Reviews

Our museums are filled with thousands

collect fewer objects? In collecting an

of objects, many of which may be of little

object we change its status - we make it

monetary value but they collectively paint

different, we add power to it and give it a

a cultural landscape within which we place

new personality; “the object pure and

the developments of all future things; they

simple, divested of its function, abstracted

provide a benchmark against which we

from any practical context, takes on a strictly

can compare and define our current and

subjective status. Now its destiny is to be

future efforts.

collected. Whereupon it ceases to be a carpet, a table, a compass, or a knick-knack,

Our human desire to place order on the

and instead turns into an ‘object’ or a ‘piece’. ”

chaos of nature, or of disparate voices in

(Baudrillard 1994:) 2

written and visual culture results in the segmented, edited collections that we

The acquisition of an object therefore

all amass. For example, the personal,

becomes an important step. The possibility

private collections of books that offer a

of creating a collection of similar objects

rememberance of times past, or the

becomes a possibility - and if the

collections of a wine connoisseur that

engagement and interest is deep

offer a marker to the appreciation of the

enough this often becomes the reality.

process of making fine wine - and also of

Joseph walsh (furniture designer-maker)

the pleasure of drinking and savouring

Anecdotally many Irish collectors, particularly

the product of the process.

of fine crafts, deny any public realisation of their passion. There is little recognition of

What then of craft, the handmade object? In

their activity unless the pieces they have

this twenty first century what regard do we

collected are listed academically or noted in

place on collecting the handmade object?

conversation or visit. In many cases collectors

How do we consider the savouring of the

find it difficult to talk about their collections,

products of the hand?

their passions - as if they cannot articulate the meaning behind their wish to collect, as

In these changing economic times where the focus is on ‘making do with less’ what does this mean for collectors of fine craft objects? Does the new found econonomically driven minimalism drive us to collect ‘better’ objects, does it make us

if the desire to have beautiful objects is not reason enough. A self-consciousness exists, perhaps connected to the apprehension that possession of a functionless object may mark them out as being different, as being excessive or ‘showy’. The understanding of

michael mcCrory (silversmith)

Joe hogan (Basketmaker)

WINTER 2009

14

News and Reviews motivation in Irish collectors is markedly

their work has been chosen and to help

different that that of, say, North American

them understand the cultural importance of

collectors, where the act of collecting craft

their creative expression. Makers therefore

objects is far more developed. There,

have a very important role to play in creating

collectors are proud to talk about their

this culture. They have a responsibility to

collections, there is a greater recognition

make work of outstanding quality but they

and understanding of the objects that they

also have a responsibility to question and to

collect and also of the reasons why it is

understand why they are making craftwork

important to collect them. The feeling of

in order to articulate and argue for its placing

being ‘deserving ’ of the object seems to

in the international cultural landscape of

be much more strongly felt and there is

the made object.

less propensity to dismiss the activity of collecting.

At the highest level it is no longer enough to create work that is just technically good,

karl harron (glass ar tist)

This difference raises the question - how can

there has to be an articulation of its

we support the activity of collecting and

creation, the materials, techniques and

encourage collectors - and future collectors

thought processes that went into its making,

- to engage their passions in Irish craft?

and the larger contexts surrounding it. If

Perhaps we need to start by recognising,

makers can articulate their reasons for

supporting and encouraging the collection

making an object then it becomes easier

of objects both by state and private

for collectors to be open to the possibility

collectors? From a cultural point of view

of accquiring the object. It is the role of

we may need to encourage the collection

industry bodies such as the Crafts Council

of objects of high quality as an important

of Ireland and also of state collectors such

celebration of our visual and made culture

as the National Museum of Ireland to assist

and the creation of an archive for the future

in facilitating this discourse between

- particularly in the case of state collections.

craftmaker and client.

