Tag: Art Exhibitions

Open Call: Member Exhibition – Leitrim Design House ArtWall

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Announcement for an exhibition submission for Leitrim Design House Artwall, showcasing the theme 'Essence of Nature', scheduled from 26th August 2026 to 3rd October 2026.
Essence of Nature Open Call – Leitrim Design House Artwoll
An art display featuring works by Karena Ryan, including framed artworks in various styles and colours on a wall, alongside a seating area with a patterned cushion and a decorative felt bowl on a table.
Example of part of the Artwall. Guild member Karena Ryan solos show in Janurary 2026.

We are delighted to invite Feltmakers Ireland members to apply for our second exhibition of 2026 and to submit a piece for theย ArtWallย at Theย Leitrim Design House, in Co Leitrim.

Theme: Essence of Nature

We invite members to create a piece which reflects a unique interpretation of natureโ€™s quiet power, from delicate studies of flora and fauna, to bold, abstract evocations of landscape and light.

Artists are encouraged to present works that reflect their unique perspective on theย Essence of Natureย through visual, conceptual or abstract forms. This open call welcomes all artistic styles and interpretations.

Deadlines:

Application submissions byย Friday, 10th July 2026

Artwork to be received at the drop-off pointย byย Tuesday, 11th August 2026

Important Details:

Our exhibition will be displayed on the ArtWall at the beautiful Leitrim Design House gallery in Carrick-on-Shannon fromย Wednesday, 26th August to Saturday, 3rd October 2026.

**To ensure uniformity on the Artwall, we have pre-purchased specific-sized frames, together with the required D-rings, for your artwork, which are available to purchaseย HERE **

The Artwall can accommodate 45 frames in total. If we have more than 45 entries, we will move to a juried selection process.

All artworkย mustย be for sale.

For more information and to apply, visit this page on the Feltmakers Ireland website – https://feltmakersireland.com/exhibition-application-2026-leitrim-design-house/

Leitrim Design House Instagram – @theleitrimdesignhouse

We have included a photograph from guild member Karena Ryan‘s earlier solo show at the gallery to illustrate the Artwall and its environs.


Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Exhibition: element15 – Threads of Memory – The Heirloom Project – Naas, Co Kildare

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Poster for 'Threads of Memory: The Heirloom Project' exhibition, featuring a decorative spoon and floral background. Includes details about the event, location, opening hours, and guest speaker.

The members of theย element15ย Textile Art Collective and the Board of McAuley Place, Naas, invite all to the opening of the exhibition,ย Threads of Memory – The Heirloom Project.

This community art project explores the idea of heirloom and its varied meanings for each of us.

When: The opening is on Tuesday, the 5th of May, at 7 PM.

The exhibition runs through the 28th of May.

Where: Luisne Centre and Garden, McAuley Place, Sallins Rd, Naas West, Naas, Co. Kildare, W91 D62E

For more information about the project and element15, visit their website – https://element15.ie/threads-of-memory-heirloom-project/

Feltmakers Ireland guild members Elaine Peden and Marie Dunne are part of the collective.

Instagram – @elainepeden @element15textile

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Exhibition: Cork Textiles Network Show in Bishopstown Library – Co Cork

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Promotional poster for the CTN Members show and collaboration project titled 'Aistear'. Features abstract patterns in pink and red, with event details including date from April 2 to 29, 2026, and an opening reception at 3pm on April 2nd, held at Bishopstown Library.


The Cork Textiles Network‘s (CTN) spring exhibition theme is Aistear, the Irish word for a journey of experience. The exhibition includes a wide and varied selection of textile and fabric disciplines from appliquรฉ, felting, weaving, embroidery, batik, and mixed media.

Several of Feltmakers Ireland members belong to the CTN and have artwork in the exhibition, including Maggie McCartney (whose work is on the poster), Cara Shank, Karima Rebecca Powell, and Emily Thompson.

The show also showcases a large collaborative project that CTN members undertook last year: a large wall hanging featuring the work of 36 artists who responded to a specific brief to create a piece of art that resonates with imagination, creativity and skill.

