Tag: Sandra King

Recap: Galway Wool Co-op Art Exhibition in Athenry

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland
Invitation to the Meitheal

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.

Woolin School product

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.

Caoirigh Farm’s entry

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.

Education: 2 Fibreshed Tutorials via Zoom

Published on by Feltmakers Ireland

Fibreshed Ireland is offering two free tutorials via live Zooms. Members of the organisation will be able to watch the replays.

Transform your clothes with colour from plants

17th of April, 7-8 PM

Join natural dyer and designer Malú Colorín from Talú for a simple and fun tutorial on using plants and kitchen scraps to breathe new life into any old garment made from natural fibres. Register HERE.

Upcycle and embellish your clothes with needle felting

26th of April, 7-8PM

Join wool expert Sandra King from Irish Fibre Crafters for a fun tutorial where she’ll explain how to upcycle garments found at charity shops, swap shops, or clothing no longer worn. Sandra will concentrate on needle felting onto the fabric and making suggestions of other embellishments that can be used. Register HERE.