Craft NI

The Anna Cheyne Visual Art Award exhibition
2026-01-12 09:30 - 2026-02-14 22:00 (Europe/London) | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
The Anna Cheyne Visual Art Award acknowledges the outstanding achievements of Lisburn artist Anna Cheyne (1926-2002), and is open to artists working in any medium. This exhibition will feature a selection of the entries received for this year’s competition. The winning artist(s) will be announced at the preview and acquired artwork will become part of the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Art Collection.
Anna Cheyne was a highly respected artist who made her home in Lisburn. She was known for exhibiting widely across Britain and Ireland, consistently appearing in major shows like t-Oireachtas and the Royal Ulster Academy. Her strong dedication to her work was formally recognised in 1994 when she was appointed an Academician of The Royal Ulster Academy.
Please note: open Monday to Friday 9.30am to 10pm and Saturday 9.30am to 5pm; closed on Sundays.

‘Patterning Futures: Dynamic Textiles’
2026-01-17 11:00 - 2026-01-30 16:00 | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
‘Patterning Futures: Dynamic Textiles’ by Jackie Toal is an experimental exploration of Irish textile heritage through immersive technologies and projections. The work engages with Irish motifs, patterns and the Irish linen industry, while foregrounding women’s central role in the linen production.
Silk scarves reimagine motifs from Irish lace and floral patterns, translating historical knowledge into contemporary form. Several scarves are Augmented Reality‑enabled: viewed through AR, they reveal layered narratives and animated patterns. Projection mapping brings dynamic motifs to life on tulle and Irish linen, intersecting physical and digital layers with generative AI and immersive storytelling.
The exhibition asks: How do we translate textile heritage into digital space? What happens when women’s stories, often absent from the archive, are made visible through eXtended Reality technologies, projection, and interaction?
About the artist – Jackie Toal is an educator, creative practitioner, and researcher whose work bridges traditional analogue processes with emerging digital media. She has a deep love for surface pattern, painting, cyanotypes, and mixed‑media experimentation, and is increasingly exploring the possibilities of immersive technologies.

Please note:
Opening – Saturday 17 January, 2-4pm
Artist talk at the opening, 2.30pm
Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm
FREE All Welcome

In The Making
2026-01-20 10:00 - 2026-02-27 17:00 | Oriel Gallery, Clotworthy House,, Antrim Castle Gardens, Antrim, BT41 4LH, United Kingdom
County Antrim Open Studios is excited to announce that their 2nd exhibition, In The Making, will be held in the beautiful Oriel Gallery at Clotworthy House, Antrim Castle Gardens, BT41 4LH.
Running from 20th of January to 27th February 2026, the exhibition will feature works from ten CAOS members: Audrey Kyle Art, Denise McAuley – Moneyvart Ceramics, Heather McFadden – Gobbins Crafts, Jane Lloyd – Textile Arts, Judith Logan – Art, Lorna Shannon – Weaver, Paul Burch – Ceramics & Sculpture, Paul Jordan – Art & Ceramics, Raymond Watson – Multimedia Art, Rosanne Cecil – Willow Leaves Handmade Books.

After-School Throwing for 14-16 yrs
2026-01-28 15:30 - 2026-02-04 17:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Join Fiona Shannon for a short GCSE-level pottery course offering compact throwing sessions for coursework enhancement or fun, hands-on exploration of clay for young artists.
Please note, the workshop takes place on:

Wednesday 28 January, 4, 11 February | 3.45–5.15pm

Family workshop: Make a toy sword
2026-02-01 10:00 - 12:00
Stephen Ryan has 28 years experience in professional woodwork, but his passion for woodcraft started from an early age. This workshop has been born from his childhood memories of making things from wood.
During this 2 hour family workshop you will learn how to use traditional woodworking tools and equipment to make your own toy sword. This workshop is a great introduction to woodwork for adults and children alike. This workshop is best suited to children aged 9 years and over. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is prepared to get stuck in and work along with their child. This workshop is suitable for one or both parents or guardians to attend along with their child/children. Each participant will make their own toy sword. The ticket price is for one participant only. Parents or guardians must be 18 or over.
The new skills learnt during the workshop will empower your child/children and give them confidence, through allowing the opportunity to use woodworking tools to create craft pieces that are often out of their reach. During the day each participant will be using sharp handtools and some of the work can be a bit physical so please make sure each participant is keen for the challenge.
This course is suited to all levels including complete beginners.

