What was seen, what was found there
2023-10-07 09:30 - 2023-10-28 16:30 (Europe/London) | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
Stuart Cairns’ solo exhibition ‘What was seen, what was found there’ takes place at Island Arts Centre, October 7 – October 28.
Stuart graduated with a Bachelors degree In Silversmithing & Jewellery from Ulster University in 2000, returning to complete a Masters degree in 2006. He is also a member of the British Designer Silversmiths and a part-time lecturer at Ulster University.
Describing his work, Stuart says: “My studio practice is not just about the landscape, but the experience of being within it, of being part of it. The walking, the collecting and even the swimming is about immersion, of feeling fully connected as part of the ecosystem relating to the tides, the seasons and the swoop of seagull equally. This is what I explore through the richness of materiality planted within the forms of domestic objects of silversmithing to reference the daily experience of being human”.
About the exhibition:
Things speak, through form, through raw materiality. A language that tells you, you know this, you’ve seen this before – in wanderings, in dreams, in all those other places sitting at the fringes of memories you’ve almost forgotten.
This is a collection of objects, the made and the found, alongside images, drawn and recorded, exploring the landscape as an imagined space. Objects and paintings set out showing you what you might have seen or what might be waiting out there, ready to be remembered.

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.

Bauble making workshop
2023-10-14 10:30 - 13:30, 2023-10-14 14:30 - 17:30 | Helen Hancock Glass Studio, Derry
This workshop will be a fun introduction to glassblowing! Join tutor Helen Hancock and learn how to make your own glass bauble or bespoke glass art. Under her supervision, you will be working with specialist equipment and tools and with a furnace running at 1150 degrees.
Protective eyewear and long sleeves are essential. Strictly over 16 years old.

Drawing with Found Objects
2023-10-14 10:30 - 13:30 | Island Arts Centre, The Island, Lisburn, BT27 4RL, United Kingdom
This workshop will be an interactive exploration of drawing and making marks in response to and alongside found objects. Stuart Cairns, who is exhibiting at Island Arts Centre, will share his influences and inspiration behind his work while encouraging participants to explore scale and try different mediums and techniques for their own mark making.

There will be a small selection of materials available, participants are invited to bring along found objects/materials of interest, perhaps gathered from walks. Paper and basic paints will be provided, please bring along your own sketchbooks and painting/drawing materials of choice. At the end of the workshop participants will have a dictionary of marks and techniques to take away and apply to their own art practice.

Decorative Pumpkin Workshop
2023-10-17 19:00 - 2023-10-24 21:00 | FE McWilliam Gallery, 200 Newry Road, Banbridge, BT32 3NB
This Autumn join Ellen for another exciting autumnal workshop! During this 2 week workshop you will create 3 of your own decorative pumpkins with Ellen Woods, a local ceramicist, you will be guided through each stage of the making process. The first week you will make 3 cute little decorative pumpkins and the second week you will get to chose from a selection of glazes to finish your pumpkins. They will be taken away, fired and 24ct gold added to complete the trio of pumpkins.
The workshops will run over 2 weeks from 7-9pm on both evenings, light refreshments provided.
All materials will be provided.

Needle felted pumpkin and toadstool workshop
2023-10-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, BT49 0FJ, United Kingdom
Time to add a little felted woolly fun to your Halloween décor! Patricipants will make at least one pumpkin and one toadstool during this 3-hour needle felting workshop.
Once complete the creations can be added to wreaths, centrepieces or just adorn the mantelpiece over a roaring fire. Suitable for all abilities and children 12+ years with accompanying adult.

Design & Make a Spook-tacular Halloween Skull
2023-10-23 14:00 - 16:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Natasha Duddy will teach glass fusing techniques to help participants design and create their Day of the Dead-themed skull decoration. Learning glass cutting and grinding skills, they can hang or frame their spooktacular masterpiece to decorate the home for Halloween. No previous experience required.
Closed toe footwear must be worn.

Irish Linen – A Heritage Fabric with a Future
2023-10-24 19:00 - 21:00 | 23 High Street, Killyleagh, BT30 9QF, 23 High Street, Killyleagh, BT30 9QF, United Kingdom
Join textile and linen expert Fiona McKelvie at the Sir Hans Sloane Centre for Irish Linen – A Hertiage Fabric with a Future.
Fiona will discuss linen’s heritage in Northern Ireland, its recent renaissance and will look at the future possibilities of the fabric and how linen been reassessed more recently, and valued for its sustainability, durability and beauty.
Find out more and book your tickets today by following the link.

Halloween Dress Up and Mug Decorating
2023-10-27 19:30 - 22:30 | The Wild Hare, 93 Central Promenade, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Join The Clay Project for a spooky and creative evening at The Wild Hare, Newcastle: participants will explore surface pattern, colour and mark making on ceramics all whilst sipping on a delicious cocktail/mocktail.
The tutors will take participants through the process of designing and decorating their own scary stoneware mug using a variety of painting techniques. They have collaborated with a local potter to create their stoneware mugs, a wonderful canvas for decoration.
The mugs will be fired in the kiln and ready to collect in two weeks.
After the workshop is done everyone is free to stay for a fun Spooky Halloween Evening!