When: The show runs through Tuesday, the 29th of April.

Where: Bishopstown Library, Sarsfield Rd, Wilton, Cork T12 RR84

More information about the organisation can be found on their website – https://corktextilesnetwork.com/

Their Instagram – @corktextiles

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Exhibition: NCAD Gallery includes Weaving with Irish Wool and a Tour on Friday, the 17th

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
A wooden weaving loom with yellow and white yarn draped over it, set against a bright yellow background.
Promotional image for the National College of Art and Design Gallery, featuring two figures in dramatic lighting. The text announces the NCAD Research Exhibition and Programme for 2026, with details about the opening event and participating researchers.

National College of Art and Design’s Staff Research Exhibition, curated by Anne Kelly, includes weaving with naturally dyed Irish wool.

This showcase positions weaving as a form of research through a process-driven, materially led collaboration between weavers, Kathy Mooney, Rachel Tuffy, and รine Byrne. The work approaches weaving as a site for tacit investigation and โ€œthinking through making,โ€ where knowledge emerges through material engagement and the embodied actions of the loom.

Situated within the historic context of the Liberties, an area with a rich legacy of industrial textile production and domestic weaving studios, the action-based weaving process reflects on both the material and cultural histories of weaving practice.

Kathy Mooney has prepared a Galway wool warp, partially naturally dyed using weld foraged in the NCAD field and the local River Dodder. The warp will be tied on and gradually woven throughout the exhibition by รine Byrne and Rachel Tuffy.

Weaving Tour

The completed textile will be unveiled on Friday, the 17 th of April. This event will be accompanied by a โ€œresearch weavingโ€ tour of weaving-related sites on campus and within the Liberties area, concluding with a demonstration of the digital TC2 Loom in the NCAD weaving department.

The show runs from 20 March to 17 April 2026, Mon-Fri, 11 AM-6 PM.

For more information, visit the NCAD gallery’s website – https://www.ncad.ie/gallery-event/view/NCADResearchExhibitionProgramme2026

Instagram link: @ncad_dublin @ainekbyrne @tuffyrachel

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us:ย If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions:ย For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Recap: Opening of ‘Water and Flow’ Exhibition – Phoenix Park Visitor Centre

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland1 Comment
A man with glasses and a mustache presenting at a wooden podium in front of blue artworks on a stone wall.
Conor O’Brien launched our exhibition

Feltmakers Irelandโ€™s ‘Water and Flow’ exhibition was officially launched on Saturday, 4th April at 3 PM in the beautiful gallery of the OPWโ€™s Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. The event was opened by knitwear designer Conor Oโ€™Brien, who shared insights into his creative journey, from studying at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) to discovering Aran knitting through a college assignment, with guidance from his grandmother. He also spoke about his strong support for using Irish-raised wool in his work, highlighting the importance of local materials and heritage in contemporary design. Learn more about Conor from his website- https://conorobrienstudio.com/

The exhibition features 67 striking pieces of felted artwork, showcasing the breadth and creativity of contemporary feltmaking. The opening was very well attended, with approximately 140 people present to celebrate the occasion. Since the launch, several works have been purchased by visitors.

‘Water and Flow‘ will continue to run until Sunday, 26th April, offering further opportunities to experience this vibrant and engaging exhibition.

Some Photos of the Launch

Photos courtesy of Tom Macagno, Loli Cox, and members’ contributions.