We need to create a place where the

michael ray (glass ar tist)

collector’s role is recognised as being of

Understanding and further discussion will

primary importance both as a benefactor to

help create a culture of increased acceptance

craftspeople in terms of providing an outlet

of collecting as a valuable and important

for their creative endeavours but also in

activity. The existence and continued success

terms of how the collection can create a

of international shows such as Origin, SOFA

personal understanding of collected objects

and Collect serve to illustrate the impor-

and provide a picture of a particular

tance and vibrancy of this segment of the

discipline at a particular point in time.

market. Of course not all craftwork will reach the level of being represented at

Through this, we create a powerful cultural

these shows which major collectors attend,

acceptance of collecting, of making it

but it is important to create and define the

acceptable to possess an object for its

aspiration to produce work that will be rep-

manifestation of superb technical ability, its

resented at these shows. Without the desire

aesthetic appearance - and also because of

to create important craftwork, collecting of

its ability to mark an important passage

this work will in turn remain an enigmatic

both in the career of a maker and in the

and underappreciated pursuit and that

interest of a collector.

would indeed be a cultural loss for us all.

Makers at the highest level, current and

Des Doyle

future, need collectors to buy their work; to

CCoI’s Collector Programme Manager

encourage them to make further work but

Article from Object catalogue, National Craft Gallery

also to start a process of understanding why

1. Benjamin, W. 1992. ‘Unpacking my Library’, Illuminations (London: Fontana,) pp 61-69 sara flynn (Ceramicist)

2. Baudrillard, J. 1994. ‘The System of Collecting’. In: Elsner, J. and Cardinal, R. [eds] The Cultures of Collecting. Reaktion Books Ltd.

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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WINTER 2009

Craft Community News

Guilds, Associations, Networks and Societies (GANS) This section of Stopress features a different member each issue.

This issue’s featured network is

Feltmakers Ireland Chairperson Committee Members

Contact Details Website Aims & Objectives

Eleanor Roche Susan Walsh (Treasurer), Colleen Prendiville, Gina Faustino, Holly Angle, Suzanne Phelan, Maureen Cromer, Clodagh MacDonagh, Elizabeth Bonnar, Cristina Garcia Grijablo, Kathrina Hughes and Sheila Ahern (Secretary) 087 4180369 (Eleanor Roche) 087 7738282 (Sheila Ahern) www.feltmakersireland.com To promote the craft of feltmaking and to provide training and exhibition opportunities for our members. www.feltmakersireland.com

Feltmakers Ireland has grown steadily since first established just six years ago. We have a busy and vibrant network with lots of ongoing activities. What usually starts as a ‘one off’ event frequently ends up as part of our annual calendar. For example, this summer we participated in the Festival of World Cultures, the Dublin Horse Show and Bloom, we taught at Dóchas (Women’s prison) summer school and ran ‘Féile na Feilte’ in the National Museum of Ireland in Castlebar. In July, eighteen members from the guild attended a felt symposium in Denmark with 150 feltmakers from all over the world. This was an inspirational week where very valuable contacts were made.

Each month we run three ‘drop in days’ where people can come along and share ideas and exchange skills. We are active members of the International Feltmakers Association based in the UK and we have links with many other international felt and textile organisations. We have hosted workshops with international tutors - Anita

feltmakers ireland stand

Larkin (Aus), Sheila Smith (UK), Monica Auch (NL), Sigrid Bannier (Ger), Annette Quentin-Stoll (Ger), Chad Alice Hagen (US) and most recently Anna Gunnarsdottir (Iceland).

The past 12 months was a particularly busy time when, in addition to the other activities, we launched our new website www.feltmakersireland.com and opened a studio in the Phoenix Park. We also publish a quarterly newsletter. All this work is done on a voluntary basis and we are wholly dependent on the enthusiasm and goodwill of the members. Many of our members earn (at least part of ) their living from craft either as makers or as teachers. We believe that the promotion of feltmaking will build an appreciation and interest in what we do and will have long term benefits to the future of feltmaking and craft in Ireland.