Time, Traces and Threads: Slow Stitch
2023-10-28 10:00 - 13:00 | FE McWilliam Gallery, 200 Newry Road, Banbridge, BT32 3NB
This workshop, facilitated by local artist Millie Moore, will take a calmer, more measured approach to the creative process in discovering the simple pleasure of making, and will suit even the novice sewer. During the workshop participants will be working on linen using a simple running hand stitch using a variety of threads, many of which have been slow dyed using local leaves and plants.
By the end of the workshop you will take away either a selection of samples or a textile artwork to complete at home.
All other materials will be provided.
Max No: 8 | Suitable for 16+ | Tutor: Millie Moore

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.

5-Week Hand-Building Course for Beginners & Improvers (Series 2)
2023-11-01 10:30 - 2023-11-29 12:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
In this five-week course Fiona Shannon will teach participants the basics of hand-building including slab building, coiling, pinch pots and using press moulds to create a variety of different pots such as vases and bowls. In the last session, they will add colour to your pots using a variety of slips.
Should participants have any previous experience, Fiona will be able to assist them in developing their skills and improving their techniques. Items that will be fired and glazed in a clear glaze by the tutor to be collected at a later date.
Please bring apron and wear clothes that you won’t mind getting a little messy. It is advisable to cut your nails short for this class.

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!

5-Week Throwing Course for Beginners & Improvers
2023-11-02 14:30 - 2023-11-30 16:30 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Learn the basics of throwing on the pottery wheel to create a variety of different pots, mugs and bowls. You’ll also learn turning techniques and how to add handles and feet. In the last week you will add colour to your pots using a variety of slips. Should you have previous experience, Fiona Shannon will assist you to develop your skills and improve your techniques. Participants will use stoneware clay to make items to be fired and glazed by the tutor and collected at a later date.
Please bring apron and wear clothes that you won’t mind getting a little messy. It is advisable to cut your nails short for this class.

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

'Curious Carnival'
2023-11-03 10:00 - 2023-11-28 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
Ceramics artist Anna Donovan uses clay to tell stories through figurative sculptures.
This curious exhibition will feature ceramic and mixed media sculptures playing with imagery inspired by a variety of mythological creatures combined with familiar carnival and circus tropes. Characters will have evolved from clowns, mermen, acrobats, strong men, and bearded ladies, to create a side show of curiosities!
‘Curious Carnival’ is the result of Donovan’s imagination, playing with, and nourished by childhood memories of funfairs, fairy tales, and legends.

Ceramic Gingerbread House Workshop
2023-11-04 10:00 - 14:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
Ceramic Artist Fiona Shannon will guide you through designing and making your Christmas gingerbread house which you can use for your festive table. Designed for beginners, this class will be a fun creative environment to get crafty using a range of clay techniques. Your gingerbread house will be fired to be collected at a later date.
Please bring apron and wear clothes that you won’t mind getting a little messy. It is advisable to cut your nails short for this class. 18 yrs +

Contemporary Weaving Workshop
2023-11-04 10:00 - 16:00 | The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, 9 Market Street, Armagh, BT61 7BW
Contemporary designer and weaver Karolina Lisek from Little Tangle hosts a one-day tapestry weaving workshop exploring the art of hand weaving in a modern context. Karolina will teach the foundation skills of tapestry weaving with participants using her new larger sized frame looms. Participants will create an abstract wall hanging using a range of techniques such as plain weave, rya knotting and sumak. As well as covering the basic techniques, the workshop will encourage individual expression and experimentation through the use of texture, colour and composition. All materials will be provided.

Max No: 12 | Tutor: Karolina Lisek [Little Tangle]

Helen's Bay Golf Club Craft Fair
2023-11-06 19:00 - 21:30 | Helen’s Bay Golf Club, Golf Road, Helen's Bay, Bangor, BT19 1TL, United Kingdom
Stop by for a lovely evening and an opportunity to browse for crafts, art and other seasonal gifts handmade by local artisans. Admission is £5 and all proceeds go in the aid of Air Ambulance N.I.

Christmas Craft Market
2023-11-11 10:00 - 2023-12-21 16:00 | Flowerfield Arts Centre, 185 Coleraine Road, Portstewart, BT55 7HU, United Kingdom
One of the most popular festive markets on the North Coast returns! The Christmas Craft Market opens on Saturday 11 November from 10am-4pm and continues until Thursday 21 December.
In the Christmas Craft Market visitors will find unique, handmade presents – from pottery and fashion accessories to jewellery and glass homeware, beautiful artwork, artisan food and much more – all made with love by makers and visual artists based in Northern Ireland with most hailing from the Causeway Coast and Glens area – so by buying a one off handmade gift for a loved one, you’re also supporting a local small business.
The market runs weekly from 11 November to 21 December on Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm with additional opening hours on Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm.

