ROYAL HIBERNIAN ACADEMY (RHA) TO HOST EXHIBITION OF TOP IRISH CRAFTMAKERS
24th November 2011
For the first time, the Crafts Council of Ireland will hold an exhibition at the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) in Dublin.
RHA TO HOST EXHIBITION OF TOP IRISH CRAFTMAKERS.
Opens: 6pm, Thursday 24th November, 2011
Where: RHA Gallery, Ely Place, Dublin 2
Exhibition Runs: 24 – 28 November, 2011
Online:
www.irishcraftportfolio.ie
“In the poetic hands of Joe Hogan, the driftwood collar of a basket sinks as if on the beachy sea-shore into the recess of woven ash...
The sea is in the very glaze of Jack Doherty’s pots…
There is an extraordinary rhythm to the forms of Joseph Walsh’s Enignum chair…”
Professor Simon Olding, Director of the Crafts Study Center, University for the Creative Arts, UK. From Irish Craft Portfolio 2011 Publication.
For the first time, the Crafts Council of Ireland will hold an exhibition at the Royal Hibernian Academy (RHA) in Dublin. A selection of work from Irish Craft Portfolio 2011 will showcase contemporary work by some of Ireland’s most internationally-recognised makers. The exhibition will be officially opened by art critic Gemma Tipton on Thursday 24th November 24 at 6pm.
“Supporting emerging and established craft makers is a key element of our activities, especially during Year of Craft in Ireland,”said Karen Hennessy, Chief Executive of the Crafts Council of Ireland. “This exciting exhibition which showcases the very best of Irish craft on the national and international stage encourages the accessibility of craft to both collectors and consumers.”
“We are delighted to be showing work in this beautiful and prestigious setting,” said Ciara Garvey, Development Manager, Collector & Tourism Programmes at the Crafts Council of Ireland. “For many visitors, it may be their first experience of unique, finely crafted objects. We hope that our presence in the RHA will generate a heightened understanding of the outstanding skill and beauty that contemporary fine craft requires.”
Who is involved?
The makers in this exhibition are a selection from Irish Craft Portfolio 2011. The craftwork featured in this year’s edition was chosen by an international selection panel. All are highly regarded and many are steadily achieving international success.
• John Lee was recently commissioned to design and make the new Presidential Inauguration Chair.
• A piece by Michael McCrory was presented to Queen Elizabeth on her visit to Ireland this year.
• Joseph Walsh was very well received at last year’s Design Miami with his “Enignum Canopy Bed” selling for a record price.
• Many of the exhibitors are in the National Museum of Ireland’s permanent collection thereby sealing their work as both contemporary collectables and future antiques.
Other makers represented in this exhibition include: Denis Brown, Jack Doherty, Dunleavy Bespoke, Peter Fulop, Karl Harron, Catherine Keenan, Frances Lambe, Sabrina Meyns, Mandy Parslow and Inga Reed.
What is Irish Craft Portfolio?
Irish Craft Portfolio was established in 2005 by the Crafts Council of Ireland to promote the work of individuals showing excellence in craftsmanship at an international level.
Irish Craft Portfolio:
• represents contemporary craft created by Irish makers combining the highest quality craftsmanship and design with a consideration of material and technique that sits comfortably on the international stage.
• has been used as a resource for Irish and international curators in accessing the work of Irish makers for exhibition.
• is increasingly used by private and state collectors to guide their collecting of contemporary Irish craft.
• issues a beautiful publication featuring all selected makers.
International Profile for Irish Craft
In the world of fine craft, objects are appreciated, sought after and purchased for major collections worldwide. Experts and collectors attend international fairs and galleries dedicated to showcasing exceptional work. The Crafts Council of Ireland has been engaged in a programme of awareness building and profile-raising regarding contemporary Irish craft for the last number of years. To this end they recently facilitated numerous exhibitions and participated in esteemed international fairs such as SOFA in Chicago and COLLECT in London.
“Irish Craft Portfolio … a kind of national health check for craft.”
– Prof. Simon Olding.
Further Media Information:
Christine Monk | Irish Arts Publicity |087 675 5329 | christinemonk@eircom.net
Further Media Information on Crafts Council of Ireland:
Susan Brindley | Crafts Council of Ireland |056 779 6152 | susan@ccoi.ie | www.ccoi.ie
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
Year of Craft 2011
The Crafts Council of Ireland and Craft Northern Ireland have designated 2011 as Year of Craft. The year marks the 40th anniversary of the Crafts Council of Ireland. Year of Craft 2011 celebrates, through a diverse range of dynamic events and programmes, the very best of craft made on the island of Ireland. www.craftinireland.com
About the Crafts Council of Ireland
The Crafts Council of Ireland (CCoI), which is headquartered in Kilkenny, is the main champion of the craft industry in Ireland, fostering its growth and commercial strength, communicating its unique identity and stimulating quality design, innovation and competitiveness. CCoI's activities are funded by the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation via Enterprise Ireland. CCoI currently has over 70 member organisations and over 2,400 registered clients. For further information, please visit www.ccoi.ie
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