Cork Craft Month, which will officially kick off on Friday, August 2, with the ‘Present Past’ exhibition at the Library in the grand Fota House, never fails to add a splash of colour to summertime in the Rebel County.
Makers and designers from all over the county and beyond come together during this annual four-week event to showcase the stunning works of craft and design that are produced right here in Cork, displaying a wealth of talent and highlighting the ‘shop local’ mantra, as well as the incredible quality of the handmade goods on offer in all corners of the county.
This year marks a particularly special milestone for the individuals involved in bringing Cork Craft Month to life, as they gear up to celebrate their 10-year anniversary. Aside from the headline event, members of the Cork Craft and Design collective will also be placed in the spotlight with an exhibition at Cork City Hall’s Atrium, aptly titled ‘We Are Cork’. This showcase runs from Thursday 8th to Tuesday, August 27 and will present works from artists that have been involved with Cork Craft Month since its inception, as well as recent recruits to the collective and brand-new members. The collective’s future representatives will also be provided with an exciting platform during the month-long event, with the annual EMERGE student exhibition kicking off at The Gallery at No. 46 Grand Parade on Thursday 1st August. This annual entity is a hugely popular part of the Cork Craft Month programme, giving the general public a rare glimpse into the incredible pool of up-and-coming talent that exists on their doorstep.
While the core exhibitions will undoubtedly attract great interest for yet another year, the programme’s other activity, which includes open studios, workshops, craft trails, pop-up markets and more, offers a jam-packed itinerary that’s sure to keep craft lovers on their toes all month long. There will also be weekly events taking place at Cork Craft and Design’s flagship store at St Patrick’s Woollen Mills in Douglas, where stunning pieces created by the collective’s many members are available to browse and purchase.
Whether you’re an appreciator of fine art, a lover of jewellery with a quirky twist, a collector of unique pieces for your home or simply in search of an activity with a difference, make sure Cork Craft Month takes centre stage in your diary this August.
