Craft NI

'Made in Ireland' Exhibition
2022-09-24 10:00 - 2023-01-21 17:00 (Europe/London) | FE McWilliam Gallery, 200 Newry Road, Banbridge, BT32 3NB
The F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are delighted to present Made In Ireland. A celebration of the wealth and vibrancy of Ireland’s studio crafts, the exhibition presents work by over 110 craftspeople from 27 counties, each creating beautiful, considered objects using skills honed over many years. Supported by Design & Crafts Council Ireland and managed by the creative team of Hilary Morley, Stephen O’Connell and Mary Gallagher, Made In Ireland comes to the F.E. McWilliam Gallery after successful runs at the National Design & Craft Gallery in Kilkenny and Farmleigh Gallery, Dublin.
Ireland’s makers, working in and across different sectors, are creating innovative work of high quality. Makers work in local and carefully sourced materials, across all regions of our island. Some are household names, some work away quietly perfecting their skill and promoting their work locally and regionally. The Irish public has shown itself to have a lively interest in craft, however, they are largely unaware of the diverse range and quality of work being produced in the country by skilled makers.
Selected after an open call, Made In Ireland showcases the skill of potters, glassmakers, textile artists, woodturners, basket makers, gold and silversmiths, metalsmiths and furniture makers. Exhibitors include makers of international renown as well as young, emerging artists and those who have practised quietly in areas of the country such as Clare Island, West Cork and the North Antrim Coast. Some are members of Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s Portfolio Critical Selection, while others are makers who practise away from the spotlight and national attention.
At a time when many people are showing a considerable preference and appreciation for goods that are Irish made, we can think of no better time to create a colourful, inclusive exhibition that shows the very best of what is Made In Ireland.

Big Bauble Christmas Showcase
2022-11-03 18:00 - 2022-12-24 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
The Big Bauble Showcase, Craft NI Gallery’s festive event of the season, will launch Thursday, November 3rd during Late Night Art, and run until end of December. Every year the gallery carefully selects handcrafted unique baubles from contemporary Northern Irish makers, in varied mediums such as ceramic, glass or textiles.

Make the opening night an excuse to get to know the work some of Northern Ireland’s finest contemporary designer-makers, while you join us for some seasonal refreshments and an exclusive 10% off all work for that night only!

Free admission.

Materials Messages Meanings #11 Sustainability Exhibition
2022-11-05 11:00 - 2022-12-05 17:00 | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
Materials, Messages and Meanings #11 ‘Sustainability’ Exhibition runs from 5 November – 2 December 2022 at R-Space Gallery
Three Irish artists have been selected from an open call as part of our Materials, Messages and Meaning series. Now in its eleventh year, these exhibitions explore artists’ different approaches to materials, methods of production and messages within their work.
This year we have selected artists who have responded to the theme ‘Sustainability.
Participating artists:
Jasper McKinney MBE
Judith Waring
Mollie Mia Murphy
R-Space Gallery is open to the public and Covid-19 restrictions apply.

'Collectibles and Curiosities' Exhibition
2022-11-10 18:00 - 2022-12-30 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI are delighted to welcome back the Association of Contemporary Jewellers and Silversmiths NI for another jewellery exhibition that promises to amaze the public in the run up to Christmas. The “Collectibles and Curiosities” exhibition opens at Craft NI Gallery on Thursday, November 10 and continues until December 30.

For this exhibition, ACJSNI has brought together 18 contemporary jewellers and silversmiths from all over the world. Each piece relates to the theme “Collectibles and Curiosities” representing a wide range of narratives and cultures. Their diverse approaches to the brief show not only technical precision and a dynamic use of materials, they also reflect their artistry as storytellers. Jewellery is a statement to both challenge and delight; Collectible & Curious!

