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Dublin exhibition for Clare toy craft makers


TWO Clare craft makers are helping children to explore the world of crafted toys and make their own in an exhibition opening in Dublin.

Kystyna Pomeroy and Jane Murtagh feature in the Crafted Creatures exhibition, which opens at The Ark cultural centre for children in Temple Bar, next week. Children and families are invited to explore the captivating world of crafted soft toys, pets, insects, underwater creatures and mythical beasts in the free exhibition presented by The Ark and the Crafts Council of Ireland.
The specially commissioned exhibition, which opens on February 15, also features weekend and mid-term craft workshops, where children will design and create their very own crafted creature to take home.
Kystyna works in Kilrush and Jane orks in Cratloe Woods. “It’s always the shape of an animal that draws me into making it and I start by drawing repeatedly until the shape is in my mind and hands,” Kystyna explains. “Decisions about construction, surface finish and size begin to emerge as well as what to emphasise or minimise in order to convey my perception of the animal,” she added.
Jane Murtagh creates her pieces in the inspiring surroundings of Cratloe. She worked first worked with silver before turning to bronze work.
Crafted Creatures brings the magic of craft to children and families and the free exhibition is curated by international curator Brian Kennedy. It’s the first major public event to take place as part of Year of Craft 2011 and brings together a diverse collection of work by leading craftspeople, who have taken their inspiration from the animal kingdom.
Spread over a number of floors in The Ark on Dublin’s Eustace Street, the Crafted Creatures exhibition will feature work by Irish-based craftspeople, among these David Best, Brian Buckley, Liadain Butler, Mark Campden, Owen Crawford, Conor Fallon, Claire Finlay, Inga Hamilton, Sharon Hay, Bob Johnston, Orla Kaminska, Anne Kiely, John Kindness, Lynn Kirkham, Frances Lambe, Bernie Leahy, Brid Lyons, Olivia Musgrave, Beth O’Halloran, Mark Oliver, Imelda Rogers, Anthony Scott, Simon Spain, Imogen Stuart, Gwen Wilkinson and David Withers.
Pieces on display will include an intriguing invasion of textile jellyfish and insects made from recycled materials, while farm animals and pets will make themselves at home in The Ark’s theatre space. Insights into the artists’ inspiration and preparatory drawings will also feature in the exhibition.
Children and families will have access to the artists’ activity worksheets to help reveal the secrets used to bring materials such as clay, wool and willow to life as pieces of art.
Children aged two to 12 will also have the opportunity to discover all the fun and creativity of contemporary craft in a unique series of workshops running simultaneous with the exhibition. Starting with a guided tour of the exhibition, children will work with two expert craftspeople to try out many exciting craft techniques. They will have a chance to explore animal themes using materials including clay, wire, fabric, rubber and plastic and all children will leave with their very own creative crafted creature.
Among the many treats in store at Crafted Creatures is the chance to meet and handle some amazing stuffed animals from the Natural History Museum’s collection in an opening weekend special event on February 19, which is hosted by the National Museum of Ireland.
The Crafts Council of Ireland and Craft Northern Ireland have designated 2011 as Year of Craft. It will be celebrated through a diverse range of dynamic events and programmes at home and abroad to showcase the very best of craft made on the island of Ireland.
Full details of the Year of Craft 2011 programme are available at www.craftinireland.com. Crafted Creatures runs until March 27.

 

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