MATERIAL ALCHEMY
2026-02-05 10:00 - 2026-05-01 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
MATERIAL ALCHEMY, an exhibition by mixed media artist Sarah Cathers, opens at Craft NI Gallery on February 5th, Late Night Art!

The exhibition celebrates the process of fostering curiosity and indulging in play. Intrigued by the parallels connecting the work of an artist and an alchemist, Sarah explores the art of transformation; documenting the journey of finding a curious object, experimenting with its properties and potential, and working towards a ‘eureka!’ moment.

Alchemy is the process of converting base metals into gold. Similarly, Sarah works with seemingly worthless, discarded materials, altering them to create treasured artefacts.

“A naturally curious collector, I mend and combine matter, assembling small sculptures, juxtaposing the unlikely to create a tangible record of the environment and people. I curate objects of intrigue in ‘families’ based on an instinctive response or relationship between materials. Fascinated by adhesives and their ability to secure and fasten, I focus on the binding capabilities of thread, using fibres to document and repair. I aim to preserve an object’s history, acknowledging the past while recognising new potential. Like an alchemist, I indulge in the process of measuring out and combining different quantities of substances, in the hope of striking gold.”

In this exhibition, Sarah explores a range of responses to found objects, celebrating the instinctive creative process that can (if lucky) yield exciting reactions and unexpected results for the alchemist.

Willow heart workshop
2026-02-07 12:00 - 15:00 | Castle Coole, Enniskillen, BT74 6JY, United Kingdom
Join willow weaver Lucy Ellis and learn the traditional heritage craft of willow weaving in the magnificent surroundings of Castle Coole in a cosy room in The Grand Yard.
In this workshop participants will be making 2 beautiful decorative hearts. They will learn traditional weaves and create 2 different hearts in their choice of design. These can be used to adorn a wall, mantlepiece, table or hang on your door as an alternative to a wreath.

For the love of dog (and other creatures)
2026-02-14 09:30 - 2026-03-28 17:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Eleanor Wheeler’s work explores the deep interconnection between humans, animals, and the natural world, drawing on symbolism, metaphor, and the storytelling traditions of myth and folklore. Animals appear as recurring figures – symbolic, emotive, and often occupying the space between the wild and the domestic. Through dynamic ceramic forms and richly textured surfaces, the artist examines themes of transformation, instinct, and the balance between control and surrender. Elemental forces—wind, weather, movement— are integral to both her subject matter and her process, mirroring the unpredictable nature of working with clay at scale.

Associated Workshop
Animal Tiles for 18+ yrs | Saturday 28 February | 10am-4pm

Pottery wheel workshop 5 - 15 yrs
2026-02-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Strule Arts Centre, Townhall Square, Omagh, BT78 1BL, United Kingdom
During this workshop, children will have a chance to make their own pot on the pottery wheel and create a hand-built clay vase as a special gift. Techniques will be shown on how to build and mark make into the clay.
They will also paint and decorate each item in their own choice of colours. All work will be fired in a kiln and collected two weeks after the workshop. A lovely and useful collection of ceramic work made: a cereal bowl for the creator and a vase to hold flowers for Mother’s Day. A fun imaginative workshop suitable for all ages. Parents are welcome to stay with children in this workshop for optional

Animal tiles workshop with Eleanor Wheeler
2026-02-28 10:00 - 16:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
This workshop is a wonderful opportunity to work with Flowerfield Art Centre’s current exhibiting artist, Eleanor Wheeler: her exhibition, ‘For the love of dog (and other creatures)’ runs at Flowerfield Arts Centre until March 28th.