Exhibitors include:

Alena Štukavcová Doležalová (Czech Republic), Ana Nadjar (Chile), Anne Earls Boylan (UK), Annie Ricketts (UK), Cameron & Breen (UK), Carmen López (Spain), Carol Bergocce (Brazil), Céline Traynor (Ireland), Cleopatra Cosulet (Romania), Clodagh Molloy (Ireland), Ebrahim Mohammadian Elird (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Eva Lynch (Ireland), Gerhard Herbst (Australia), Lynne Speake (UK), Mária Roskó (Hungary), Rosie Deegan (UK), Shannon McShane (Ireland), Taylor Fentz (US).

Join us for the opening night November between 6 and 8pm and learn more about the theme of the event: “Collectible and Curious”, two words that describe the history of our obsession with jewellery, precious materials and objects that tell stories about who we are and how we see ourselves.

'Regeneration' Spring Exhibition
2023-02-14 10:00 - 2023-03-26 16:00 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
The ‘Regeneration’ Spring Exhibition will run until March 26th and it is organised by the North Down Craft Collective; visitors will be able to view (and purchase) beautiful ceramics, textiles, paper art and more by many well-known Northern Irish craft makers such as Adele Pound, Ruth Osborne, Debbie McCann, Patricia Millar, Mags Donnan, Hannah Dorman, Jane Neely, Jeni Robinson and Jude Fenton.

Land/Marks
2023-02-15 10:00 - 2023-05-20 17:30 | Castle Yard, Kilkenny, Ireland view map, Castle Yard, Kilkenny, Ireland
Ceramics Ireland is delighted to present Land/Marks the fourth in its triennial exhibition series. Continuing the ethos of celebrating the diverse range and breadth of contemporary ceramic work being created my makers of and from Ireland. Land/Marks will feature works that explore and challenge the material clay, investigating its malleability and pushing its boundaries.
This will be evident through a variety of sculptural forms, functional vessels and installation-based works. The independent expert panel of three selected 42 makers for this edition of the triennial series, which will celebrate the craftsmanship and skills of these contemporary practitioners. The selected group includes Sara Flynn, Mark Campden and Isobel Egan, Antonio J. Lopez, Simon Kidd, Sarah Roseingrave.
Image: Kate O’Kelly – Cloud Vessels

Featured makers: Alison Brent, Frances Brosnan, Cathy Burke, Yasha Butler, Anne Butler, Mike Byrne, Tina Byrne, Mark Campden, Barra Cassidy, Sophie Kate Curran, Jack Doherty, Chloë Dowds, Isobel Egan, Áine Farrelly, Sara Flynn, Adam Frew, Niamh Harte, Jennifer Hickey, Jane Jermyn, Andrea Kavanagh, Alison Kay, Simon Kidd, Michael Kobuladze, Nanette Ledwith, Antonio J. Lopez, Aisling McElwain, Christopher McHugh, Claire McLaughlin, Deirdre McLoughlin, Kathleen Moroney, Lucy Morrow, Kate O’Kelly, Liselott Olofsson, Mandy Parslow, Elizabeth Petcu, Elaine Riordan, Sarah Roseingrave, Alex Scott, Jane Seymour, Vicki Sutherland, Eleanor Swan, Grainne Watts.

'Paper Magic' Exhibition
2023-02-23 08:00 - 2023-03-25 17:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
This exhibition brings together various artists who are exploring the hidden potential of paper transformation.

Through cutting, pulping, folding, oiling and collaging, the magical properties of paper will be revealed…
Paper is one of our oldest and most familiar materials. It has been with us from ancient times to the present, a constant companion recording our art, our ideas, our transactions and, sometimes, quietly changing the course of history itself. We take this flat, flimsy and ephemeral material for granted, yet it also has the power to be transformed.
As the trials of the past two pandemic years continue to, hopefully, recede, these artists plan to celebrate by bringing colour, tall tales and a little enchantment.
Exhibiting Artists include:
Sue Cathcart, Adele Pound, Emma Whitehead, Jayne Cherry, Susan McKeever, Aimee Magee and Simon Hall.

