7 completely free events you should definitely check out during Cork Craft Month
Brought to you by Cork Craft Month.
Cork is home to a thriving community of makers and crafters.
In fact, if you’re on a mission to fill your home with useful and beautiful objects that are homespun and handmade locally, you’re spoilt for choice… provided you know where to look.
Happily, Cork Craft & Design, Ireland’s largest social enterprise for craftspeople and artisans, does the finding for us all, bringing together the most exciting work alongside a thoughtful programme of masterclasses, craft trails, demonstrations, conversations and behind-the-scenes exhibitions every year during Cork Craft Month.
This year’s Cork Craft Month programme runs throughout August with an extra special 31-day programme of virtual free events.
‘Be inspired’
“Every year, Cork Craft Month shines a light on the exceptional craft tradition in Ireland and applauds the amazing work our makers across Cork do,” said Maeve Murphy, Operations Manager of Cork Craft Month.
“We continue to do this in 2020 and have curated a rich and varied programme featuring the makers — from basket makers to ceramists; bookbinders to illustrators — who inspire, engage and excite with their work.
“The core programme will be digital, which can be explored at www.corkcraftanddesign.com. However, there will be a number of physical events that will take place in line with health and safety guidelines. Cork Craft & Design’s shop at 27a St Patrick’s Mills in Douglas will also serve as an exhibition space throughout the festival.”
Here are six fascinating and free events to check out this year:
1. Made in Cork Boy! Outdoor Craft & Food Market
Location: St. Patrick’s Woollen Mills, Douglas
The first Cork Craft Month Food and Craft Market will take place on the last two Sundays in August (23rd and 30th). Head for St Patrick’s Woollen Mills in Douglas for a family-friendly day out and discover over 30 craft and food makers from all over Cork.
This is a free event and limited two-hour free parking will be available on site.
2. Ceramics with Ceramifique
Location: Online via Instagram.
French artist Jean-Philippe Levillain and Irish artist Jennifer Ahern work together to produce beautiful handcrafted ceramic homeware and porcelain jewellery at Over the Line Studios in Ballyvolane. On August 3rd, 2020 at 12pm, the duo, who met while studying at Crawford College of Art and Design, will be presenting a free one-hour demo, showing how their unique piece are created.
3. Cork Craft & Design Showcase Exhibition
Location: Ballydehob
With a new setting in beautiful Ballydehob, this year the Cork Craft and Design exhibition celebrates sustainability and environmentally conscious thinking. Visitors will be invited to explore a visual dialogue between craftsmen, makers and designers, who will describe their approach to one of the biggest questions of our times: How can we sustain ourselves without exploiting the planet?
For more details, visit the Cork Craft Month website here.
4. Meet the Maker
Location: Online
Put the kettle on and find a cosy spot to enjoy the Over the Line Maker Takeover series, which is taking place online. In the first of the series, viewers will be treated to a peek inside Over the Line Studios in Ballyvolane to see what a day in the life of an artist studio is like. Throughout August the artists in Over the Line Studios will be sharing a day in their lives and how they work in the creative hub based in Ballyvolane.
Everything you need to enjoy this one is available here.
5. Upcycling with Black Water Valley Makers
Location: Fermoy
Take a spin to Fermoy on August 15th, 2020 for an afternoon of DIY inspiration. From 2pm to 3pm, Patti O’Leary will demonstrate the different skills and techniques used to upcycle a piece of furniture, turning an old or dated piece into a chic addition to your home for no more than a few Euros.
Sign up for free here or email contact@blackwatervalleymakers.com.
6. The Society of Cork Potters Anniversary Exhibition
Location: Wandesford Quay, Clarke’s Bridge, Cork City
The Society of Cork Potters celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year, and to celebrate, the Lavit Gallery is hosting an exhibition showcasing the variety of work produced by this group. Members of the Society will be presenting their anniversary book, published to mark this momentous occasion.
No booking is required, just pop in between August 7th and September 22nd between 10.30am and 6pm. More details here.
7. Clonakilty Makers Trail
Location: Clonakilty
As part of Cork Craft Month 2020, Green Dot has put together a self-guided walking trail of studios and workshops in the heart of Clonakilty. These range from artists’ studios, chocolate makers, upholsterers, craft studios and many other interesting places and characters in between.
This trail will be a great chance to ‘meet the maker’ right where they feel most comfortable; in their workshop or studio. Visit the website for more details.