During this workshop, Eleanor will guide attendees through drawing and print to create their own designs based around animals, birds and natural forms. Participants will then use bas relief and decorative sgrafitto techniques to produce a decorative ceramic tile.

This event is suitable for 18 + yrs.

Glass beadmaking workshop
2026-03-04 10:00 - 2026-05-31 17:00 | Glassistudio, 65 Waringsford Road, Banbridge, BT32 4EN, United Kingdom
Join Maggie Napier in her studio and discover how to make your own unique beads in this accessible, practice based class. There are options for individual workshops or workshops for two.
All materials, tools and hands-on tuition are included; your work will be kiln annealed for durability before being cleaned and posted back to you.

Please note prices start at £75 for half day; time and date to be agreed with organiser.

Stacking rings workshop
2026-03-05 10:30 - 2026-04-30 13:30 | Gobbins Crafts, 184 Gobbins Road, Islandmagee, BT40 3TX, United Kingdom
Participants will join Heather in her studio and make their own set of silver stacking rings. They will be able to decide on their own combination of textures and finishes for the rings, making 3 silver rings to take home.
Workshops can be booked by contacting Heather directly to arrange a reservation.

Gormleys x USWA
2026-03-07 10:00 - 2026-03-21 17:00 | Gormleys Gallery Belfast, 471 Lisburn Rd, Belfast, BT9 7EZ, United Kingdom
This exhibition, organised by Gormleys Gallery in support of the Ulster Society of Women Artists, showcases the work of Jenny Hamilton, Hannah Ferguson, Louise Lennon, and Ruth Edens. Though distinct in medium and approach, each artist shares a deep connection to nature and place.
Those interested in ceramics in particular will enjoy Hannah Ferguson’s terracotta vessels, carved using sgraffito, which draw on her printmaking background and the folk traditions of Northern Irish craft.

BLUNTING
2026-03-12 18:30 - 2026-03-15 17:00 | Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtonards Rd, Belfast, BT4 1HE, United Kingdom
Stephanie Noble and Patrick Colhoun introduce ‘BLUNTING’, a mixed media exhibition exploring the difficulty of existing in the world as it is and some of the various mechanisms we use to cope. Using a combination of painting and contemporary sculpture the artists invite viewers on a journey exploring the changed perceptions of reality that can come with medicating with prescription and non-prescription substances.
The exhibition showcases both collaborative and individual pieces with each of the artists stepping outside their respective comfort zones. This collaboration takes the sublime and calm oasis of Stephanie Noble’s landscapes and the dystopian nightmare of Patrick Colhoun’s ceramic Black Dogs and combines them, subverting the normal rules of what one would expect to see from these artists in their individual practices.

The exhibition opens March 12th at 6:30pm at Block B, Floor 2, Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 1HE
About the artists:
Stephanie Noble: www.stephanienoble.co.uk Stephanie Noble has exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally including Royal Academy Annual Exhibition, Royal Hibernian Academy Annual Exhibition, Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition, Royal Ulster Academy Annual Exhibition and Ballinglen biennial exhibition of art. Her landscapes are held in private collections worldwide.
Patrick Colhoun: www.patrickcolhoun.com Patrick Colhoun uses the term ‘Anti-ceramics’ to best describe his work. A traditional craft but done in a very different way. Colhoun has exhibited internationally and his work is held in numerous collections including the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Private Collection. He is a member of the Royal Society of Sculptors.

Make a window box planter
2026-03-14 10:30 - 12:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
During this workshop, participants will spend a mindful morning with ceramicist Fiona as she teaches simple hand-building techniques and design tips to help them craft their own unique window planter, ready for spring blooms.

Make Your Own Wedding Rings
2026-03-19 10:00 - 2026-06-20 13:30 | NI Silver Studio, Holywood, Co. Down
Join Ruth from NI Silver in her Holywood studio to make a pair of bespoke wedding rings. Ruth will guide participants through the process of piercing, filing, soldering, hammering, cleaning and polishing their rings.
No experience is required for this workshop.
Please note prices start at £250; time and date to be agreed with organiser.