Stitch Me Up For Life
2023-03-11 11:00 - 2023-04-07 17:00 | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
Stitch Me Up For Life by Janet Hackney at the R-Space Gallery in Lisburn will be exhibited in four sections:
The first section will include early works from her fashion and textile art college days, glove designs, prototypes and five garments with accessories and supporting drawings.
The second section will be her textile landscape works in felt, batik, machine and hand embroidery, cross stitched works. The third section will celebrate the costume work that she does for the volunteers at Castle Ward, the eighteen century National Trust property.
This will include four ladies outfits, including Robe a La Francaise, The English gown with supporting shifts, corsets, petticoats, stomachers, hooped underskirts, pockets, bonnets matching shoes, a dressed wig, a maids outfit in linen, plus a gentleman’s outfit with embroidered waistcoat, breeches, jacket and linen shirt.
For the fourth section Janet will spend a five day period of residency in the gallery where she set up her sewing machines and will hold a series of daily workshops “Playing with thread” for community groups.
About The Artist
The span of Janet Hackney’s career in art and textiles reflects her artwork itself – strands of textiles, embroidery, modern digital technology, heritage and colour all coming together to create a unique and memorable range of pieces. She has taught art, needlework and textiles in schools in England, Malawi and Northern Ireland. An active member of the N.I. Embroidery Guild since 2000, she has exhibited with them throughout Northern Ireland. In 2017 at the invite of the New Zealand Embroiderers’ Guild she gave several talks and workshops on her textile work and techniques.

The gallery is open 11am-5pm from Tuesday to Saturday.

SEAMS
2023-04-01 12:00 - 2023-06-03 18:00 | CCA Derry-Londonderry, 10–12 Artillery St, Derry~Londonderry, BT48 6RG, United Kingdom
SEAMS, a solo exhibition by Laura Wilson comprises of three installations including a significant new body of work entitled Winding then Winding. Laura is interested in how everyday materials such as bricks, textile, wheat, salt and bread dough transmit historical and embodied knowledge between people over time and place. Laura develops research-led projects, working with specialists and experts to communicate relationships between materiality, memory and tacit knowledge, explored through sculpture, performance, drawings and video. This exhibition is a survey of Laura’s recent works connected by the body, learning, movement and labour.
On the first day of the exhibition (Saturday 1st April) from 1 to 3pm, artist Laura Wilson will begin weaving a piece of linen with her mother on the loom that forms part of her current exhibition, SEAMS. Laura’s ancestors on her mother’s side worked in factories in Portadown and Lisburn as weavers, warpers and yarn winders. Through this live weaving in the gallery space, Laura is interested in exploring ways information is passed on from one person to another and between generations, in particular how knowledge can be stored within the body.
Throughout the run of the exhibition weavers are invited to continue the weaving started by Laura and her mother, contributing to a collective weaving which will be removed on the last day of the exhibition. If you are a weaver and would like to contribute to the collective weaving please contact info@ccadld.org
Find out more here.

Important dates:
SEAMS launches on Friday 31 March 2023, from 7–9pm

The exhibition runs from the 1st April to the 3rd June.
Usual opening hours are Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 6pm.

Image credits:
Laura Wilson, Seams (detail), 2023
Image courtesy of the artist.

Re-Connected
2023-04-20 09:30 - 2023-05-20 16:30 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Re Connected is an exhibition exploring creativity and colour while living with acquired brain injury.

Rachel Fitzpatrick is a designer and maker working at the interfaces of art, design and social practice. Re-Connectedexplores the artist’s reconnection with creativity and colour after her recovery from a neurological disorder and learning to live with an acquired brain injury.

The exhibition, running April 20th – May 20th in the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn, spans two gallery spaces exploring visual elements of Rachel’s rediscovery of her creativity. Her work initially began with making but with an absence of confidence in colour. The pieces in gallery one explore this reconnection with colour through making, music and storytelling with some pieces taking inspiration from stories depicted in native folk songs.

Gallery two includes the installation Re-Framing, a collaboration between Rachel and participants from local charity Brain Injury Matters NI. Re-Framing charts a cyclical journey of change and transformation after acquired brain injury.

Over several months of workshops, Rachel and the participants worked to develop a way to create origami ‘brains’. The installation is created in an infinity loop of origami brains, representing a journey of re-framing life after acquired brain injury. Bright colours dominate the final piece, representing positive memories and experiences, with green and blue coloured paper suspended on linen thread representing the community formed by Brain Injury Matters.