A group of ten people posing together in front of artwork in a gallery, with a mix of smiling expressions and vibrant clothing.
Conor O’Brien and some of the committee saying, ‘Wool’
An art gallery setting with two individuals; a woman speaking at a podium with a floral accessory, and a man casually dressed, standing nearby. Various artworks are displayed on the stone walls.
Loli Cox introducing Conor O’Brien
A man and a woman pose together in an art gallery, smiling. The man has short, curly hair and a moustache, wearing a black shirt. The woman has long, brown hair and is dressed in a patterned top featuring blue flowers. The background displays several pieces of art on stone walls.
Conor and Loli Cox
Two women standing in front of framed textile art pieces in a gallery setting. The woman on the left is wearing a knitted shawl and smiling, while the woman on the right is dressed in a coat and hat, with a neutral expression. Various artworks, including a floral piece and a vibrant sunset, are displayed on the wall behind them.
Founder Elizabeth Bonnar and Juliane Gorman
Two women smiling at a table filled with various pastries, biscuits, and cheeses in an art gallery setting, with artworks displayed on the walls.
Siobhรกn Healy Ryan and Elizabeth Redding setting up the refreshments
A man and a woman standing in an art gallery, smiling at the camera. The man wears an orange fleece top and jeans, while the woman has short, grey hair and is dressed in a colourful, felt vest with a decorative bag. Various artworks are displayed on the stone wall behind them.
Claire Merry and her husband Phil
A crowded gallery space filled with people attending an art exhibition. Artwork is displayed on the stone walls, and a table with refreshments is in the foreground.
The gallery was full of visitors
An art exhibition featuring a speaker in front of a gathered audience, with artworks displayed on the stone wall behind.
Conor O’Brien speaking
A crowded art gallery event with attendees socialising and viewing artwork on display. The venue features stone walls and various paintings hanging. Some people are holding drinks and engaged in conversation.
People chatting
A crowd of people viewed an art exhibition, standing in a gallery with stone walls. Various artworks are displayed on the walls and the audience appears engaged.
Visitors listening
A group of visitors exploring an art gallery featuring various artworks on display. The gallery has a stone wall and wooden flooring, with attendees engaged in conversation and admiring the art.
More people at the launch
A group of people chatting at an art exhibition, surrounded by colourful artworks on the walls and in a gallery with stone and brick architecture.
The only photo of Sam Fagan, our Treasurer, wearing her Foxford Blanket Jacket

