Featuring work by Emma Bourke, Roisin de Buitlear, Conor Kelly (SNUG), Chaim Factor, Joe Hogan, Bernadette Madden, Jane Murtagh, Liz Nilsson, Kate O’Kelly, One Strong Arm, Hanna Van Aeist and Sasha Sykes.

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, supported by Creative Ireland Programme, is delighted to present Taking Time: An Appreciation of Irish Craft, an exhibition of Irish craft in collaboration with the Men’s Shed Network and curator Orlaith Ross.

Featuring work from twelve Irish established and emerging craftspeople, Taking Time: An Appreciation of Irish Craft, illustrates the innate value of craft and celebrates the makers who imbue a sense of contemplation within their work. The exhibition marks the culmination of over six months of work by a group of Men’s Shed members in collaboration with curator Orlaith Ross.  The group took part in a range of workshops and demonstrations, which informed the curatorial process and galvanised the men to select three themes which became the foundations of the exhibition, time and skill; the beauty of poetry; and nature.

In selecting the craftworks the men looked to Ireland’s craft heritage which has inspired new inventive making, illustrated in the skilled work of basketmaker Joe Hogan, ceramicist Kate O’Kelly and glass artist Roisin de Buitlear.  The bespoke work of Chaïm Factor, furniture maker Conor Kelly (SNUG), and textile artists Liz Nilsson and Bernadette Madden, was selected for their contemplative nature which invite viewers to pause and reflect.  The celebration of traditional methods of making as seen in the work of letterpress printer Dave Darcy was also an important element in the selection process.  Finally, the capturing of nature is explored in various ways and different materials by metalwork artist Jane Murtagh, sculptor Sasha Sykes, basket weaver Hanna Van Aelst and glass artist Emma Bourke illustrating the beauty and subtlety of the natural world whilst adding a further dimension to the exhibition.  The range of selected works in the exhibition resonate and provide a timely reminder of the innate value of craft in the contemporary world.

The accompanying Learning Programme co-ordinated by Bairbre-Ann Harkin and Tunde Toth includes talks, workshops, demonstrations and tours with exhibiting artists. Liz Nilsson and Chaim Factor and Dave Darcy, One Strong Arm.  Conor Kelly (SNUG) furniture designer and Irish Times journalist Sylvia Thompson will be in conversation at a Meet the Maker Talk: Defying Fast Furniture Culture on Thursday 23 May 6.30pm-7.30pm in the Gallery at dlr Lexicon.

With thanks to the Men’s Shed Network and the Creative Ireland Programme.