Craft NI

‘Contemporary Art of Northern Ireland #5’
2024-09-09 09:30 - 2024-10-05 16:30 (Europe/London) | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Gallery 545 and the Island Arts Centre are delighted to present their fifth annual major showcase celebrating contemporary art created in Northern Ireland. The exhibition features over twenty accomplished artists who have achieved significant recognition, and presents a large and diverse art selection. Artworks displayed in two galleries include exquisite glass art and textile gems, vibrant abstracts, works inspired by the beauty of nature, fascinating figures and stunning sculptures.
Viewers are invited to take a visual journey through the galleries to discover artists and art, and appreciate the wealth of talent in the region.
Featuring: Lisa Ballard, Justė Bernotaitė, Ronan Bowes, Majella Clancy, Craig Donald, Ray Duncan, Emma Fitzpatrick, Spencer Glover, Karl Hagan, Elham Hemmat, Eamonn Higgins, Ashely B. Holmes, Janet Keith, Patricia Kelly, Louise Lennon, Judith Logan, Alison Lowry, Sinead McKeever, Sarah McWilliams, Tracey McVerry, Maria Perry, Latisha Reihill and Anushiya Sundaralingam.
This exhibition is curated by Francesca Biondi, Art Director at Gallery 545. It will be accompanied by tours and talks, and details will be published online.
Opening reception – Saturday 7 September 2-4.30pm
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Portadown Bird Park - Kids Paper Craft Workshop
2024-09-14 11:30 - 12:30 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
During this workshop, children will create and colour in their own birds for the opening event for the paper craft exhibition on Saturday 14th September.
Participants will create a park with birds paying homage to Portadowns natural local ecology. The birds will be constructed out of paper using a template that will be customised and coloured by the participant and then create trees for them to perch in. The work can be added to the exhibition or taken home.
This workshop will be facilitated by tutors Adele Pound and Sue Cathcart.
This class is suitable for kids age 6+
Children must be accompanied by an adult

Textile Art Workshop with Anushiya Sundaralingam
2024-09-14 14:00 - 16:00 | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
Create textile art inspired by your journeys with artist Anushiya Sundaralingam. Bring photos of your favourite places, and use your creativity and felt fabrics to transform your memories into a colourful textile picture you can take home. Materials will be supplied.

Suitable for adults of all abilities.

Hand Stitched Wall Hanging
2024-09-14 14:00 - 16:30
Join Heather from Bluebell Stitches in one of her fun-filled creative classes: you will spend the afternoon making a beautiful textile hand-stitched ‘Home’ Wall Hanging using hand-quilting running, blanket and back stitches where Heather will guide you through these simple stitching techniques.
Heather’s pieces are inspired by nature and this is illustrated in the fabrics she works with. She always has little added touches in her creations and you can be sure this one is no different. She has a love for natural textiles, lace, ribbons and buttons.
By the end of the class you will have created a wall hanging using beautiful homespun fabrics, crochet lace, a button, ‘Home’ label and hand embroidery stitches and you will be taking away a unique piece of textile artwork with the added detail of a lovely ‘handmade with love’ label.
All materials will be provided. It is suitable for adults of all levels (16+)from the complete beginner to the more accomplished stitcher where everyone is welcome and encouraged to enjoy their creative time, learning and growing together.

'Paper Magic' exhibition
2024-09-14 14:00 - 2024-10-20 17:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
The Belfast Paper Art Society’s exhibition ‘Paper Magic’ opens at Millennium Court on Saturday, September 14th, 2 – 4pm. This exciting event will showcase the vibrant and diverse world of paper art, featuring an array of Papier Mache sculptures, intricate collages, and large-scale mixed media pieces, that are sure to captivate visitors of all ages!
The exhibition celebrates the versatility and creativity of paper as a medium. In a special tribute to Portadown’s own pioneering artist, Ann Acheson, each exhibiting artist has created new pieces inspired by her groundbreaking work. Ann Acheson is renowned for her contribution to medical history during World War I, where she helped develop the Papier Mache ‘Acheson Splint,’ a precursor to the modern plaster cast that improved the healing of broken limbs.
In addition to the main exhibition, Millennium Court is delighted to host a series of kids’ paper craft workshops to celebrate the opening of ‘Paper Magic’.