The Gallery

A collection of various artworks displayed on a stone wall, featuring a sheep portrait, abstract and landscape pieces, and a felt art piece depicting a glass of water with animals, accompanied by information plaques.
A felted sculpture depicting a small house with the word 'Cafรฉ' on it, surrounded by stones. In the foreground, a miniature figure is pulling a yellow inflatable raft with a small dog inside. In the background, there are artworks displayed on stone walls, including a black cat sculpture.
A felted portrait of a woman with long hair, exhibiting expressive features and a contemplative gaze. The artwork is framed and displayed on a brick wall, accompanied by a label detailing the artist.
Art exhibition featuring three framed artworks displayed on a brick wall. The top piece depicts a bird in flight against a cloudy sky, the left artwork features a vibrant landscape with trees, and the right piece presents a textured design with seashells and flowing blue colours. Accompanying labels provide information about the artists.
An art gallery display featuring three framed artworks hanging on a textured stone wall. The left artwork depicts a vibrant landscape with a river, the centre artwork shows a waterfall, and the right piece features abstract stone formations. Accompanied by descriptions on the wall.
An art installation featuring three pieces of felt artwork against a stone wall. The top left piece displays a white water lily on a dark background, the middle piece is a blue abstract design, and the right piece depicts vibrant elephants against a sunset scene. Artist information is displayed below each artwork.
Two decorative table lamps with unique felt shades displayed on a clear surface. The lamp on the left features a white shade with blue wave patterns, while the lamp on the right has a beige shade with blue fish designs.
A textured artwork framed in white, depicting a vertical arrangement of stones and organic shapes, set against a backdrop resembling earthy waves, displayed on a stone wall.
An art display featuring four framed artworks on a stone wall. The pieces include an abstract blue swirl, a stylized portrait with blonde hair, and a vibrant blue piece with black elements, alongside a textured blue fabric artwork. Each artwork has a descriptive plaque beneath it.
A gallery wall featuring various artworks framed and hung against a stone background. The pieces include abstract paintings in shades of blue, a portrait, and a textured textile art piece, each accompanied by informational plaques.
A gallery display featuring three artworks on a stone wall. On the left, a framed blue textile piece with abstract designs. The centre piece depicts a white bird surrounded by colourful foliage. On the right, a vibrant textile artwork showing a boat with characters sailing on a blue sea under a rainbow.
A hand-felted vase in shades of blue and teal on the left, alongside a felted landscape sculpture featuring a waterfall and greenery on the right. Both pieces are displayed in an art gallery setting with stone walls.
A wooden display stand holding a textured blue wool sculpture resembling waves, with a information card beside it.
A felted vest displayed on a mannequin, featuring a wave-inspired design in shades of blue and white, set against a stone wall in an art exhibition.
A gallery wall featuring various artworks, including a vibrant felted creature on the left, a textile piece depicting a surfer on a wave, a hanging fabric artwork with blue motifs, and a framed piece resembling a swirling vortex.
A handmade felt figurine with a serene expression, featuring brightly coloured hair and clothing, adorned with jewellery and holding a feather.
A handcrafted black cat figure made of felt, featuring bright yellow eyes and a pink nose, posed on a wooden base next to two small felt fish.
A gallery wall displaying various pieces of artwork, including felt creations and paintings, accompanied by artist descriptions. The artworks feature diverse themes such as nature, underwater scenes, and abstract designs against a stone wall backdrop.
An art display featuring various framed paintings and textile artworks on a stone wall, showcasing oceanic themes and landscapes.
An art exhibition featuring four framed artworks displayed on a stone wall, with information plaques below each piece.
A collection of four artworks displayed on a stone wall, featuring a felted piece with a swimmer, a textured vertical artwork, a circular stone sculpture, and a framed painting.
Three blue felted vases displayed on a white surface, featuring a whimsical figure dressed in blue sitting atop the largest vase. The background shows an art gallery with artworks on stone walls.
A handcrafted felt mermaid figure sitting on a display, wearing a pink hat with flowers and a textured tail.
A blue artistic shawl displayed on a stand, featuring textured floral designs and fringes, situated in an exhibition space with a stone wall background.
An art display featuring three pieces on a white wall. On the left, a floral textured painting in vibrant colours. In the centre, a blue crafted wall piece with rounded shapes. To the right, a hanging textile artwork depicting flowers and foliage, with a blue fabric flowing downwards.
An art exhibition featuring four textile artworks. On the left, a colourful tapestry of a waterfall and trees; next to it, a felted piece depicting flowing water; above, a textured artwork with leaves; and below, two smaller felted pieces in shades of blue and grey, all displayed on a white wall with accompanying artist information.

Artists with their Artwork

Last year, in the blog post about our ‘Common Threads’ exhibition at the National Design and Craft Gallery in Kilkenny, we included a section featuring members alongside their pieces. As this is an engaging feature, we hope to get a photo of each member in the show.

If we overlooked you at the opening, or you have yet to visit, can you please take a photo of yourself next to your piece and email it to the following address: feltmakerIE@gmail.com