Pole lathe turning
2026-03-22 10:00 - 17:30 | Green Woodwork Ireland Workshop, Minnowburn, Ballynahatty Rd, Belfast, Minnowburn, BT8 8LG
Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland will guide you through all the processes of the ancient craft of traditional pole lathe turning, using a non-electric foot-powered treadle lathe, learning new skills such as cleaving, shaving and turning freshly cut green wood, with the use of the shave horse and pole lathe.
During this one-day workshop, each participant will learn lots of new skills, through the use of the drawknife, roughing gouge, square chisel, spindle gouge and skew chisel to produce items of treen, such as a garden dibber, potato masher, toy sword, rounders bat, rolling pin or woodcarving mallet. All tools and materials are supplied.
This course is suited to all levels including complete beginners (16+). Please keep in mind that some of the workshop tasks can be a bit physical, but help will be on hand if you find any of the tasks challenging.

Spring Cyanotypes Workshop
2026-03-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Join Ruth Osborne for a Cyanotype printmaking workshop inspired by spring; taking inspiration from the spring season, participants will work with a selection of plants and create a series of Spring Cyanotypes on Irish Linen and textured papers that are inspired by the beauty and diversity of the season.

Bangle Workshop
2026-03-28 10:00 - 14:00 | Shannon McShane Studio, Unit B5 Inspire Business Park, 16 Carrowreagh Road, Dundonald, Belfast, +447518944235, BT16 1QT, United Kingdom
Join Shannon McShane in her studio to make a silver bangle.
The workshop will begin with a demonstration of how to make a bangle; from measuring, piercing, filing, shaping your materials to soldering, cleaning and most importantly finishing. After this, participants will make their own bangle in 2.5mm round silver wire.
This workshop is suitable for complete beginners and for those who have some making experience.

Throwing workshop with Adam Frew
2026-04-07 10:00 - 2026-04-10 16:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
Join Adam Frew for a 4 day throwing workshop – classes will be small groups of 4-7 students, suitable for all levels, from beginners to improvers. The emphasis of the class will be on using the potter’s wheel to make a variety of thrown porcelain vessels. Students will be guided through the basics of throwing and also turning (finishing) pots. Adam will demonstrate his various decoration techniques and students will be encouraged to be experimental in their approach. There will be flexibility in the teaching allowing students to request specific demonstrations or help with a particular technique.
Finished pieces will be glaze fired in the gas kiln and ready 3-4 weeks after the course for collection/ shipping can be arranged.
This 4 day course will run from 10am – 4pm. Tea and coffee is provided and a simple lunch of soup and bread .

5 Week Throwing Course for Beginners & Improvers: 18+
2026-04-08 19:00 - 2026-05-06 21:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Learn the fundamentals of pottery throwing, mastering techniques such as centering, opening out, and pulling up to craft a variety of pots, including mugs and bowls. All pieces are professionally fired and glazed, ready for collection at a later date.
Please note: this course takes place on Wednesday evenings over 5 weeks.

Carve a Spatula Workshop
2026-04-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Green Woodwork Ireland Workshop, Minnowburn, Ballynahatty Rd, Belfast, Minnowburn, BT8 8LG
During this workshop, Stephen Ryan from Green Woodwork Ireland will teach participants the skills needed to whittle wood. Each participant will learn axe and knife carving skills to produce their own spatula from locally sourced wood.
This course is suited to all levels including complete beginners.

Macramé: The Art Of Knots - Net Bag Workshop
2026-04-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Join artist and tutor Alison Pascoe of ASTRL Fibres and discover the craft practice of macramé: the art of knots. Over the course of this workshop Alison will guide participants through the basic skills and techniques required to create their own macramé net bag. Participants will learn the braiding and knotting skills required to handcraft a macramé bag with double handles that hangs approx. 60cm long x 30cm wide, in a selection of coloured cord options.