Craft Corporate Showcase at the Festival of Business
2024-09-18 08:30 - 13:00 | St. George’s Market, 12 - 20 East Bridge Street, Belfast, Antrim, BT1 3NQ
Craft NI are delighted to take part in the upcoming Festival of Business on September 18th, run by the NI Chamber of Commerce & Industry!

Stop by our stand and find out how craft can enhance wellbeing and staff engagement in the workplace! A craft workshop is the perfect team building exercise, helping your staff reconnect in the context of the now so popular hybrid working.

Craft is also a sustainable choice for awards, conference gifts or individual retirement or speakers’ gifts, while giving a proud nod to local talent. The friendly Craft NI team will answer any questions about commissions, craft experiences or sponsorship opportunities – we look forward to meeting you!

Visitors will enjoy a stunning display of artworks suitable for corporate gifting, as well as a pottery demonstration: Josh from Mud Ireland will be throwing at his potters wheel!

Tickets are free but must be booked before September 11th HERE.

Whiterocks wet felting workshop
2024-09-21 10:30 - 13:30 | The Designerie, 88 Main Street, Antrim, Bushmills, BT57 8QD, United Kingdom
Participants will learn the basics of wet felting with merino wool and silk fibres to create a ‘painting with wool’. Tutor Linda Lewis loves to share her enthusiasm for the craft – the inspiration for this popular workshop is ‘Whiterocks Beach’ .
No experience necessary and suitable for all levels of ability.
This workshop will take place in The Designerie’s 1st floor Workshop Studio (please note there is no lift available).

Bookmaking
2024-09-28 11:00 - 14:00 | The Workshop, 4a Church Street, Ballynahinch, BT24 8AF, United Kingdom
Join Anita, the owner of PAPERCROWN NI, for some ‘mindful making’ where she will teach you how to make your very own hardback notebook, covered in stunning bookcloth, complete with a grosgrain ribbon page marker.

Anita will talk you through the entire bookbinding process, from binding your pages using waxed linen thread, attaching the bookcloth to the greyboard and all the necessary steps in between, to produce a beautiful handmade self-care treat or gift. This hands-on workshop is perfect for beginners or for those wishing to refresh their bookbinding skills. It’s also an amazing opportunity to take some time out from our busy lives and engage with others in a relaxing and creative environment.

AGES 15+

Materials, Messages, Meaning #13
2024-09-28 14:00 - 2024-10-25 17:00 | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
The annual group exhibition Materials, Messages, Meaning – MMM#13, now in its 13th year, will open at R-Space Gallery on September 28th and run until October 25th. This year’s exhibition is themed SUSPENSION—an exploration of how artists and makers engage with a diverse range of materials to reflect on the concept of suspension in its many forms.

MMM#13 brings together a diverse range of artists, from emerging to established, working across multiple mediums throughout Northern Ireland. This year’s exhibition will showcase the works of Sandra Kerr, Louise French, Maya Todd, Lisa Johnston, and Lauren Martin.

Join in for the opening event at R-Space Gallery on September 28th, where you’ll have the chance to hear from the artists themselves during the Artist Talks at 2:30 PM. This is an opportunity to not only see the work but also hear about the thought processes, methods, and stories behind each piece.
Refreshments will be provided; free entry, all welcome

Mosaic Making
2024-09-30 13:30 - 2024-11-18 15:30 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
This is an 8 week course. We will work on mosaic mesh, making it easy to make alterations as you learn, before you transfer your finished work onto the backing board provided or directly onto a wall at home.

Geraldine will take you step by step through the process of design, choosing materials, safe cutting techniques and how to place your tesserae for greatest impact. There’s no need for prior mosaic making knowledge or to draw your own design unless you want to. All materials and support will be provided to create your own mosaic masterpiece.