A woman with long blonde hair wearing glasses and a red scarf, standing in front of vivid artwork in an art gallery. The artworks include a framed piece depicting a bird flying in a blue sky and another abstract piece with soft blue and white colours.
Adrienne Dempsey
A smiling woman with long blonde hair stands beside a handcrafted puppet on a table, set against a backdrop of colourful artwork displayed on a stone wall.
Alison Duffy
A woman with grey hair wearing a black top and a green scarf stands next to a framed textile artwork of a figure surrounded by blue and green colours, displayed on a stone wall.
Anne Heavey
A woman with short purple hair stands in front of an abstract blue painting with yellow accents, hanging on a stone wall. She wears a patterned top and a green scarf, and a decorative necklace.
Annika Berglund
A woman in a light pink blazer stands smiling in front of a wall displaying vibrant felt art, including a white lily and a colourful abstract piece.
Audrey Murray
A smiling woman with long brown hair, wearing a blue top and a yellow scarf, stands in front of an artwork display featuring a sculpted face on a blue textile background. The walls are made of stone and there are more artworks visible nearby.
Belinda Reid
A woman with curly hair stands in front of a framed artistic portrait of a woman with blonde hair and red lips, displayed on a stone wall. She is wearing a floral patterned top and an olive green coat.
Caitrรญona Nolan
A person smiling in a blue coat stands next to a framed artwork featuring a serene landscape. The artwork is displayed on a stone wall, with an information plaque beneath it.
Cara Shank
An elderly woman stands smiling beside two vibrant textile artworks depicting a waterfall and nature scenes, in an art gallery setting.
Claire Merry
A woman stands smiling in front of a stone wall, displaying a felt art piece featuring a glass of water, animals, and raindrops, alongside several artworks and descriptions.
Corina Hogan
A woman with shoulder-length hair wearing a teal jacket stands smiling in front of a framed artwork depicting a portrait of a girl with long hair and a pensive expression. The background features exposed brick and a visitor information board.
Deirdre Crofts
A woman smiling and gesturing towards a framed artwork featuring a jellyfish and various sea elements, displayed on a stone wall.
Eglฤ— Silenaite-Enyed
A woman smiling beside a vibrant textile artwork featuring a boat, sun, rainbow, and various playful animals.
Eithne O’Dea
A woman with curly hair smiles while standing next to a colourful abstract artwork in an art gallery, with exposed stone walls in the background.
Elaine Peden
A smiling woman with long hair, wearing a black jacket and a red top, stands in front of art displayed on a stone wall. The artwork includes a colourful textile piece with the word 'PHOENIX' and another depicting a figure fishing by a river.
Elizabeth Redding
A smiling woman wearing a grey beret and round glasses holds a needle-felted black cat sculpture on a wooden base, surrounded by artwork displayed on a stone wall.
Eva Salamon
A smiling woman standing beside a blue felt artwork with circular shapes on display in an art gallery.
Fiona Leech
A woman smiling in front of a framed artwork depicting an underwater scene, surrounded by colourful felted pieces on a stone wall in an exhibition.
Hedi Gotthalmseder
A woman with glasses smiles confidently while standing beside a framed artwork of leaves with water droplets. The background features various textile art pieces.
Hรฉlรจne Dooley
A smiling woman stands beside blue felted art pieces, including bowls and a figurine, in an art exhibition with framed artworks displayed in the background.
Hilary Delaney
A woman smiling in front of a handcrafted textile hanging against a stone wall, featuring blue designs on a white background, showcasing her artwork.
Jacqueline Atkinson
A woman and a young girl, both smiling, pose together in front of framed artworks in a gallery. The woman wears a dark coat and a beige beanie, while the girl is in a patterned coat and a multicoloured hat holding a cup of strawberries.
Joanne Foley
A smiling woman with long hair, wearing a floral dress and a white vest, stands in front of various textile artworks displayed on a stone wall.
Joanne Turner
A woman with grey hair wearing a light blue and black garment stands alongside textile artworks in a gallery. She is smiling and appears to be engaged with the exhibit, which includes felted pieces and a vibrant landscape scene.
Juliane Gorman
A woman wearing a straw hat and a white blazer holds a framed textile artwork featuring a blue circular design with a bridge, trees, and stars, displayed against a stone wall.
Karen McSweeney
A woman stands beside an artistic display in a gallery, showcasing blue-textured textile art on a mannequin and a wooden crate. She wears a dark coat, blue scarf, and holds a matching bag.
Katarina Hruskova
A woman in a patterned yellow dress stands in front of a stone wall displaying colourful felt artwork, which includes depictions of a building and a landscape with a waterfall.
Linda Costello
A woman standing next to a piece of textile art in an exhibition, wearing a patterned sleeveless top with a blue flower brooch and black trousers.
Loli Cox
A smiling woman with glasses and long, blonde hair stands in front of an art exhibition, wearing a black coat and blue beaded necklaces. Behind her are colourful textile artworks displayed on a stone wall.
Lorna Cady
A woman stands beside a framed piece of textured artwork depicting a landscape with a river, featuring various colours and materials. The artwork is displayed in an art gallery with brick and stone walls.
Lucia Errity
A woman standing in an art gallery, smiling and wearing a black cardigan. Behind her is a colourful abstract artwork made of various materials, displayed on a stone wall.
Margaret Corroon
A woman smiling in front of a piece of artwork featuring blue and black elements, displayed in a gallery with a stone wall background.
Maggie McCartney
A woman stands beside a colourful abstract artwork featuring jellyfish-like forms, set against a textured background of blues and greens, in an art gallery.
Marie Dunne
A woman stands next to a sculpture of a cottage made from felt, featuring a scene with figures in a kayak. The background displays various artworks on a stone wall.
Marie Hopkins
A woman with glasses stands beside three pieces of felted artwork displayed on a gallery wall. Two artworks are hung above her, featuring natural elements, with vibrant colours and textures.
Marika Miklosi-Manning
A woman with wavy blonde hair and glasses stands beside a framed piece of artwork featuring a textured design of pebbles and earthy tones, with a stone wall and a window in the background.
Neasa Ryan
A woman stands beside a decorative artwork depicting a waterfall and lush greenery, crafted from wool and displayed in a wooden bowl. The setting includes brick walls and framed art in the background.
Patricia Englishby O’Connor
A woman stands in front of a wall displaying various artworks, including a circular blue piece. She is wearing a patterned blue and white blouse and blue jeans, smiling at the camera.
Patricia Conroy
A woman with long, silver hair and glasses stands smiling in front of framed artwork on a stone wall. The artwork includes a colourful landscape and other pieces, while she wears a denim jacket.
Sandra Chase
A smiling woman stands beside a framed artwork featuring a blue spiral design on a textured background, displayed on a stone wall.
Siobhรกn Healy Ryan

