This is a unique insight into artists at the peak of their practice, organised by the Applied Arts Ulster group and is supported by Craft NI.

Deirdre McLoughlin - 1-2pm, Thursday 27 October, Ulster Museum

Irish ceramist Deirdre McLoughlin makes high-fired biomorphic sculpture, which is polished with diamond pads.

Cynthia Cousens - 1-2pm, Thursday 24 November, Ulster Museum

Jewellery maker Cynthia Cousens has exhibited internationally, including major solo retrospectives. She is concerned with establishing correlation between this redefinition and expressive emotional response to environment.

Paul Scott - 1-2pm, Thursday 8 December, Ulster Museum

Paul Scott is an artist best known for his research into ceramics and print. He creates individual pieces that are exacting and critical, blurring the boundaries between fine art and design

Mah Rana - 1-2pm, Thursday 9 February 2012, Ulster Museum

London-based Mah Rana's exquisitely-made objects highlight how much we invest psychologically and emotionally in our jewellery.

Colin Reid - 1-2pm, Thursday 23 February 2012, Ulster Museum

Colin Reid is regarded as a pioneer in the field of kilncast glass. He exhibits internationally and has work in over 45 museum collections worldwide. Based in his studio in SW England, Colin has developed the expertise and facilities to handle large scale commissions in glass.

Kim Buck - 1-2pm, Thursday 22 March 2012, Ulster Museum

Kim Buck's delicate pieces reflect on the fundamental basis of jewellery – wearability and communicability. Based in Copenhagen, Buck uses  traditional and modern techniques to create jewellery that takes on a new life once it leaves the hands of the maker.

Masterclass lectures are free but booking is advised. To reserve tickets contact the Ulster Museum on 028 9044 0051. A series of seminars and workshops with the artists will also be held at the University of Ulster. For more information contact Clive Fiddis on 028 9026 7220.

The Masterclasses in Applied Arts programme is supported by Craft NI.