Kids Christmas Decorations
2023-11-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Join in for a festive workshop making multiple Christmas decorations. Each participant will be given a sheet of porcelain to make beautiful fine porcelain decorations impressed with lace or textured rollers and personalised with letter stamps to make each one individual!

Each child that attends this class needs to be accompanied by a parent for this workshop. This class is suitable for kids age 7+

Pierce-Sawn Brass Ornaments
2023-11-11 11:00 - 13:00 | The Workshop, 4a Church Street, Ballynahinch, BT24 8AF, United Kingdom
Participants will use a jeweller’s pierce saw to create a beautiful brass ornament, and choose from a selection of designs that are beginner-friendly. If time allows, they’ll also be able to add additional texture and personalised stamping to their ornament and their choice of eco-friendly ribbons to finish it all off.
This is a small class with a maximum of 6 attendees so participants will get as much personal instruction and guidance as they need.
If there is interest to join Dee in the future for jewellery-making classes, this is a great place to start learning to pierce saw and work with basic jewellery tools.
Tea, coffee and treats included.

Slip Casting Christmas Baubles Workshop
2023-11-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Join local ceramicists Rebecca Killen and Laureanne Kootstra (The Clay Project) for a Christmas workshop exploring the creative process of slip casting to make a pair of Christmas baubles. During this workshop you will have the opportunity to work with porcelain casting slip, a selection of plaster moulds and coloured porcelain. You will also learn about refining your cast pieces and how to apply surface decoration.
This Christmas evening will be fuelled with festive treats. Your bauble will be fired in our kiln and returned to Millennium Court 4 weeks.
This class is suitable for age 16+

Tales of Glass
2023-11-14 06:30 - 20:30 | Bullitt Hotel, 40a Church Lane, Belfast, 40a Church Lane, Belfast, United Kingdom
Join us at Tetto at The Bullitt Hotel, Belfast for Tales of Glass celebrating the “tales of folks” and the folktales surrounding glassmaking in Tyrone.
Hear from Gary and Ciara Currie – the founders of Tyrone Crafted Glass – who’ll share the history of Tyrone Crystal, their story of setting up a new glass design venture as well as tales of myth and legend from the factory floor.
Tales of Glass celebrates the “tales of folks” and the folktales surrounding glassmaking in Tyrone. Hear from Gary and Ciara Currie – the founders of Tyrone Crafted Glass – who will share the history of Tyrone Crystal, their story of setting up a new glass design venture along with tales of myth and legend from the factory floor.
Discover the products and tours that master craftsmen are developing today and the creation of modern glass suites. Dive behind-the-scenes of the process of making Ireland’s largest crystal chandelier for The Merchant Hotel – designed by Marcus Notley and made in collaboration with Tyrone Crystal. It is currently on display in The Great Room in The Merchant Hotel, Belfast.

The Tyrone Glass Experience: Open Studio
2023-11-17 11:00 - 15:00 | Unit 45, 2 Coalisland Road, Dungannon, Tyrone Crafted Glass, Unit 45, 2 Coalisland Road, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, United Kingdom
Come along to the Tyrone Glass Experience Open Studio, for a guided glass tour and workshop at their new studio space in Dungannon.
This experience gives you the opportunity to get to know glass-making up close – from the stories behind glass objects – including their treasured glass sword – to the origins of glassmaking in Tyrone and its impact on the surrounding area.
You’ll be able to get “hands on” and be guided through the process of cutting your own glass with one of their expert master craftsmen.
This event is part of Irish Design Week 2023 and kindly supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Intro to Papermaking
2023-11-17 18:30 - 20:30 | The Workshop, 4a Church Street, Ballynahinch, BT24 8AF, United Kingdom
Ever wanted to turn your junk mail and scrap paper into something beautiful and handmade?
This 2-hour workshop will go through the basics of paper making using a mould and deckle and participants will get to try their hand at the craft with plenty of hints and tips from Dee to assist. No experience needed. The best part is that there is no pressure – don’t like a page? Just plop the pulp back into the water and try again!
Participants will take home all the pages that they wish to keep.
Tea, coffee, and treats are included to help fuel the creativity, of course. Aprons will be provided, but be warned you can get a little wet with this activity.

Gel Plate Printing and Collage
2023-11-18 10:30 - 15:30 | Millenium Court, 2 William Street, Portadown, Co Armagh, BT62 3NX, United Kingdom
Gel plate printing is a unique, fun and creative way to create artworks. During the course of this workshop, participants will explore a variety of ways to use the Gel plate to create their own designs.
Using inks and paint along with a range of Italian printing papers, fabrics [including Irish linen], found objects and foliage, they will create a series of hand-printed decorative designs that explore texture, colour and shape.
These papers will then be used to create unique collage artworks. A frame will be supplied so that they can take home their own collage artwork to hang at home.
This class is suitable for age 16+
