The Glucksman gets crafty | Julie Daunt
The Lewis Glucksman Gallery Craft Week is back again for its fifth consecutive year. From the Friday 9th to Sunday 11th of November the gallery will be packed to the rafters with beautiful Irish crafts, which would make the perfect gift for anyone (Christmas is still two months away, but doesn’t hurt to be prepared!). This year’s craft fair features a bigger and better selection of pieces and crafts than in previous years and is definitely worth popping down to have a nosy around! And even if you’re strapped for cash, it is still the perfect opportunity to see the latest in Irish craft work by leading artists brought together in a beautiful display.
The craft fair is a highlight of the Glucksman’s calendar, and will showcase a wide selection of works in a variety of media such as basketry, textiles, jewellery, soap, ceramics, glass, woodturning and paper crafts. The crafts featured in the fair are aimed for a variety of budgets, so there is something for everybody. The fair is also an opportunity to meet new and upcoming artists, and to find out about their different skills and disciplines. In today’s economic climate, it is a great opportunity to support local artists and their works, as well as Irish craft work in general. The Glucksman Gallery Director Fiona Kearney said “The Glucksman’s Craft Fair showcases the creativity and quality of Irish Craft as well as supporting Irish artists and the local economy. The displays are always beautiful to look at and I’ve got my eye on some special gifts already!”The fair will feature works from 50 participating artists, with their works being showcased on the lower and upper floors of the gallery space. One such artist is Ruzica Ruane and her award winning glass beads. She makes delicate blown glass jewellery with foil enhancements that is colourful, funky and unique. She has learned her techniques from around the world, and this adds an international dimension to her pieces. Her jewellery can be worn for special occasions, but also for everyday wear. Her beads, pendants and necklaces are intricately designed and are extremely eye catching. They are real statement pieces!If you prefer prints, then you should check out the works of Éimear Brennan and Fán Regan. Éimear Brennan’s works consist of pen and ink drawings. She is a Dublin based artist whose works are inspired by mythology, folklore and nature. The Glucksman show will feature a lot of her new prints as well as larger works which will be both framed and unframed. Her prints are colourful and very detailed in their execution, and her style is very unique and quirky. Fán Regan’s prints are original and handmade designs. Her work can be seen weekly up in Dublin’s Templebar, but will appear for the first time at the annual craft fair. Her works are simple, yet striking, with her prints set against a hand moulded white paper background and feature a wide range of designs from birds to fish to abstract patterns.There will also be a selection of Meadows Organic soaps available at the fair, which would make the perfect gift for anyone in need of some pampering! The soaps are completely natural and free from any harsh chemicals and additives. They are available in a wide range of scents and oils, suitable for normal and sensitive skin types and, above all, they are all reasonably priced. Overall, these soaps are natural, kind to your skin, and luxurious. Finally, for all tea lovers out there, there will be a range of Helen Daly teapots on sale in the gallery. Daly also produces jugs, bowl and other pot types. Each pot is handmade and unique, and they are all produced here in Cork, which is said to have inspired her work. They pots are also microwavable and dishwasher safe, so while they are beautiful to look at, they are also safe to use!There is an entrance fee of €5 which supports the Glucksman’s artistic programme of events, educational workshops and activities that run throughout the year. The fair will open on the Friday with a guest speaker at 5pm. For more information regarding the Glucksman and their upcoming events, check out their website www.glucksman.org, like their Facebook page, or follow them on Twitter.