This exhibition has been kindly supported through funding by the Arts Council NI through the National Lottery.

Preview event: Tuesday 25 April 2023, 2 – 4pm

Spring Collectors' Showcase
2023-05-22 10:00 - 2023-06-30 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI Gallery are delighted to launch our ‘Spring Collectors’ Showcase’, a unique exhibition of one-of-a-kind pieces made by some of the most established designer-makers in Northern Ireland. Following a visit from international collectors, the gallery’s current selection shines a light on new work from some of Northern Ireland’s best contemporary craft makers.
The exhibition will give the public a rare opportunity to view and acquire work from silversmith Cara Murphy, renowned for her beautifully enamelled silver bowls, woodturner Mark Hanvey as he unveils his new ‘Graft’ pieces, or new glass work by Andrea Spencer and Scott Benefield. New or award-winning designs by Patricia Millar, John McKeag, Peter Meanley, Alison Lowry, David Cousley, John Piekaar, Sarah Cathers, Michael Moore, Chris McHugh, Anna Smyth to name but a few make this event a perfect occasion to start (or add to) a cherished craft collection from local artists.
Jewellery gets a special spotlight: Egle Banyte shows her Wave brooch, inspired by North European aesthetics; forward-thinking Anne Earls Boylan delights with her new SLS colourful 3D print designs; and Celine Traynor takes us on a time travel journey with her ‘Golden Years’ piece, a kinetic pendant made up of 24 ever increasing rings that represent the 24 years that she lived in her house on Canal Street, Newry, before it was sold.
Craft NI Gallery are looking forward to welcoming you to this exceptional event and we encourage you to visit us to see the full selection. The works, spanning across different craft disciplines, varied mediums and concepts, will give the public a thorough understanding, and hopefully a new appreciation of the talent, craftsmanship and skill available in Northern Ireland.

Re:New Wallace #6 - Time Frame
2023-05-27 11:00 - 2023-06-30 17:00 | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
Following the continued success of the Re:New Wallace Collection exhibitions since 2018, R-Space delivers the sixth in a series of collaborative cultural projects involving a Northern Irish artist/maker and the Wallace Collection in London with selected artist, Emma Whitehead. Inspired by the journey and time spent passing through the hands of of people over time, Emma explores the compulsion to measure time, distance, the seasons, the stars, and the need to make sense of the connections that intersect with our lives.
About the artist
Emma Whitehead is a self-taught, mixed-media visual artist specialising in innovative embroidery techniques using various materials. She re-discovered a passion for surface embroidery after exploring the possibilities of other mediums and has tested the limits of needle and thread for over 25 years. Based in County Down, she is co-director of the artist-led gallery Top Floor Art Gallery & Open Studios and runs the TFA Studio Group. In 2016 she completed the Lumen Residency in Italy, exploring the themes of light and astronomy. In 2018 she spent a week training with The British Horological Institute learning the mechanics of time and how to strip and rebuild a hunter watch piece. In 2019, she received the IDA Award from the University of Atypical for research & development of new ways of working adapted to disability. These opportunities have enabled her to delve into the themes of time, space, memory and personal history, which permeate her work.

Please note, the event is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday.

ForM Sculpture Exhibition
2023-06-01 10:00 - 2023-06-30 18:00 | Walled Garden Bangor Castle, Valentine Rd, Bangor, BT20 4BT
ForM Sculpture Exhibition takes place annually each June and is one of the highlights of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s annual Arts exhibition programme, giving visitors the unique opportunity to experience art in a different context, outside the traditional gallery setting.
The exhibition will showcase selected works from artists from across the island of Ireland who exhibit both nationally and internationally, and are inspired by the garden environment.
A visit to Bangor Castle Walled Garden is a real escape and the sculptures enhance this experience even further. Some of the works are of large scale and compliment the setting whilst other, more subtle, works will need to be sought out, adding a further dimension to this engaging exhibition.
Please note the opening times below:
Monday – Thursday: 10am – 8pm
Friday – Sunday and Bank Holidays: 10am – 6pm

'The Form is Emptiness'
2023-06-02 10:00 - 2023-07-01 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
The Sunburst Gallery at Ards Arts Centre will host a solo exhibition of ceramic sculpture by Fang Zhao. Her practice as a ceramicist seeks to communicate international ideals through sculpture and functional pottery. The organic form of mountain shapes, inspired by Chinese Mountain Paintings, serves as a metaphor with which to examine her personal life journey.