For more information please see our website: www.feltmakersireland.com

work by members of feltmakers ireland

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Craft Community News

award winners: pictured at the 100@dEsignyard exhibition were: jeweller y designer, helena malone - winner of the CCoi/designyard ‘Best new designer’ award, Úna parsons, Chief Executive of CCoi and ceramicist michele hannan winner of the CCoi/designyard ‘Best product award’.

work by michele hannan, winner of the ‘Best product’ award at 100@dEsignyard

Crafts Council of Ireland Award

‘Best Product Award’ and ‘Best New Designer Award’ at 100@DESIGNYARD In November 100@DESIGNYARD showcased a stunning range of new high quality contemporary sculpted pieces, bespoke jewellery and wall art by emerging and established artists - retailing at €100 with each exclusive piece being a limited edition of 100 pieces.

The Crafts Council of Ireland is delighted to offer its support to this new initiative from DESIGNYARD and have awarded participating jeweller, Helena Malone with the ‘Best New Designer’ award and participating ceramicist Michele Hannan with the ‘Best Product’ award.

The exhibition curator Dara O'Neill looked to exploring new ways of promoting Irish design and sculpture in a more economically savvy light. “The concept involved assisting and guiding artists in developing the artwork within the price range while maintaining a strong design and contemporary feel,” said Dara. Following the exhibition, some pieces will be for sale from DesignYard’s retail shop on Nassau Street, Dublin.

DesignYard Gallery 48-49 Nassau Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Tel: +353 1 4741011 E-Mail: info@designyard.ie www.designyard.ie

helena malone’s sterling silver ‘Birdy’ exclusive piece as showcased in the 100@dEsignyard exhibition

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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WINTER 2009

Craft Community News

Peter Meanley makes a large Toby Jug of BBC’s Henry Sandon Henry Sandon (known for his many appearances on the BBC TV programme Antiques Roadshow) was first contacted in May 2009 by ceramicist Peter Meanley about making a large salt glaze Toby of him. Since then a BBC film crew have followed the process involved in making Henry’s Toby.

Peter Meanley is one of Northern Ireland’s foremost ceramicists. He is Head of Ceramics at the University of Ulster for over 30 years and has a DPhil in salt glazing. Peter is an avid collector of English pottery and his inspiration for this Toby came from his knowledge and passion for 18th century Toby Jugs.

“I collect extensively and have a large collection of 18th and 19th century pottery and am very aware of the traditional process involved in making a Toby. The first Henry is now complete and three others are currently in various stages of making,” said Peter. The final ‘Henry Toby’ will be presented to Henry Sandon mid-December.

A Toby Jug is a pottery jug in the form of a seated person, or the head of a recognisable person (often an English king). Typically the seated figure is a heavily-set, jovial man holding a mug of beer in one hand and a pipe of tobacco in the other and wearing 18th century attire: a long coat and a tricorn hat. The tricorn hat forms a pouring spout, often with a removable lid, and a handle is attached at the rear (description from Wikipedia).

Top Left: peter meanley (ceramicist) in the early stages of making a toby of henry sandon.

Images on the Right: showing the process of peter meanley making henry sandon’s toby including drawings of possible final solutions, making of moulds and the finished first henry as a toby holding a reproduction of his favourite pot - a large mug, william smith 1777.

Peter Meanley making a large salt glazed Toby Jug of Henry Sandon will be broadcast on BBC 2 television at 6:30pm under the heading of ‘Priceless Antiques Road show’ in January or early February 2010 - exact date to be confirmed.

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Craft Community News

“This is a very important exhibition for Irish design and for the Hunt Museum. Rudolf Heltzel is internationally acclaimed and it is a privilege for the Hunt Museum to exhibit these beautiful works.”

Virginia Teehan

The Devil is in the Detail: Celebrating the Jewellery of Rudolf Heltzel The Hunt Museum, Limerick, December 6 - 23, 2009 ‘Skillfully worked, Heltzel’s designs are strong, modern, and eminently wearable.’

Laura Magahy, Chairman of the Crafts Council of Ireland recently opened the ‘The Devil is in the Detail’ – an exhibition offering a rare opportunity to view or to purchase the very beautiful work of internationally known Kilkenny-based goldsmith, Rudolf Heltzel, at the Hunt Museum, Limerick.

