Monday, December 13, 2010

Launch of new Craft Fair at Galway City Museum


On Saturday 11th December, Groundworks Studios' 1st birthday coincided with the launch of the new Craft Fair at the Galway City Museum. James Harrold, who officially launched Groundworks Studios one year ago, was present at the Museum to celebrate this new collaboration with Martin Crosbie. A crowd gathered for mulled wine, coffee, mince-pies and some Christmas gift shopping.
Below are some of the photographs taken by Mairead Cunningham at the launch event.



Monday, December 6, 2010

Launch of new craft space at Galway City Museum, showcasing the work of members of Groundworks Studios





























Groundworks Studios will celbrate their 1st birthday with the launch of a new craft space at the Galway City Museum, selling a selection of beautiful products designed and created in Mervue.

Martin Crosbie had been looking around the country for work to sell in the museum and was delighted when introduced to Groundworks Studios, not having realised that such talent existed on his doorstep. Martin now looks forward to collaborating with Groundworks Studios to continue to provide the museum with quality craft and design products.

Come and meet the makers at the Galway City Museum on Saturday 11th December from 3 until 6pm and help to celebrate the first birthday of Groundworks Studios with the official opening of this craft space by Galway City Arts Officer, James Harold.

The first year has brought many successes for the group.
 Following an exciting launch exhibition at Groundworks Studios in December 2010, the group quickly transformed the space to accommodate 15 full time studio members.
 Further fund-raising secured shared equipment such as a kiln, textile-printing equipment, studio furniture, etc.
 “Random Shuffle”, an exhibition of textile, ceramic and mixed media artwork took place in an unoccupied retail space in Abbeygate Street in July.
 Participation in Heritage Week with “Open Week’ at the Studios.
 A series of workshops in ceramics, textiles and creativity was launched in September, which brought members of the public into Groundworks Studios to learn new skills. For further information on ongoing workshops contact Emer on 087 4172029.
 Participation in Galway Culture Night in collaboration with other artists at Niland House Gallery, Merchants Road.
 In October, Groundworks Studios participated in the SCCUL Enterprise Awards at the Ballybane Enterprise Centre. Here the group’s display of work attracted a lot of admiring attention.
 In November the group launched “Open Studio” every Thursday from 12 until 6pm until December 16th.
 Individuals within the group have also been involved in the Crafts Council of Ireland’s Future Makers and CraftEd Programmes, Showcase Ireland, features in magazines such as House and Home and Galway Now, interviews on Galway Bay FM and involvement in other group exhibitions at home and abroad.

You can follow the group’s activities on Facebook or at www.groundworksstudios.com. If you would like to support the group in its future plans please contact Emer on 087 4172029 to become a 'Friend of Groundworks Studios'

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Crafting your future: Seminar at Limerick School of Art and Design on Friday 3rd December



A one-day seminar, aimed at third level students of Craft and Design, on the subject of mapping career pathways and professional development opportunities with Ireland's Future Makers, takes place at Limerick School of Art and Design on Friday 3rd December, 2010.
Groundworks Studios Chairperson, Emer Hughes is one of the speakers at this event and will give a talk on Groundworks Studios' experience in making it in business.
For more information on the Crafts Council of Ireland's 'Future Makers' programme see http://www.ccoi.ie/.