Fang’s work seeks to synthesise traditional and modern aesthetics in order to situate a conceptualisation of the relationship between culture and the natural world.
This exhibition will address the concept of ‘the form is emptiness’. -this could refer to a philosophy or verse, benevolent see benevolence; everyone will have their own explanation.

Merciful, Savage
2023-06-02 10:00 - 2023-07-01 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
The Georgian Gallery in Ards Arts Centre will host a joint exhibition by Karen Daye-Hutchinson and Enda Kenny starting June 2nd.

This ambitious exhibition, by Karen Daye-Hutchinson and Enda Kenny, explores the relationships between human and animal evolution, extinction and change; exploring the interaction of human beings and the natural world. Connecting with instincts and the comparisons with nature and habitat, this thought-provoking exhibition will also reveal a deeper message relating to wider life issues.
The artists collaborate with beautiful textures, hand-made papers and threads, repurposed and natural materials, as well as traditional copperplate etching, woodwork, leatherwork, bookbinding and weaving.
Reflecting on human life that is both Merciful and Savage.

Wonderful Wool!
2023-07-07 10:00 - 2023-07-27 15:00 | Larne Museum & Arts Centre, 2 Victoria Rd, Larne, BT40 1RN, United Kingdom
‘Woonderful Wool!’ is’ an exhibition of work by members of Region 14 of the International Feltmakers Association.

The exhibition shows the versatility of this wonderful natural product when it is subjected to the process of dry or wet felting. A variety of wools have been used in the various exhibits – combined in different ways with other materials such as silk, viscose and cotton. Visitors will see 3D objects, hangings, pictures and wearable pieces such as hats, scarves and coats.

All the exhibits have been created by members of Region 14 of the International Feltmakers Association. Its members come from across the island of Ireland and include feltmakers of international renown asa well as those just starting their creative journey.

Creative Peninsula Exhibition at Ards Arts Centre
2023-07-27 10:00 - 2023-08-24 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Throughout August, Ards Arts Centre will play host to the main Creative Peninsula exhibition, featuring exclusive works by the finest Artists and Makers from the Ards and North Down Borough

This exhibition will feature unique pieces of art and craftwork in a variety of mediums, specially selected for display in Ards Arts Centre and created in our Borough. This exhibition is a celebration of the exclusivity and quality of the artwork produced by local artists and makers and a fantastic opportunity to purchase a beautiful piece of art.
Artworks are for sale, and many artists accept commission work too.
Be sure to pick up a Creative Peninsula programme for more information on other events and activities taking place during the festival.