Virginia Teehan, former director of the Hunt Museum and guest curator of ‘The Devil is in The Detail’ exhibtion commented; “Rudolf Heltzel makes the most stunningly crafted jewellery to appeal to a confident, self-assured and sophisticated audience. I believe that his highly individual pieces will be fully appreciated and admired by all who visit this exhibition.”

rudolf heltzel at work

Rudolf Hetzel’s distinctive signature is his use of very large, unusual and stunning stones, set in precious metals, predominantly 18 carat gold, that sets him apart. In most of his recent work a single stone, a piece of great beauty in itself, leads the design of the piece.

Heltzel sources stones from German stonecutters, artists in their own right, who will already have worked the surface of the stone. In this way the stone, even before he buys it, will have been subjected to layers of interpretation, both in the way that it was mined and in the way that it was understood and presented by the stone carver.

model with rainbow tourmaline by rudolf heltzel

Stones used by Heltzel include the more unfamiliar labradorite, citrine, uvarovite, and carnelian. Often a stone will be chosen for some rare attribute, for instance where dendrites of iron oxide have formed like tiny fronds of pressed fern between layers of rock crystal, or the naturally beaded surface of black onyx, formed in the hollows of volcanic rock where the liquid crystallises on the surface. Often, Heltzel will favour an unusual cut, one that exposes the hidden interior of the stone. His own designs evolve in response to the stone, and he will sometimes wait months, or even years, to be inspired by a design that is appropriate to that particular stone.

Heltzel has played an important role in the development of design in Ireland. Originally from Germany, he came to Kilkenny in 1966 at the behest of Córas Tráchtála, the Irish Export Board, to develop the metal and silverwork department at the newly formed Kilkenny Design Workshops. Intended to stimulate design within Irish industry, the KDW was the world’s first state-sponsored design agency.

Young European designers like Heltzel, who worked with Irish apprentices in Kilkenny, were a breath of fresh air in the creatively isolated world of 1960s Ireland and, although many of the designers moved on when their contracts ended, a number of them stayed in Ireland, Heltzel among them.

Heltzel established his own workshop in Kilkenny in 1970 where he remains to this day.

For a period during the 1970s he also ran a business from Molesworth St., Dublin and has continued over the years to have a large internationally based market. Rudolf Heltzel also served on the board of the Crafts Council of Ireland for fourteen years and was instrumental in initiating the Jewellery Skills Course (now the Jewellery & Goldsmithing Skills & Design Course), established by the Crafts Council of Ireland in 1992 in response to what he perceived as a need for focused skills training for Irish jewellers.

In conclusion Teehan stated; “This is a very important exhibition for Irish design and for the Hunt Museum. Rudolf Heltzel is internationally acclaimed and it is a privilege for the Hunt Museum to exhibit these beautiful works.”

The Hunt Museum, Limerick is open daily, 10am - 5pm; Sunday, 2pm-5pm For details of upcoming exhibitions at the Hunt Museum visit www.huntmuseum.com

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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WINTER 2009

Opportunities

Notices Showcase 2010: Last call out to exhibit at Showcase contact: Emma McGrath at T: 056 7796150 E: emmamcgrath@ccoi.ie Visit: www.showcaseireland.com

More opportunities: For latest CCoI and other industry opportunities visit: www.ccoi.ie

To submit to Stopress: To submit copy or an advert to Stopress e-mail: stopress@ccoi.ie by February 15th 2010.

New Benefit for CCoI Registered Craftspeople

Calling All Craft Graduates

The Crafts Council of Ireland has secured a special rate with Integral Credit Card Services.

There is an opportunity for studio space in Dublin for a small number of craft graduates who are keen to have their own studio but are having difficulties finding a suitable facility.

For those Crafts Council of Ireland registered craftspeople who already have a Merchant number and who will be participating at craft fairs over the coming months, the following offer applies with Integral Credit Card Services for Mobile Chip and Pin Terminals.