Online Catalogue

Here’s a link to Feltmakers Irelandโ€™s online catalogue of โ€˜Water and Flowโ€™

There is also a PDF version of the catalogue.

Two women smiling in an art gallery featuring various artworks on the walls, standing close together.
Annika and Fiona after all of their hard work

Appreciation

Thank you to everyone who helped make this exhibition such a success.

Many thanks to Conor Oโ€™Brien for launching the exhibition with his interesting talk, to our members for contributing their fantastic artwork, and to Annika Berglund and Fiona Leech for displaying everything so beautifully. Additionally, we would like to thank Loli Cox for introducing our guest speaker. Weโ€™re also very grateful to the committee members for organising and setting up the lovely refreshments. Finally, we want to thank the OPW Phoenix Park Visitor Centre for again inviting us to use their stunning gallery for our annual exhibition.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Exhibition: More Sneak Peeks from Water and Flow

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Close-up view of textured fabric featuring blue and white patterns with several circular holes.
Jacqueline Atkinson
A close-up of a felted green fish with decorative beads, surrounded by colourful felted stones and seaweed against a blue background.
Eglฤ— Silenaite-Enyed
Close-up of a textured fabric featuring a swirl pattern in cream and dark grey.
Yamila Fournier

Sneak Peeks

To whet your appetite for the artwork that will be shown, please enjoy a series of ‘sneak peeks’ of details of some of the work.

Jacqueline Atkinson:

The wet winter of 2025/2026 was the inspiration for Jacqueline’s interpretation of the theme ‘water and flow’ when the battering, pounding, and sudden downpours of rain often made craters in her land. Hence the Irish title ‘Batar Fearthainne’ which she thinks adequately captures the sentiment she was hoping to portray.

Eglฤ— Silenaite-Enyed:

ย The flow in my art symbolises not only the flow of water but also the flow of time. Little pebbles with ancient symbols are sunken below. The flow of water is hiding the secrets of the past. Those times are gone, the time flows…

Yamila Fournier:

After 16 years inland, I moved to coastal Dublin, where the smell of the sea and the pull of the tides reminded me of the rhythm that had been a part of me since the day I was born, since before I was born.

The shore is filled with exciting opposites: gritty sand and wave-smoothed rocks, welcoming water and unknowable depths, chaos of crashing waves reshaping the shore daily and the reliable regularity of the tides. In the face of the vastness of the water, I look to the tiniest bits, portable microscope in hand…

Feltmakers Ireland’s exhibition ‘Water and Flow’ will be available to view from Thursday, the 2nd, to Sunday, the 26th of April. The Centre is open every day, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.