Cameron & Breen Jewellery Trunk Show - Opening Night
2023-07-28 18:00 - 21:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Come along and meet design powerhouse Martin Cameron and Laura Breen for a one-of-a-kind event – a Cameron & Breen Jewellery Trunk Show at Craft NI Gallery, Belfast! This will be a unique opportunity to meet these two talented makers in person as the Gallery will show an extended collection of their stunning works for 3 days only.
Join us for the opening night on July 28th: the evening will start with a drinks reception at 6pm, and Martin and Laura will give a short introduction to the audience at 6:30. This will be a great opportunity to chat to them about their work and any bespoke commissions or remodelling ideas that you might have – appointments will be available over the next two days.
Cameron & Breen are renowned for their contemporary exploration into ancient jewellery design, having won awards from The Worshipful Company Of Goldsmiths and with noteworthy commissions under their belt such as presenting their ‘Ancient Treasure’ Brooch to Princess Anne Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in 2021.
Captivating hordes of gold jewellery found in museums influence the forms and materials in Martin and Laura’s jewellery collections. Recycled gold is cast from wax that has been carved and manipulated by hand, displaying the beautiful marks of traditional handmade design and the ancient technique of lost wax casting. Stone carvings adorned with rhythmical patterns and curious figures inspire their playful hand engraved motifs. Martin and Laura hand select emeralds, sapphires, mandarin garnets, diamonds and rock crystals to skilfully set in each individual piece.
If you have longed to try on some of their pieces after intensive social media searches, have a bespoke commission in mind such as an engagement ring, a wedding ring or anniversary gift, or are interested to remodel heirloom pieces, stop by for a chat in the Gallery’s private consultation area. Martin and Laura welcome bespoke enquiries, and their designs can be translated for you using alternative metals and your dream gemstone can be sourced to create a truly unique treasure. Martin and Laura will happily discuss using your own gold and gemstones to create a new future heirloom.
Please note the following opening hours: Friday 6 – 9pm, Saturday 10 – 5pm, Sunday 1 – 6pm.

Cameron & Breen Trunk Show
2023-07-29 10:00 - 17:00, 2023-07-30 13:00 - 18:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Come along and meet design powerhouse Martin Cameron and Laura Breen for a one-of-a-kind event – a Cameron & Breen Jewellery Trunk Show at Craft NI Gallery, Belfast! This will be a unique opportunity to meet these two talented makers in person as the Gallery will show an extended collection of their stunning works for 3 days only.
Cameron & Breen are renowned for their contemporary exploration into ancient jewellery design, having won awards from The Worshipful Company Of Goldsmiths and with noteworthy commissions under their belt such as presenting their ‘Ancient Treasure’ Brooch to Princess Anne Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in 2021.
Captivating hordes of gold jewellery found in museums influence the forms and materials in Martin and Laura’s jewellery collections. Recycled gold is cast from wax that has been carved and manipulated by hand, displaying the beautiful marks of traditional handmade design and the ancient technique of lost wax casting. Stone carvings adorned with rhythmical patterns and curious figures inspire their playful hand engraved motifs. Martin and Laura hand select emeralds, sapphires, mandarin garnets, diamonds and rock crystals to skilfully set in each individual piece.
If you have longed to try on some of their pieces after intensive social media searches, have a bespoke commission in mind such as an engagement ring, a wedding ring or anniversary gift, or are interested to remodel heirloom pieces, stop by for a chat in the Gallery’s private consultation area. Martin and Laura welcome bespoke enquiries, and their designs can be translated for you using alternative metals and your dream gemstone can be sourced to create a truly unique treasure. Martin and Laura will happily discuss using your own gold and gemstones to create a new future heirloom.
Please note the following opening hours: Friday 6 – 9pm, Saturday 10 – 5pm, Sunday 1 – 6pm.

Creative Peninsula Exhibition at North Down Museum
2023-08-02 10:00 - 2023-09-24 16:00 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
The Long Gallery at North Down Museum will host the Creative Peninsula Exhibition between August 2 – September 17.
Creative Peninsula is one of Northern Ireland’s premier celebrations of art and craft. This thriving annual event features workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and much more, all taking place throughout the beautiful and picturesque Ards and North Down Borough.

This exhibition will feature unique pieces of art and craftwork specially selected for display in North Down Museum. It is a celebration of the exclusivity and quality of the artwork produced by local artists and craftspeople and a fantastic opportunity to purchase a beautiful piece of art.
A series of Creative Peninsula events including workshops and Craft in the Square will be taking place throughout the month of August.