Studio Space Opportunity

A Dublin city centre enterprise space is available as a shared facility. CCoI is looking for recent graduates who would like to be part of a creative hub and benefit from a shared space and opportunities for development through workshops and seminars.

Set Up Fee €100 excl. VAT (reduced from €150) Daily Rental of Machine €18 excl. VAT (reduced from €23)

Applicants will be required to provide their own equipment; however, CCoI will explore prospects for funding with other agencies to facilitate interested parties.

For further information contact Bairbre Wilson T: (01) 2311777

This is a Crafts Council of Ireland supported initiative.

For further information please contact:

Note: Orders must be received 2/3 weeks in advance of the event and payment will be due before the terminal can be dispatched.

Amanda Walsh CCoI’s Education, Training and Development Administrator t: 056-7796134 e: Amanda@ccoi.ie

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

Opportunities Dates for your Diary

*Please note: The next issue of Stopress will be published on March 12th 2010.

Please forward all submissions by February 12th 2010. Stopress is also available on-line at www.ccoi.ie

OPPORTUNITY DIARY DATES

BY/ON/CURRENTLY

Mentors with CCoI (see p. 19) Craft Graduates Studio Space Opportunity (see p. 19)

Closing Date 8th January 2010 ASAP

NATIONAL CRAFT GALLERY (NCG) EXHIBITIONS 2009 - March 2010 For 2009 Programme contact ncg@ccoi.ie or log onto www.ccoi.ie NCG, Castle Yard, Kilkenny Generation On the Edge (see p.24)

until on

9th January 2010 16th January - 20th March 2010

on

24th - 27th January 2010

on on on

22nd - 26th January 2010 7th - 11th February 2010 19th - 22nd February 2010

For NCG Touring Exhibitions visit www.ccoi.ie

SHOWS IN IRELAND 2009/2010 Showcase RDS, Dublin

INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR DATES 2009/2010 Maison et Objet, Paris Birmingham Spring Fair Inhorgenta, Munich For more information on the above events: T: 056 7761804 or E: info@ccoi.ie

Advertisements STANDS AVAILABLE Irish Village Markets are the country’s largest privately run market and festival operators. from wednesday to sunday each week, a variety of markets take place in various locations around leinster.

For further information please contact: Tara Dalton T: 01 2841197 W: www.irishvillagemarkets.com E: info@irishvillagemarkets.com

International Operators Market & Street Traders (IOMST) the one stop guide to markets and events in ireland. we aim to list every market and event in the country together with all the relevant information you need. For further information or to find a market or event near you see

W: www.eventsmarketsireland.com E: info@marketguide.ie T: 01 8302271

Point Village Market opening spring 2010. VsC Events joins forces with the point Village & dCC to stock dublin City’s parlour full of goodies. the market will run from 8am-4:40pm saturday and sunday every week. For further information or to download an expression of interest form see: www.vscevents.ie/index.html

Ballsbridge Market outdoor market in the centre of Ballsbridge running every friday. looking for quality arts and crafts and offering very favourable rental terms. the market is located beside the river and the bridge in Ballsbridge & is surrounded by a good mix of

residential and businesses such as aiB hQ, BOi, goodbody Stockbrokers,etc. If you are interested see W: www.ballsbridgemarket.com or contact paul on M: 086 6061197

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES South East Heritage & Cultural Awards sponsored by the munster Express/dooley’s hotel waterford. a new award scheme seeking to recognise and reward groups and individuals across the south East who promote the regions heritage Craft and Culture. there are 4 awards annually comprising of 4 catagories complete with an overall award. nominations are put forward by the public.

For further information or an

application form contact Dooley’s Hotel, Waterford. T: 051 -873531

Workhouse Studios have a unique opportunity for craft designers to become a part of our dynamic craft collective in waterford. we are looking for vibrant designers working in all disciplines. deadline for receipt of applications is 31st January 2010.

