An exhibition of work by the Connacht Textile Crafters at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life showcasing the range of textile crafts being undertaken in the West of Ireland today
Domestic Crafts, Traditional and Modern showcases the wide range of domestic crafts, methods and materials used in the West today. Many traditional crafts, such as spinning, weaving and embroidery, have developed creatively to incorporate modern tools, materials and techniques. The exhibition reflects this increasing diversity through a range of pieces, including garments, quilts, felted toys, and sculptural pieces. There is also a wide selection of embroidery from traditional samplers to embroidered books and more...
The Connacht Textile Crafters are a group of professional and non-professional craft-workers and artists from all over Connacht. The group, started in 2003, was initially called the Connacht Spinners and Weavers, reflecting the crafting interests of the founding members.
With an expanding membership bringing a greater diversity of skills and interests, the group renamed itself the Connacht Textile Crafters in 2008. The group have been holding regular meetings in the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life since February 2005 and have provided numerous public workshops and demonstrations for the Museum.
The craftspeople involved are:
Nicola Allen, Co. Sligo
Ingrid & Susan Basler, Co. Sligo
Bettina Foertig, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo
Annie Henrick, Newport, Co. Mayo
Christine Hlubek, Straide, Co. Mayo
Wendy Kelly, Achill Island, Co. Mayo
Mary Lavelle, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Carol McDermott, Co. Leitrim
Ann Mulchrone, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Anne Mullan, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
Sheilah Peel, Westport, Co. Mayo
Suzie Sullivan, Westport, Co. Mayo
Lesley Thomas, Co. Sligo
Workshops
The Connaught Textile Crafters will hold a number of workshops in the Museum to coincide with the exhibition. These are drop-in activities which are suitable for adults and children 7yrs+. No booking required.
• Saturday 6th October 11am-4pm: Connacht Textile Crafters
Join Susie Sullivan and Sheilah Peel for felting demonstrations.
• Saturday 13th October 11am-4pm: Connacht Textile Crafters
Join Nicola Allen for spinning demonstrations.
Saturday 17th November 10.30am-3.30pm: Connacht Textile Crafters
Join Carol McDermott for a hands on demonstration of creative free-style embroidered landscapes on painted fabric.
The exhibition will run until 24th November 2012.