'Pathways'
2023-08-03 18:00 - 2023-09-15 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI are delighted to announce the launch of ‘Pathways’, the August Craft Month 2023 exhibition.
The opening reception will take place at Craft NI Gallery on Thursday, 3rd August at 6pm. Featuring some of the best in contemporary craft, the annual August Craft Month Exhibition aims to celebrate and profile excellence in Northern Irish craft.
This year, applicants were invited to respond to the theme of Pathways, whether this was interpreted as a series of connections, reflections of travels or environment, experiences or actions, a personal journey or a journey in making. We’re excited to share with you the various meanings Pathways holds.
Exhibiting makers include:
Adam Frew, Adele Pound, Anne Butler, Elizabeth Johnston, Fiona Kerr, Heather McFadden, Irene McBride, Karen Hamilton, Karena Ryan, Lauren Scott, Maya Todd, Neil Marlow, Patricia Kelly, Patricia Millar, Patrick Colhoun, Pennie Metcalfe, Red Earth Designs, Sam Gleeson, Samantha Moore, Sandra Robinson, Sarah Cathers, Scott Benefield, Shauna McCann, Sue Cathcart, Tamzen Lundy Designs and Tracey Johnston.
This year, Craft NI are joined by special guest curator, Annie Cattrell, maker and tutor at the Royal College of Art. At the opening Annie will award this year’s guild prizes, for which Craft NI are particularly grateful to the former Guild of Northern Ireland Designer Makers (The Guild) who gifted a legacy gift for the development and promotion of the craft sector in Northern Ireland.

Awe & Alchemy
2023-09-15 09:30 - 2023-11-04 16:30 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
The Association for Contemporary Jewellery and Silversmiths Northern Ireland exhibit Awe & Alchemy, celebrating the diverse approaches towards values, material possibility, sustainability, and social connections, through the art of jewellery and adornment.
Showcasing the work of over 20 ACJ members from across the UK, Ireland and further afield, the exhibition opens on September 15th at Armagh Market Place Theatre Gallery, 7 – 9pm.
ACJSNI have partnered with Goldsmith’s Centre to bring some further projects to NI to coincide with this exhibition.

Re-connecting
2023-10-05 10:00 - 2023-11-03 16:30 | Down Arts Centre, 2 - 6 Irish Street, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 6BP, United Kingdom
Rachel Fitzpatrick is a designer and maker working at the interfaces of art, design and social practice. Re-Connecting explores the artist’s reconnection with making and colour while learning to reframe her creativity living with acquired brain injury. Re-Connecting spans the gallery spaces exploring visual elements of Rachel’s rediscovery of her creativity. Her work initially began with making but with an absence of confidence in colour. The pieces explore reconnection with colour through making, place and storytelling with pieces taking inspiration from stories depicted in native folk songs.

The Alchemy of Print
2023-10-07 11:00 - 2023-11-03 17:00 | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
‘The Alchemy of Print’ presents an exceptional body of work by Trish Belford, encompassing new processes as well as designs created for famous fashion UK fashion designers.
This exhibition is the culmination of a research and design project by Belford, funded by The Leverhulme Trust. Many of the techniques utilized during the time at Belford Prints (1986-2004) have been revisited to develop the work for ‘The Alchemy of Print’. Samples from the Belford archive sit alongside a range of new samples, exposing the value of technical craft, dyeing and printing expertise.
Trish Belford is a designer, in 1996 she was made an Honorary Fellow of The Royal College of Art, in 2009 The Society of Dyers and Colorists awarded the silver medal for services to the textile industry. From 2004 – 2022 Trish was Senior Research Fellow at the Ulster University and has just completed a research post with the University of The Arts London as project lead for the Business of Fashion and Textiles and Technology, working with William Clark and Sons to deliver a more sustainable beetled linen. She has exhibited locally and internationally, including at the Bangkok International design Festival. She was co-founder and director of Belford Prints (1986-2004), Macclesfield, a creative textile print company working for British fashion designers, such as Vivienne Westwood, Georgina von Etzdort, Neisha Crosland, Jasper Conran, English Eccentrics and Zandra Rhodes.
This exhibition is supported by an Artist Talk on October 28th, 2pm. Please note, the exhibition is open 11am – 5pm Tuesday to Saturday.