Our official launch is THIS Saturday at 3 PM. Knitwear designer Conor O’Brien will open our show.

Please note: We have learned that the gallery will be closed at 1: 30 PM on the afternoon of Monday, the 6th of April, due to an event being held at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us:ย If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions:ย For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Exhibition: Water and Flow – More Sneak Peeks

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Close-up of a textile featuring blue embroidery of birds, flowers, and a bridge, with a square patch illustrating white figures on a blue background.
Karen McSweeney
A vibrant depiction of a waterfall cascading over rocks, surrounded by lush greenery and colourful flowers.
Claire Merry
Close-up of a textured fabric featuring shades of blue and purple, with metallic threads interwoven, set against a gold patterned background.
Breda Fay

Sneak Peeks

To whet your appetite for the artwork that will be shown, please enjoy a series of ‘sneak peeks’ of details of some of the work.

Karen McSweeney:

As a nautical artist I was inspired to use pieces of sea pottery, which were washed up on the Burrow Beach Dublin. The design is a nod to the willow pattern on the pottery.

Claire Merry:

 Water falls are mesmerising and breathtaking. The falling water contrasts with the surrounding lush vegetation providing both a visual and aural experience, which brings solace to the mind and soul. 

My piece tries to capture the moment of walking into a glade and seeing the water fall for the first time.

Breda Fay:

This piece of work is based on the 1832 poem “The Lady of Shalott” by Alfred Tennyson, illustrating the “stream that runneth ever”. Situated on an island in the middle of the stream, was a tower where the Lady of Shallott lived. Cursed to never look outside except through a mirror she spent all her time happily weaving a “charmed web”. Then one day, in her mirror, she saw a handsome knight and decided she could no longer live that life of shadows. She ran to the window and watched the knight ride down to Camelot. Once she left her loom, “out flew the web and floated wild” and the lady died.

Feltmakers Ireland’s exhibition ‘Water and Flow’ will be available to view from Thursday, the 2nd, to Sunday, the 26th of April. The Centre is open every day, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.

Our official launch is THIS Saturday at 3 PM. Knitwear designer Conor O’Brien will open our show.

Please note: We have learned that the gallery will be closed at 1: 30 PM on the afternoon of Monday, the 6th of April, due to an event being held at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Exhibition: THIS Saturday ‘Water and Flow’ Launches

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
A close-up view of a textured fabric artwork featuring waves of colour, including greens, whites, and blues, with circular felted shapes resembling shells or flowers.
Tamzen Lundy
Close-up of several white felted wool rings arranged on a textured surface, with small brown beads in the background.
Sandra Reynolds
A close-up image of a colourful felted fish design, featuring vibrant hues of blue, orange, and yellow on a textured white background.
Corina Hogan

Feltmakers Ireland’s exhibition ‘Water and Flow’ will be available to view from Thursday, the 2nd, to Sunday, the 26th of April. The Centre is open every day, from 9:30 AM to 5 PM.

Our official launch is THIS Saturday at 3 PM. Knitwear designer Conor O’Brien will open our show.

Please note: We have learned that the gallery will be closed on the afternoon of Monday, the 6th of April, due to an event being held at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.

Sneak Peeks

To whet your appetite for the stimulating artwork that will be shown, please enjoy a series of ‘sneak peeks’ of details of some of the work.

Tamzen Lundy:

Inspired by the meeting place of land and sea, The Convergence evokes the rhythmic flow of water against the shoreline โ€” a threshold where elements collide and merge. This liminal space, poised between solidity and movement, suggests a point of quiet transformation: a place where boundaries dissolve and something magical may occur.

Sandra Reynolds:

The theme of ‘Water and Flow’ really resonates with me. I’ve been lucky enough to always live near the sea and enjoy my daily beach walks there. My work for this particular piece with wool reflects the shapes and colours of marine life both above and below Water.

