Meitheal – Feltmakers Ireland

On Saturday, the 20th of July, 2024, the exhibition “Land to the Hand” celebrated the rich heritage of native Irish Galway Wool at the annual Meitheal in the Athenry Co-operative Livestock Market. It was the fourth yearly Meitheal organised by the Galway Wool Co-op, a voluntary group of people raising the native breed of Galway Sheep. Blátnaid Gallagher is the group’s secretary and excellent ambassador.

Blátnaid Gallagher opening the Meitheal at the Athenry Co-operative Livestock Mart.

The Exhibition

At last year’s Meitheal, artist and curator Michelle Hickey Legge brought together the works of sixteen artists. This year, Michelle had twice as many artists involved: 32 participants contributed pieces that showcased outstanding handwoven textiles, intricate knitwear, creative crochet, impressive feltmaking, and contemporary wool art – all made from Irish-raised Galway Wool. The event highlighted the craftsmanship of some of Ireland’s top makers, educators, and innovators.

The Wool

While the exhibition was going on, the cooperative’s farmers brought their yields of Galway wool into the Meitheal. According to the Tuam Herald, 5,000 kg of wool were delivered, and farmers were guaranteed €2.50 per kg for their wool.

The Clip
Galway Wool Sheep

More Delights

Additionally, the Meitheal had a traditional Irish music session and a sheep shearing demonstration in the background, along with coffee, tea, and biscuits.

Visitors admired the skilful blending of ancient techniques with modern designs, which reflected Ireland’s cultural tapestry. The interactive workshop on wool spinning with Sandra King of Irish Fibre Crafters, drew enthusiastic participation, fostering a deeper appreciation for sustainable practices.

Sandra King of Irish Fibre Crafters – seated by her spinning wheel.

Sponsors and Judges

Thanks to the sponsors and judges: Chris Weiniger of Donegal Yarns, Andy Legge of Aviation Graphix, Niamh O’Connell of Niamh O’Connell Design, and Vincent Huges of Aran Woollen Mills.

Awards

Congratulations to all the artists who exhibited their outstanding works. Special congratulations to Lorna McCormack from Wool in School for being the Overall Winner of the Show for her educational concept; this award was sponsored by Donegal Yarns.

Claire McGovern from Rhyme Studio was awarded for her contemporary rugs; this award was sponsored by Aviation Graphix. For her contemporary works, Karena Ryan was awarded by the Galway Wool Co-op. Karena is a member of Feltmakers Ireland! Additionally, Jean Long was awarded for her Geansaí Chléire, also sponsored by the Galway Wool Co-op. Lastly, Evin Higgins of Caoirigh Farms was given the Industry Award for Innovation, sponsored by Vincent Hughes from the Aran Woollen Mills.

Thanks

Thank you to all of the farmers, artists, and supporters. Lastly, the warmest thanks go to Michelle Hickey Legge for her tireless efforts in curating and organising the exhibition.

Michell Hickey Legge – and camera men
Michelle Hickey Legge’s piece for the exhibition

Feltmakers Ireland Members

Several members from Feltmakers Ireland were in attendance and/or had pieces at the exhibition: Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann, Juliane Gorman, Karena Ryan, Margaret Collins Ryan, and Tamzen Lundy.

Astrid Tomrop-Hofmann – @bombyxmoriwearableart
Juliane Gorman – @felthappiness
Karena Ryan – @karenaryantextiles
Margaret Ryan Collins
Tamzen Lundy’s piece – @tamzenlundydesigns

More Artwork from the Meitheal

This is only a sampling of the work at the show, which ranged from the functional to the artistic. We are sorry that we may have omitted some of the artists’ contributions to the Meitheal.

Collaboration between dyer Malu Colorin and weaver Aideen Macken – @malu_colorin and @aideen.macken
Fiona McDonagh – @Lamhclinicgalway
Olga Profutkina – @olgakina_dolls
Rhyme Studio rugs – @rhymestudioart
Sarah Kineen’s piece – @lifeinajamjar
Ellen Keohane’s Leaving Certificate course artwork
Catherine O’Connor – @bofinweaves
Annie O’Toole – @knitaran13
Christine McNamara – @christines_craft
Annie Gambril – @killala.woolcraft
Students’ work
Ryan Koenig – @ryankoenigstudio
Niamh O’Connell – winner of last year’s Meitheal and exhibitor and judge at this year’s.

Coming Up

A television program on the Galway Wool Coop will be on Nationwide sometime this autumn!

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.

The Galway Wool Co-op, with Artist-in-Residence Michelle Hickey Legge, is delighted to announce the coming together of art and earth—‘Land to the Hand’. This unique exhibition of art through the medium of Galway Wool will take place this year at the annual Galway Wool Meitheal, Athenry, Galway.

The Coop invites artists on the island of Ireland working in all disciplines, age groups and abilities to engage with themes and concepts that connect the Galway Sheep Breed to the Irish landscape and the rich historical heritage of the Galway fleece. Artists who took part last year are also welcome to apply.

When: The Meithal is Saturday, the 20th of July, 2024, for one morning only.

For expressions of interest, direct message Michelle Hickey Legge via Instagram – @michellehickeyart before midnight, the 31st of May.

For more information about Galway Wool, visit the Coop’s website – https://galwaywool.ie/

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

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.

Tag: Meitheal

Of Interest: Galway Wool Co-op’s 6th Annual Meitheal – Co Galway

Recap: Galway Wool Co-op Art Exhibition in Athenry