For more information on how to apply contact Claire on M: 085 7741388 or E: claire@workhousestudios.com W: www.workhousestudios.com

Studio Space Opportunity for Craft Graduates there is an opportunity for studio space in dublin for a small number of craft graduates who are keen to have their own studio but who are having difficulties finding their own facility.

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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For more information on this opportunity see page 19

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS Designers and Makers 2009 Exhibition (3 October 2009 - 17 January 2010) monday to saturday 10am-5pm and sunday 1pm-5pm ‘designers and makers 2009’ is a showcase of fine craft and design featuring the work of 45 talented established and up-andcoming craftspeople from ireland and the uk. For more information T: 028 4062 3322 E: femcwilliam@banbridge.gov.uk W: www.femcwilliam.com

The Craft & Design Collective presents a Christmas trilOgy, our annual Christmas Exhibition at space Craft, 9b the fountain Centre, College street, Belfast, Bt1 6Et from friday 4th december 2009 to saturday 30th January 2010. monday to saturday 10.30am to 5.30pm. (space Craft will be closed from friday 25th december 2009 and will reopen on friday 8th January 2010). we’ve got Christmas covered!

Choose from a fabulous range of jewellery, fashion and interior accessories. all work will be for sale and will be most suitable for purchase as Christmas gifts. with pieces to suit all tastes and budgets, this is a great chance to treat someone you love to handmade, limited-edition gifts this Christmas or invest in a distinctive piece for yourself or your home.

For further information contact: T: 028 9032 9342 M: 0779 327 9161 E: jan.irwin@virgin.net W: www.craftanddesigncollective.com

Cat & the Moon Gallery , 4 Castle st., sligo. mon-sat: 9am to 6pm; sun: 2pm-6pm Christmas group show (incorporating irish vision, the art of Craft) dec 5th - Jan 13th including ceramics by michael moore and Bettina seitz.

Irish Vision: The Art of Craft features work by grainne watts and fergal spain. from Jan 16th gallery Choice

WINTER 2009

Advertisements selected artists. martina hamilton Collection. For further information contact T: 071 9143686 E: gallery@thecatandthemoon.com W: www.thecatandthemoon.com

WORKSHOPS /COURSES Feltmakers Ireland will be holding their ever popular annual Basic & Beyond workshop in lucan, Co dublin on January 23rd 2010. it is a great opportunity for anyone interested in feltmaking to get a taste of the wide variety of feltmaking techniques and styles.

For more information and application forms please see W: www.feltmakersireland.com

Kozo Studio Workshop Programme will continue with weekend workshops and courses in the new year! 2 papermaking weekends and a Batik workshop are organised for January - february 2010 and we are hoping to continue with printmaking and textile art workshops coming up in march and april. all courses will be held at studio venues in Co. kilkenny, for small groups of participants. we are hoping to make this programme more affordable for all and the new, lower prices still include all art materials, fibres, dyes, paints etc. you are going to use during the course. please contact Tunde Toth for details, advice and the full programme: W: www.kozogallery.com E: tundetune@gmail.com M: 087 2543362

Furniture Making Courses in SW France from spring 2010, nest will be running courses from their workshop in france. with a maximum of 5 on each week long course, there’s the opportunity to hone new skills in the relaxed and beautiful setting of the midi-pyrenees.

For more information, on courses by nest design please see W: www.nest-design.com or contact E: info@nest-design.com T: +33 5 62 67 79 03

TRAINING & COURSES 2-Day Website Workshop Build and maintain your own website on our 2-day website workshop training course. By the end of the course, you will have your own website hosted live on the internet.

