Ann and Angela at the Buttermarket
THE Culture of Making is the special theme of this year’s August Craft Month, which features a packed programme of events including a chance to meet the makers at The Buttermarket Craft and Design Courtyard.
From August 1-31 the artists at 17 art and craft units at the Buttermarket will hold tours and will give the public a chance to meet local designer makers.
The seventh annual celebration of craft, co-ordinated by Craft NI, will focus on designer-makers living and working in Northern Ireland and how they have been influenced by the rich and diverse culture of the place they live and work in.
In addition, Fermanagh features on the new interactive Craft Map, which highlights the studios of Fiona Kerry Jewellery in Ballinamallard and Ann McNulty in Enniskillen.
The new interactive Craft Map makes it easier than ever to visit an exhibition, participate in a workshop or listen to a talk in a gallery close to you.
The map also lists the best places to buy high quality, handmade craft.
It is Craft NI Chief Executive, Alan Kane’s first time in charge of August Craft Month, having taken up his post last September.
“One of my main goals when taking over this post was to help create an infrastructure and a culture of collaboration where craft can grow and thrive in all parts of Northern Ireland.
“We are excited by the diversity of events during this year’s August Craft Month which range from high quality contemporary craft exhibitions to hands-on workshops where people can learn a new skill.”
This has been the first year that August Craft Month has been launched in Derry at the Culture Craft exhibition in the London Street Gallery featuring 38 eminent makers.
Head of Visual Arts at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Suzanne Lyle said:
“We have been supporting the wonderful work of Craft NI for a number of years through a variety of different funding programmes.
“We are delighted to see the festival spreading its wings and encompassing the work of makers and artists from across Northern Ireland.
“The month-long festival beautifully showcases the talent of our makers, many of whom incorporate cultural references and indigenous materials into their work. What a fitting and exciting way to represent local artistic talent and imagination.”
For full details of all August Craft Month events, visit the Craft NI website: www.craftni.org and click on the August Craft Month section.
To find out about all the makers and events in your area, click on the interactive craft map on the website.