Corina Hogan:

My interpretation is based on the realisation that all Humans, Animal Kingdom and Plants require water to survive and flourish. A basic need for all and so important.

Their Instagram: @tamzenlundydesigns @sandysosew @corina.lewis.hogan

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us:ย If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions:ย For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

News: Guild Member Dr Niki Collier Solo Exhibition – National Museum of Ethnography, Bulgaria

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
A woman in a grey dress and hat sits in front of a large decorative backdrop featuring colourful, oversized butterfly wings. Behind her, a performer with wings in pink and white poses gracefully.

Recently, the artwork of Feltmakers Ireland guild member Dr Niki Collier has been featured in a solo show, ‘Symbols of Mobility’ in Bulgaria. It has ten installations, including the following: The Phoenix, Children of Lir, The Black Swan, and the newest bird joining the flock- the Flamingo. This travelling exhibition was launched at the National Museum of Ethnography in Sofia on Brigid’s Day, on the 2nd of February, by the Irish ambassador in Bulgaria, Her Excellency Catherine Bannon.

The exhibition has been visited by a record-breaking number of visitors, and there has been coverage on all major television stations: BTV, Nova, BNT, along with many radio stations: Horizon, Focus, BTA, and others.

Dr Collier also held a seminar at Shumen University on Brigid, alongside an exhibition of photographs of her installations. In addition, she led a few workshops at the National School of Applied Art, at the museum, and had an installation at a yarn shop.

There is a video of the exhibition launch on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1163154259226409

More information about the exhibition can be found on the Museum’s website – https://www.bas.bg/?p=62183&lang=en

Here’s a link about the exhibition on the artist’s website – https://www.nikicollier.com/solo-exhibition-ethnography-museum-of-bulgaria/

Her Instagram: @nikicollierfelt

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For content-related questions, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Exhibition: Feltmakers Ireland Presents โ€˜Water and Flowโ€™ Exhibition โ€“ Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Gallery โ€“ Dublin

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
'Water and Flow' Feltmakers Ireland Group Exhibition poster, featuring felt artwork by Joanne Turner. Details about the exhibition location at Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, dates from 2nd to 26th April, and opening hours. Announcement of a launch event with knitwear designer Conor O'Brien on the 4th.

Feltmakers Ireland is delighted to presentย โ€˜Water and Flowโ€™, a vibrant group exhibition featuring the contemporary artwork of 68 members. This showcase explores the many interpretations of water through the rich and versatile medium of felt.

From gentle streams to powerful oceans, โ€˜Water and Flowโ€˜ explores the many moods of water: its energy and stillness, its capacity for renewal, and its connection to human emotion, from sorrow to joy.

Using fibres ranging from imported Merino wool to locally sourced Irish fleece, members have created a diverse body of work that highlights both traditional and contemporary felting practices. Featuring an array of textile techniques, including wet felting and needle felting, guild members have created three-dimensional sculptures, wall art, and wearable pieces, each offering a unique perspective on the theme, reflecting the creativity and individuality of the artists involved.

The Opening

The exhibition will be officially launched by knitwear designer Conor Oโ€™Brien on Saturday, 4 April at 3 PM.

Where and When

The exhibition is at theย Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Galleryย and runs from Thursday, the 2nd of April, to Sunday, the 26th of April. The hours are 9:30 AM to 5 PM, daily, with the exhibition closing on its final day at 3 PM.

The gallery is conveniently accessible byย Dublin Bus number 99ย and is located within the historic Phoenix Park. There is ample parking near the Centre.

For further details, including maps and directions to the park, visitย https://www.phoenixpark.ie/directions.

The artwork featured on the exhibition poster isย โ€˜Waterfallโ€™ย by Joanne Turner.

Her Instagram @olannoriginals

We warmly invite you to join us for the opening or visit throughout the month to experience this dynamic and engaging exhibition celebrating feltmaking in Ireland.

Online Catalogue

A link to Feltmakers Ireland’s online catalogue of ‘Water and Flow’

There is also a PDF version of the catalogue (if the above link is not working for you).