Create, edit and manage your content. Only €820. Contact paula Crawford T: 086 242 9800 E: paula@databasyx.com W: www.Databasyx.com

Wicklow County Enterprise Board offer a wide variety of high quality business training courses to both start up businesses and existing businesses in the County. For further information see W: www.wicklowceb.ie/training or T: 0404-30800 if you would like to speak to a member of our staff

SUPPLIERS

Photographic studio based in dublin's city centre (temple Bar). portable studio also available. reasonable rates. product shots a speciality. For further information see: W: www.aindreasscholz.com T: 085 1417563

Robb Bradstock, Six Degree Productions, Coolavokig, macroom Co. Cork. short videos made to help promote craftspeople. robb has been a craft potter for the past 30 years and has been making films for the past 6 years. details of a film he made about the west Cork Craft and design guild with Jeremy irons can be found at W: http://www.sixdegreeproductions.com/an_inspired_ gathering_2008.html For further information contact T: 026-40172 or visit W: www.sixdegreeproductions.com

Web Design - great work deserves a superb website. let us design a website for you that represents your skill at its best.

For further information contact: T: +44 (0)28 9756 5681 or E: graphics@mckeedesign.co.uk W: www.mckeedesign.co.uk

STUDIO SPACE AVAILABLE Ceramic and Textile Studio spaces available to rent in Galway city. groundworks studios will provide a platform for emerging Ceramic & textile artists in a collective environment, creating a contemporary, innovative and vibrant setting in galway. this collective environment aims to provide and facilitate artists/designers to support, promote and constructively assist them in establishing themselves locally and internationally. For further information please contact the studio via email E: groundworksstudios@gmail.com or Emer on M: 087 4172029

STOPRESS NOTICE The publication date of the next issue of Stopress is: 12th March 2010. Copy date is: 12th February 2010.

Advertising in STOPRESS is free and is welcomed. To submit an advert e-mail: stopress@ccoi.ie and mark it for Stopress adverts (see page 24 for more information). All submissions must be received by 12th February.

Advertising, Notices & Opportunities on www.ccoi.ie You can also advertise opportunities and general advertisements and notices on the CCoI website (e.g. Craft Courses, Craft Events, Stands, Fairs etc.). To do so please e-mail: emma@ccoi.ie For all the latest CCoI and Crafts Industry Opportunities visit: www.ccoi.ie

WINTER 2009

NCG Gallery Snapshots

22

GENERATION EXHIBITION AT THE NATIONAL CRAFT GALLERY photography: dylan Vaughan

l-r: ann nolan (textile designer) and Claire mcalister (Jeweller y designer), workhouse studios, kilmacthomas

l-r: Justyna truchanowska (Jeweller), laura Caffrey (metalworker) and friend

l-r: leslie ryan (CCoi Education & Outreach Officer) and arlene Caffrey (graphic designer) and friend

l-r: ann mulrooney (CCoi Exhibitions manager & Curator) and mar y gallagher (ar t Buyer)

isabel hayden, aged four months, with glass by karen donnellan at the opening of generation

l-r: gail mahon (Ceramicist), una Burke (leather worker) and sabrina meyns (Jewellery maker)

l-r: derek mcgarr y (president-elect institute of designers in ireland) and nigel Cheney

l-r: Ăšna parsons (CEO of CCoi), sonya perkins (CEO, irish ar ts review) and laura Caffrey (highly Commended Crafts Council of ireland/irish ar ts review Emerging maker 2009)

l-r: Orlaith ross (winner of Crafts Council of ireland/irish arts review Emerging maker award 2009) and louise allen (CCoi Education & awareness manager)

Crafts Council of Ireland Newsletter

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WINTER 2009

National Craft Gallery - News

Season’s Greetings to all from the National Craft Gallery ann mulrooney

As I write, the ‘Design Challenge’, as part of the outreach activities here at the gallery has just been completed. Organised in conjunction with the Institute of Designers in Ireland, the challenge involves second level students from a number of schools working with makers and designers from Generation, our current exhibition, to competitively solve design problems (see page 6).