RUA Annual Exhibition
2023-10-13 10:00 - 2024-01-02 17:00 | Ulster Museum, BT9 5AB, United Kingdom
The 142nd Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition of Art is taking place at Ulster Museum.
The Royal Ulster Academy is the most enduring body of practicing visual artists in Northern Ireland, and its annual exhibition is one of the highlights of the Northern Ireland arts calendar. The 142nd art exhibition contains over 300 artworks that use a diverse range of materials to create an inspiring variety of artwork by both local artists and artists from across the globe.
Founded in 1879, the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts is the largest and longest established body of practising visual artists in Northern Ireland. One of its founding principles is to organise, promote or join in organising and promoting in any fashion an Annual Exhibition of work by both members and non–members.
This exhibition is on display in Gallery 6 until Tuesday 2nd January 2024. Free to attend and no booking necessary.

Beautiful Work: Artists and Makers and the Creative Process
2023-10-28 10:00 - 2023-11-30 16:00 | The Braid, 1 - 29 Bridge Street, Ballymena, BT43 5EJ, United Kingdom
County Antrim Open Studios (CAOS) is a network of artists and makers who welcome visitors to their studios. Its members not only like to show people their work but they also like to talk about and illustrate some of the skills and techniques involved in their creative process.
Their inaugural exhibition celebrates the first year of County Antrim Open Studios and showcases the work of a wonderfully diverse group of artists and makers including ceramicists, textile artists, a bookbinder, jewellers, a sculptor and a woodcarver. As part of the exhibition, CAOS will also be holding 20 Meet the Maker events. It includes exhibits that have been created using traditional skills as well as those using contemporary and innovative techniques.
CAOS provides the local community, and visitors to the area, opportunities to engage with, and learn about, local artists and craftspeople, and for local County Antrim artists and makers to meet and learn about each other.

Big Bauble Showcase
2023-11-02 10:00 - 2023-12-31 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
The Big Bauble Showcase is a yearly staple at Craft NI Gallery, featuring a wide range of unique handmade baubles, in limited ranges or one-offs. The event is a highlight for visitors who come back each year to add to their collection.
Stop by to admire and pick up a meaningful gift – these unique designs in porcelain, felt, enamel, textiles or hand blown glass are sure to impress!

Christmas exhibition and Big Bauble Showcase grand opening!
2023-11-02 18:00 - 21:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI Gallery are delighted to invite you to a very special night to of new seasonal work by NI designer-makers!
Come along Thursday, November 2, 6 – 9pm (Late Night Art) at Craft NI Gallery for the opening night of not one, but two of our most special events: the Christmas exhibition, ‘Ag925 – Au750 / Journeys in Silver and Gold’ and the Big Bauble Showcase! These special events mark the beginning of the festive season at Craft NI Gallery and the team would like to extend a warm invitation to a first preview.
Come along and immerse yourself in the makers’ creative journeys in silver and gold; or enjoy this year’s clever bauble designs and bring the delights of the handmade into your celebrations.
This special evening will be accompanied by the soft tunes of concert harpist Aisleagh, mulled wine and mince pies.

'Ag925 - Au750 / Journeys in Silver and Gold'
2023-11-02 18:00 - 2023-12-31 18:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI Gallery are delighted to invite you to their Christmas exhibition, Ag925 /Au750 / Journeys in Silver and Gold. This will show new work from NI makers and a few special guests – the audience will enjoy seeing how they’ve responded to the theme with a play upon the silver and gold hallmarks!
Conveying the idea of precious metals but also hinting at creative journeys and innovative ways to incorporate these metals and/or colours in new work, and sometimes unexpected materials, this unique selling exhibition will bring a glow to the shortest days of the year.
Exhibiting makers: Abbie Dixon, Aisling Higgins, Alison Lowry, Andrea Hayes, Anna Donovan, Anne Earls Boylan, Ariel Lavian, Caitlin Murphy, Cara Murphy, Celine Traynor, Claire Mooney, David Cousley, Fiona Kerr, Gail Kelly, Irene McBride, Jackie McMaster, Joel Smyth, Kathleen Walsh, Maggie Napier, Patricia Kelly, Ruth Osborne, Sarah Cathers, Shannon McShane
Guest makers: Peter Meanley, Clodagh Molloy, Julie Usel, Cameron & Breen
