Craft showcase set to attract 50,000 to shops, studios and galleries

An estimated 50,000 people are expected to visit studios, craft shops and galleries across Cork city and county in a planned showcase month for the crafts industry.

Some 150 potters, textile workers, wood-turners, glass artists, jewellers, furniture-makers and other crafts-people are to take part in the Cork Craft Month, now in its sixth year.

It will be launched in Kinsale tomorrow week, August 4, and will run until early September, offering exhibitions, gallery events, workshops, demos and pop-up shops. Â

Visitors will also have the opportunity to get an exclusive look inside craft-makers’ studios at open events, or browse a vibrant craft and design scene on a ‘Made in Cork Trail’ throughout the city and county.

“This is a hugely successful annual event,” says Siubhán MacCarthy, coordinator of Cork Craft and Design.

It is organising the event which will run in the city and cross a string of towns from Skibbereen, Clonakilty, Kinsale and Glengarriff to Midleton and Shanagarry in east Cork and other areas such as Crosshaven and Waterfall.

“Irish people are very connected to their heritage and craft is part of that.

“As a society we’re aware of the importance of shopping locally — there’s strong public support for crafts-people.

“There’s always a real, local story behind every piece,” said Ms MacCarthy.

The Craft Month is being launched at the TIME Exhibition in Kinsale.

TIME is is a highlight of the creative calendar, promoting both established and emerging crafts makers. It takes place in the James O’Neill Building in Kinsale, from August 5-14.

Tony Farrell, chairman of Cork Craft and Design said: “More than 50,000 visitors will come to Cork over the month, and this flagship event series significantly boosts sales for local producers.”

Some of the other highlights of Cork Craft Month include:

• The Home Event in Kinsale from August 19 to September 5, involving handmade goods for the home.
• ADORN: An exhibition of jewellery, millinery, scarfs, bags and belts in The Courtyard Gallery, Main St Midleton, Co Cork.
• Cork Craft and Design shop and exhibition space in Douglas Village Shopping Centre.
• The Open Studio 2015 Trail of artists’ studios
• For a full schedule, see www.corkcraftanddesign.com

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