Running until the 9th January 2010, Generation showcases work by 32 emerging makers and designers, and is a fantastic opportunity to spot the stars of the future. Amongst them is Orlaith Ross, who is this year’s recipient of the Crafts Council of Ireland/Irish Arts Review Emerging Maker Award (see page 4) for her wafer-thin porcelain

panels depicting desolate and forgotten urban spaces. Metalworker Laura Caffrey was also Highly Commended for her elegant silver and

spalted beech tableware. The exhibition also features winners of the Institute of Designers in Ireland Graduate Awards.

sOfa (sculputural Objects and functional ar t 2009)

We have also recently returned from SOFA, the international exhibition of Sculpture Objects and Fine Art, in Chicago. In such an economically difficult year, it was encouraging to see so many forms of artistic expression vibrantly represented, and to note the Irish makers present - Roger Bennett at the Del Mano Gallery and Rachel McKnight at Snyderman Works. Apart from research and relationship development, our remit there was to promote Ireland as a destination for cultural tourism, specifically collector tours. According to the OECD, cultural tourism is one of the largest and fastest-growing global tourism markets and has huge potential for development. “SOFA offered a valuable opportunity to present Ireland and Irish makers to an audience of international collectors”, explained Des Doyle, CCoI Collector Programme and Cultural Tourism Development Manager, “and to work with a number of collectors groups on designing and developing indepth tour schedules”. As a result, we are looking

rodger Bennett (woodturner) whose work was exhibited at the del mano gallery at sOfa

forward to a nationwide visit from the Renwick Alliance in May 2010.

Planning is well under way for our next exhibition, On the Edge, opening on the 16th January next year. It features contemporary glass from South-West England and from Ireland, and was developed in partnership with Cheltenham Museum and Art Gallery and glass artists Chinks Grylls and Mary Mackey (see page 24). It is a beautiful show, and we look forward to welcoming you in the National Craft Gallery in 2010 to view it!

Ann Mulrooney Exhibitions Manager and Curator National Craft Gallery

Generation Catalogue €5 Contact the National Craft Gallery (see details page 24)

WINTER 2009

Upcoming Exhibitions - National Craft Gallery

24

On the Edge 16th January 2010 - 20th March 2010

National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny

On the Edge is a touring ex hibition, w hich has been organis ed by Cheltenham Art Gallery & Mus eum , Chinks Gry llis and Mary Mackey, in partners hip w ith the Crafts Council of Ireland.

‘reflections of lough Borra’ by Caroline madden (glass ar tist - ireland)

This exhibition features a stunning selection of newsletter design: dynamite

contemporary glass from Ireland and Southwest England, and beautifully demonstrates the complexities and flexibilities of the medium.

It includes the work of internationally acclaimed artists such as Colin Reid and Will Shakespeare plus stunning work by CCoI Bursary Award winner, Roísín de Buitleir.

National Craft Gallery opening times are: Monday - Saturday 10 am - 5.30pm Sunday 11am - 5.30pm tel: 056 7796147 email: ncg@ccoi.ie www.ccoi.ie

‘thaw stop’ by Joseph harrington (glass ar tist - uk)

FOR NATIONAL CRAFT GALLERY NEWS TURN TO PAGE 23

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 unique identity and stimulating quality, design, innovation and competitiveness. CCoI’s activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland.

All notices and advertisements are published in Stopress for general information purposes only, at the risk of the advertiser and at the discretion of the Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI). CCoI make no representations or warranties about any of the information contained in any notice or advertisement and accept no responsibility for the accuracy of any information contained in a notice or advertisement.

Advertisements in Stopress do not indicate endorsement by CCoI. It is the responsibility of the reader to check that goods and services are described fully and accurately.

CCoI expressly excludes liability for direct or indirect consequential

loss or damage which may arise in respect of Stopress or purchase of the goods and services. CCoI does not accept any responsibility for or necessarily endorse the views expressed by third party contributors to Stopress.

All copyright, database rights, trade mark design rights and any other intellectual property rights whatsoever in Stopress are, owned by and the property of CCoI. Crafts Council of Ireland, Castle Yard, Kilkenny t: 353 56 7761804 f: 353 56 7763754 e: info@ccoi.ie www.ccoi.ie

The publication date of the next issue of Stopress is 12th March 2010. Copydate is the 12th February 2010.

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: stopress@ccoi.ie While every care has been taken in the compilation of this Stopress, the publisher cannot take responsibility for errors or ommisions.