Pate de verre workshop
2024-10-05 10:00 - 16:00 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Join glass artist Alison Lowry for an opportunity to learn about the ancient technique of pâte de verre. This glass-paste casting method allows for the creation of unique sculptural forms.
Over this two days wworkshop you will make a bowl and a flat work. You will learn how to make your own moulds, pack them and then fire them, and in the final session Alison will guide you through the process of divestment and finishing your works.
No experience is necessary and all materials will be provided.
Please note the exact details below:
Dates: Saturday 5 & 12 October
Time: day 1: 10am-4pm; day 2: 10am-12.30pm

Fine and Dandy Market
2024-10-06 12:00 - 16:00 | Elmwood Hall, Elmwood Mews, Belfast, BT9 6BD, United Kingdom
The Fine and Dandy Market is coming back to Elmwood Hall, Belfast – stop by to see the work of local craftsmen alongside other artists and local food producers.Visitors will be able to admire and buy locally handmade jewellery, ceramics, crafts and yarns!

Pottery workshop with Adam Frew
2024-10-11 10:00 - 2024-10-12 16:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
Join Adam Frew for a 2 day workshop in October at his studio in Aghadowey! 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.
Please note, only a few spaces left.
There is the possibility of paying a deposit at this stage, and paying the rest before the class takes place.
A simple lunch of soup and bread will be provided.

Moving Menagerie Kids Paper Craft Workshop
2024-10-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Join tutors Jayne Cherry, Simon Hall and Aimee Magee for this moving menagerie kids paper craft workshop!
Participants will make jointed paper animals which explore how Anne Acheson understood the mechanics of movement to be able to isolate fractures and allow them to heal. This workshop will run in the afternoon and is suitable for kids age 6+
Children will have to be accompanied by an adult.

The 143rd RUA annual exhibition
2024-10-18 10:00 - 2025-01-06 17:00 | Ulster Museum, BT9 5AB, United Kingdom
The Royal Ulster Academy (RUA) unveiled its highly anticipated 143rd Annual Exhibition at the Ulster Museum on October 18, 2024. As Northern Ireland’s premier visual arts event, this year’s exhibition promises to inspire and captivate with over 300 extraordinary works from both emerging talents and renowned artists. With comedian and artist Phill Jupitus as guest adjudicator, the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on the creative talent shaping the arts today.
This year’s exhibition will feature nearly 350 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, audiovisual installations, ceramics, textiles, and more. We are delighted to see craft so well represented by Andrea Spencer, Scott Benefield, Shauna McCann, Sarah Cathers, Stuart Cairns, Cara Murphy, Anna Donovan, Anne Butler, Claire Gibson and Alison Lowry to name but a few!

Slow stitch series | Folk art applique
2024-10-19 10:00 - 13:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
For sewers or complete beginners, this 2 day workshop will provide the opportunity to explore the many different appliqué techniques: hand-tucked, raw-edged, reverse and decoupage style, hand-stitched, machined and fused. With its colourful, stylised motifs of flowers, birds, animals and trees, folk art gives plenty of opportunity to create unique and personal textile collages, that can be hung or made into a bag or cushion.
All materials are provided. Please note, the event will take place on October 19th and November 2nd, 10:30 to 1pm.

Fine and Dandy Market
2024-10-20 12:00 - 16:00 | Titanic Hotel, The Titanic Quarter, 8 Queens Rd, Belfast, BT3 9DT, United Kingdom
The Fine and Dandy Market is coming back to the Titanic Hotel, Belfast – stop by to see the work of local craftsmen alongside other artists and local food producers.Visitors will be able to admire and buy locally handmade jewellery, ceramics (by Rachel Leary, Jakki Trainor, Thomas Powell) crafts and yarns!

Bewitching Bazaar - Halloween Craft Market
2024-10-26 10:00 - 2024-10-27 16:00 | Castle Ward, Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, BT30 7BA
The Bewitching Bazaar Craft Market will take place on beautiful grounds of Castle Ward – set against the atmospheric backdrop of this historic Georgian estate, the market is a great opportunity to browse an enchanting selection of pieces handcrafted by talented local artists. Stop by The Studio to see resident glass artist Ann York Smyth’s selection of spooky seasonal gift ideas, as well as the work of ceramicist Charlene Rooney.
Food will be available to buy throughout the day; families can also embark on the Halloween Trail, packed with surprises, and get hands-on with Halloween crafts. Please note, this event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Halloween Lantern Workshop
2024-10-26 10:30 - 12:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Little Halloween fans will have the opportunity to design and make creepy Halloween clay lanterns using air dry clay which means they can take it home, paint it and let it dry naturally – just in time for spooky celebrations. Tutor: Fiona Shannon.
This workshop is suitable for ages 8 to 12yrs.