Bespoke Embroidery
2026-04-18 10:00 - 16:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
This workshop is suitable for an embroidery beginner or for someone wanting to refresh skills – participants will create a personalised embroidery hoop stitched with their own words and design. The workshop includes how to prepare fabric in a hoop and start stitching; several core embroidery stitches for outlining and detail; how to transfer text; tips for neat lettering and balanced designs; and finishing techniques for displaying the hoop.

Silver Generations
2026-04-18 10:00 - 2026-05-23 17:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Silver Generations is a special exhibition featuring work from Michael McCrory, Deirdre McCrory, Cara Murphy and Caitlin Murphy.
Three generations of applied artists with over 170 years of combined experience and expertise come together. This exhibition celebrates a unique family immersed in the world of silversmithing and jewellery, showcasing how each generation has forged its own creative path.
The exhibition will be opened by Katherine McDonald, Director of Craft NI.
Join the exhibiting artists for drinks at the exhibition preview on Sat 18 April, 2-4pm.

Willow Flower Workshop
2026-04-25 12:00 - 15:30 | Castle Coole, Enniskillen, BT74 6JY, United Kingdom
In this workshop participants will learn traditional basketry techniques to create their very own beautiful willow flowers – these are a decorative piece that can adorn the inside of homes or outside in the garden.

Fused Glass Puffin Suncatcher (Kids' workshop)
2026-05-02 10:00 - 14:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
Get inspired by the adorable puffins of Puffin Rock as you design and make two colourful fused glass puffin suncatchers to brighten up your room or garden! With guidance from glass artist Natasha Duddy, you’ll learn how to plan your puffin designs, cut glass safely, and combine bright colours to bring your birds to life. The workshop is suitable for 8-12 year olds. Each puffin will be kiln-fired with a metal hook added so you can hang them in your window to catch the sun’s rays. Finished items will be available for collection approximately one week after the workshop.

Silver Jewellery Making: Earring Workshop
2026-05-02 10:00 - 16:00 | Crescent Art Centre, 2-4 University Rd, Belfast, BT7 1NH, United Kingdom
Participants will learn basic metalsmithing techniques and create silver earrings. They will learn how to saw and shape silver, try simple soldering techniques, and receive some tips and tricks on how to finish the piece to a high standard. The workshop is intended for complete beginners, but if you already have experience in jewellery making, you will be able to advance or refresh your skills as well.

A Hand In Nature
2026-05-07 08:00 - 2026-06-26 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI is delighted to announce ‘A Hand In Nature’ will run at Craft NI Gallery May 7 – June 26, 2026.
After a successful exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks in Dublin last year, nine talented silversmiths and jewellers will now share with NI audiences innovative works which highlight the connection between the natural world and the art of making.
The exhibition features new contemporary art metalwork and jewellery that honour the elements and ecosystems that make their existence possible. Silversmith Eva Lynch coined the term Anthropoware to describe objects that are designed to remind us of our inextricable connection to the natural world. Through use of materials, design aesthetic, function or underlying narrative these objects tell a story about the ecological and cultural impact of their development.
Alongside Lynch, eight prominent makers also responded to the theme: NI silversmiths Cara Murphy and Stuart Cairns; Irish artists Eimear Conyard, Clodagh Molloy, Cecilia Moore, Cara Murphy, Cóilín Ó Dubhghaill, Angela O’Kelly, and also welcoming Wales-based Finnish maker Rauni Higson. Their pieces challenge the viewer to think beyond the object and to consider the impact of their material choices.

'Silver Generations' webinar
2026-05-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Online, United Kingdom
Craft NI is delighted to host a special webinar of Silver Generations In Conversation with Kim Mawhinney, Senior Curator of Art at National Museums NI!

Silver Generations is a unique exhibition currently on at the Island Arts Centre, Lisburn. It showcases the work of Michael McCrory, Deirdre McCrory, Cara Murphy and Caitlin Murphy – three generations of applied artists whose combined experience spans over 170 years.

Join us for this insightful webinar between Kim Mawhinney and this unique family of makers. Together, they will discuss how they’re immersed in the world of silversmithing and jewellery and how each generation has forged its own creative path.

Please use the link below to book your tickets:

https://bit.ly/4eBRmEK
