With over 70 events planned as part of this year’s Cork Craft Month festivities, you may be struggling to decide what workshop, demonstration or talk to sign up for! So, we’ve pulled together a handy guide on how to make the most of Cork Craft Month 2021 with a run-down of key events and how to get involved. As this year’s the biggest year of festivities so far – we can’t include them all, but the full list of activities can be found on our online events calendar!
‘Baile’ Annual Showcase Exhibition
Taking place in Working Artist Studios, Ballydehob, the annual showcase exhibition is running for the entirety of Cork Craft Month. This year’s theme, ‘Baile’ reflects on the past year spent in lockdown, highlighting the relationship with our homes, both as a living and working space for our crafters.
Introduction to Art Jewellery
Join Jaki Coffey for an enjoyable workshop in creating your own art jewellery. Jaki will guide you through the design and making process to construct an interesting, wearable piece. This workshop is also an opportunity to meet other makers who share your interest and passion for creativity. Taking place on August 13th, book tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Emerge Exhibition
Come and see a celebration of the hard work and talent of graduating students at the ‘Emerge’ Exhibition at 46 The Gallery on Grand Parade. Open from August 6th through to the 31st, help us embrace the newest additions of the vibrant community of Irish craft and design.
‘From the Earth’ Exhibition
Running from August 4th until the end of the month, visitors can experience a collaborative exhibition between Cork’s Artisan Furniture Makers, Ceramicists, Glass Artists, Blacksmiths and Stoneworkers. This exhibition will showcase both the beauty and craftsmanship of these Cork based traditional makers who are creating high quality and bespoke pieces from wood, clay, class, metal and stone. Taking place in Douglas Village Shopping Centre, visitors have the chance to meet the makers and learn about their materials, inspiration and process behind their craft.
National Heritage Week
To coincide with National Heritage Week there are a number of Cork Craft Month events running in tandem to celebrate traditional heritage crafts as well as their importance to Irish culture. Here are some of our top picks.
An Tionscadal Tuí (Straw Crafting) at Kilcoe Studios
Kilcoe Studios in West Cork, supported by Creative Ireland, have a weekend of straw craft workshops and demonstrations planned that you don’t want to miss!
On August 21st get hands-on at the Harvest Event with Brown Envelope Seeds. Visitors can expect to celebrate the folklore and traditions of harvest time while taking part in the threshing and harvesting of the grain. Spaces are limited for this event, so make sure to buy your tickets and avoid disappointment!
For those who can’t make it down to West Cork, no panic! On August 22nd, Sonia from Kilcoe Studios will be taking her workshop online. Learn about the importance of straw craft and it’s traditions here in Ireland, and pick up a few basic techniques including ropemaking, braiding and decorative work as Sonia demonstrates her craft! This event is free of charge, but spaces are limited so book today.
And finally, on August 23rd, bring the kids to a multi-generational Straw Craft Workshop and explore different styles of decorative straw plaiting and braiding. Suitable for kids over 9, participants will learn to make decorative bracelets and a harvest bow. Again spaces are limited so booking in advance is advised.
Heritage Week with Chapel Hill School of Art
Continuing the Heritage Week celebrations, Chapel Hill School of Art will join Cork Craft & Design to host a series of Heritage events during Cork Craft Month. On August 21st from 1:00pm – 4:00 pm, visitors have their choice of three, very different heritage events.
Fancy taking a Basket Weaving Workshop with Rosemary Kavanagh of Wild Rose Basketry? Join Rosemary at this family-friendly workshop where participants learn to weave willow and bull rush ‘fishes’ and hanging spirals through the medium of storytelling about our native salmon and Heritage arts. Get you tickets today.
What about a Bronze age casting and mould making demonstration with Helle Helsner? Helle is an artist and educator with knowledge of experimental archaeology. In this demonstration, Helle will share ancient methods of Bronze Age casting and mould making techniques with visitors. This event is free to the public – we hope to see you there!
The final event is a Clay Head Modelling Workshop presented by James Horan, an experienced sculptor and tutor. Experience the ancient craft of clay modelling as you use your hands, as well as carving tools to learn this 3-dimensional foundation skill for budding and experienced sculptors alike! This workshop is free to the public, not to be missed!
Online Shop
For those who can’t make it to Cork Craft Month this year, but still want to support the talents of our craft makers, our online shop will be available throughout the month of August. Featuring the finest craft Ireland has to offer and showcasing the passionate work of our local craftspeople, our shop offers everyone the chance to experience, browse and shop our selection of Cork made crafts.
With all of these events and more planned for the month of August, what are you waiting for, visit our events calendar and get booking while spaces are still available!