Mug decorating workshop
2024-10-26 11:00 - 12:30 | Blackheath Pottery, The Blackheath Pottery 112 Killeague Rd, Blackhill,, Coleraine, BT51 4HH, United Kingdom
Step into the enchanting realm of pottery by personalizing your very own mug in an engaging and cozy class with Babs Balshaw from Blackheath Pottery . Participants will:

Receive a handcrafted porcelain cylinder crafted by Babs to unleash your creativity.
Explore a variety of colored slips for painting, along with paper stencils, stamps, and cutters.
Add a handle or create a unique sculpture inside your mug – the possibilities are endless!
Enjoy a complimentary hot drink from our cafe (dietary requirements can be accommodated).

Once your piece is complete, it will be fired, glazed, and ready for pickup two weeks later. Worldwide shipping is available for an extra fee.

This class is open to all ages. For children under 10, please mention it during checkout for additional clay and a lower table setup if needed. Limited to 10 participants.

Please note upcoming dates:
October 26; November 16 & 23rd; December 7.

Kids Scary Paper Halloween Masks Workshops
2024-10-26 14:00 - 16:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Come along and make a paper collage mask with tutor Susan McKeever – this workshop is suitable for all ages, families, teens, adults. What type of mask will you make – Mummers, Monsters, Witches or Cats?
All materials will be provided
Suitable for age 6+ . Children must be accompanied by an adult who can assist them with using scissors.

Samhain animal spirits mask-making workshop
2024-10-29 13:30 - 15:00 | Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ, United Kingdom
Did you know that the practice of dressing up for Halloween harks back to the ancient Celts? Every Samhain, Celtic Druids would dress in animal skins to confuse and ward off the returning spirits when the veil was thin on Halloween. Join tutor Linda Mulholland for a chance to reignite this ancient tradition by creating your very own animal spirit mask! All materials provided.

Pumpkin Painting and Pizza
2024-10-30 15:30 - 17:30 | Mud Ireland, 72 Main St, Moira, BT67 0LQ, United Kingdom
Join Josh from Mud Ireland for a Pumpkin Painting class followed by a pizza party! This class is perfect for those who want a cute Halloween activity that is perfect for all ages and abilities.
The first 1.5 hours of the class is dedicated to painting a ceramic pumpkin. Participants will receive a quick demonstration at the start of the class with tricks and treats on how best to decorate it. After the painting class, pizzas and a soft drink will be supplied, followed by some time to browse the shop area and pick up a memento of the experience.
The pumpkin will be ready 4 weeks after your class to collect.
As it’s Halloween fancy dress is encouraged! Aprons are available however the paint does wash out if it happens to get on your clothes.

The workshop will run at the following times: 12pm; 3:30pm and 7pm.

Intergenerational Connection
2024-11-01 11:00 - 2024-11-29 17:00 | R-Space Gallery, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn, BT27 4XE, United Kingdom
In this exhibition, scientist and artist Dr Lynne Hocking presents handwoven sculptural objects that give physical form to data and concepts related to genetics and ancestry.
These works were created as part of an innovative project focusing on ancestry research and bringing together art, craft and science. Hocking’s research highlighted that the last seven generations of her family were involved with the weaving trade. Following this discovery, she produced artworks that represent the “weaving women / powerhouses” of her family, working with the same materials: jute and flax/linen, and incorporating data on their shared genetics.
Dr Lynne J Hocking is a scientist-turned-handweaver, who previously worked in the field of human genetics. Her textile practice is research-based and experimental, with a particular interest in genetics/ancestry, social history, bioacoustics and environmental/climate data; and the applications of digital technology to craft practice. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and is held in the permanent collection of Aberdeen Art Gallery, UK. She is based in Scotland.

Events:
Artist Talk – 1 November, at the opening. ‘Presenting Intergenerational Connections’
Artist Talk Online – 13 November, 6pm. ‘Family Ties: unpicking and re-weaving his-/her-stories’
The Gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-5pm

The Knitting & Stitching Show Belfast
2024-11-07 10:00 - 2024-11-10 17:30 | Titanic Exhibition Centre, 17 Queens Road, Belfast, BT3 9DU, United Kingdom
Craft NI are delighted to partner with the Knitting & Stitching Show, one of the leading consumer textiles exhibitions in the UK, who are making their debut Belfast Show at Titanic Exhibition Centre from the 7th-10th November 2024 !

Visitors can expect inspiring textile art galleries, a wide range of enjoyable and practical skills workshops, free talks & demos, interactive features, as well as over 100 of the leading specialist craft suppliers.

Craft NI will have a stand so stop by and say hello – featuring a selection of Northern Irish textile artists and their wonderful work, and of course signposting and answering any questions about Northern Ireland’s vibrant craft sector!

Those interested to attend can book their tickets HERE and avail of the CNI24 discount code for £2 off standard admission tickets (not valid on Two-Day or VIP).

Please note, the show ends at 5pm on Sunday.

Aspire: Ventures in Craft
2024-11-07 10:00 - 2024-11-28 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Stop by the Ards Arts Centre and see a group exhibition by Homo Faber Fellows 2023: Claire Mooney, Jackson Byrne, Richard Butler, and Noel Donnellan; artists who recently completed an internship ran by the Michelangelo Foundation.
This exhibition explores themes of sustainability, links to the land and the transmission of traditional craft skills in the contemporary field.
The Homo Faber Fellowship enabled this group to develop their practice and work alongside master artisans. This show celebrates the learning, development and collaborations which took place throughout this time. From photographs, drawings, and tests to final outcomes, this show is a window on their learning process while showcasing craft to a new audience.

Big Bauble Showcase
2024-11-07 10:00 - 2024-12-30 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!

'Brilliant Generations' Christmas exhibition
2024-11-07 18:00 - 2024-12-31 17:00 | Craft NI Gallery, 115 - 119 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1FF, United Kingdom
Craft NI’s 2024 Christmas selling exhibition ‘Brilliant Generations’ will open November 7, 6 – 9pm at Craft NI Gallery, Belfast, and run until December 31st!
This year’s Christmas exhibition will showcase the impressive creations of our local designer-makers and aim to inspire discerning shoppers with new, exciting work: whether it is jewellery that sparkles, ceramics with an innovative twist, new exciting work in textiles or wood, Craft NI Gallery are looking forward to sharing their newest creative endeavours with you!
‘Brilliant Generations’ will encompass key messages about what Northern Irish craft has to offer, and hint at the emotions associated with finding the perfect festive gift: awe at the skills and creativity of our local makers; the thrill of discovering a unique handcrafted gift; and the wonder of (re)discovering something new and exciting about craft (and craft makers) Northern Ireland.

ASTRL Fibres Making Space: Seasonal Decoration Workshop
2024-11-14 18:30 - 20:30 | ASTRL Fibres Studio, 412 Woodstock Road, Belfast, Antrim, BT6 9DQ, United Kingdom
‘Making Space’ is a series of workshops that will encourage participants to think with their hands, embrace a willingness to play, allow themselves the space to be creative and find connection in the act of making.
During this workshop with Alison of ASTRL Fibres, participants will learn how to handcraft a beautiful pair of seasonal decorations to take home. Over the course of this 2hr session, Alison will guide them through a series of beginners knotting, coiling, stitching and macramé techniques using a variety of natural and recycled textile materials, all over a wee cuppa and some sweet treats.
This workshop is suitable for those looking to try a new handcraft and no previous experience is required. The session will be seated in a relaxed, inclusive and full access setting. This session is open to ages 12+ but children must be accompanied by an adult.
Please note, this workshop will also take place on December 3rd.

Christmas Green Man Workshop
2024-11-23 10:00 - 16:00 | Conway Mill, Top floor Conway Mill, 5-7 Conway St., Belfast, BT13 2DE, United Kingdom
Join Anna Donovan on the top floor of Conway Mill where she has her studio for a day of festive ceramics making. Using stoneware clay create a festive green man pressmoulding, had modelling decorated with slips and underglaze.
Price includes all materials, firings and pieces will be glazed by Anna and ready for pick up before Christmas.
