BURZA KOLOROW BY EDYTA SZYMANSKA & KRZYSTOF PIEKARZ

Date: 25th June 2010 @ 5.00pm

Storm of Colours/ Burza kolorow: is an exhibition by Polish couples Artist Edyta Szymanska and Krzystof Piekarz.This exhibition presents sculptured ceramics mainly women, which are characterized by a style called ceramic ktorenajbardziej.Burza Kolorow / Storm of Colours to wystawa pary Artystow polskich - Edyty Szymanskiej I Krzysztofa Piekarza majacych studio ceramiczne w Irlandii przez ostatnie 3 lata. Wystawa ta przedstawia rzezby ceramiczne glownie kobiece, ktorenajbardziej charakteryzuja styl ceramikow

Venue: The Leitrim Design House. Date: Friday 25th June 2010

Refreshments and Entertainment on the evening. Starting at 5pm. everyone welcome

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Join us between 5 and 8pm on the 10^th December and meet our newest addition to the Leitrim Design House. Naomi Draper graduated in 2007 from the National College of Art and Design where she had specialised in glass. During her time in NCAD she completed studies in both the Czech Republic and Seattle. Directing the focus of her technical skills on Kiln-forming, her graduate work explored the possibilities of combining glass with metal in the kiln process. The work explored issues of protection and containment, directly drawing inspiration from textiles.

Since graduating Naomi has continued to explore this body of work further, through drawing and printing processes. Her new body of work, which will be launched in The Leitrim Design House exhibition space at the Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon, on Thursday the 10th of December, is composed of a series of fused glass panels. Each piece has been treated as an individual canvas; drawings are explored through painting and enamelling the surface of the glass.Addressing the accessibility of glass art, Naomi has developed this collection so that it can be easily hung in both a commercial and domestic setting, making these works a suitable and unusual gift to those who appreciate something different.

Naomi is a native of Boyle, where she now operates a small studio. She is delighted to accept special commissions for different occasions. We are pleased to welcome Naomi to the Leitrim Design House to showcase her new collection of glass work. She will be available to share her love for glass with you and speak to you directly about her work.We invite you to visit us on the 10th Dec, enjoy a glass of wine, browse the shop and meet with Naomi Draper.

Leitrim Design House & the Dock

invite you to celebrate the launch of Craft in the Classroom 3rd-20th Oct

& Ri Ra Children’s Art Festival 12th-18th October.

The launch takes place at 2pm on Sat 3rd Oct and is a fund raising event for St Ciaran’s Childrens Respite Service. Come along to an afternoon of fun and activities

Craft in the Classroom, sponsored by the Crafts Council of Ireland placed an artist into 14 schools within the County Leitrim; St Patrick’s Boys NS, Ballinamore, Scoil na Maighdine Muire, Carrick-on-Shannon, Hunt NS Mohill, Four Masters NS Kinlough, Ardvarney NS, Dromahair, St Claire’s Manorhamilton, Masterson NS Manorhamilton, St Brigid’s Drumcong, St Mary’s NS Drumlea, St Brigid’s Drumkeerin, Scoil na Muire,Bornacoola, Rossan NS, Carrigallen, Scoil Naisiunta Brid Naofa, Driffreen NS, Manorhamilton, and Culfadda NS in Ballymote Co Sligo.

The artists worked with the teachers and children, from junior infants up to sixth class over approx 12 weeks resulting in this wonderful collection of work. Projects were grounded in the Visual Arts curriculum taking in many strands and great links were made across the curriculum to other subjects. Working in a variety of disciplines: drawing, painting print, clay, fabric & fibre, and integrating geography, environmental science and history, the pupils produced an inspiring body of work; boats, bears, bowls, masks and plates; fish, dinosaurs, jewellery and even a complete town land form part of the collection.

Leitrim is well known for its creativity and this creative energy is highlighted by the Craft in the Classroom exhibition. Leitrim Design House, sponsor of this exhibition would like to invite you to call in and discover for yourself the wonderful creativity of our younger generation.

Meet the Maker Day at the Leitrim Design House, Saturday 26^th of September from 2 pm-4pm. All are welcome to come along to talk to Peter and learn about ceramics.

Inspired by recent travels to China and Japan, Peter Fulop brings his new collection of Raku Ceramic Art to the Leitrim Design House . On 26th September Peter will showcase a collection of these outstanding ceramic pieces at the Leitrim Design House in Carrick-on-Shannon. This exhibition will continue until mid October. Peter Fulop, Leitrim based Ceramic Artist recently attended an 8 weeks residency programme in Jingdezhen PWS Experimental Factory in China where the porcelain tradition dates back over 1000 years. This two months art residency at the Jingdezhen PWS Experimental Factory was supported by Culture Ireland, The Arts Council of Ireland & Leitrim County Council

Peter was invited to exhibit at the International Ningbo Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition at the Ningbo Art Museum, along with renewed ceramic artist Takeshi Yasuda, Derek Au, Dryden Wells and Sebastiao de Meira. Creating a new body of work, Peter has focused on a cultural fusion of aesthetics by bringing together his previous Japanese experiences and also incorporating the new Chinese influences. To achieve his vision Peter built upon the decorative porcelain of the Chinese tradition integrating the free thrown forms and the very energetic “aggressive” brushworks of the Japanese practice. Calligraphy in Peter’s interpretation becomes an independent improvisation of action. The self vitrified porcelain body not only functions as a background for the calligraphy but connects two different dimensions together. The colours of white & black along with the light green of the celadon glaze carry a feeling of emptiness and posses a meditative quality.

For further information please visit www.peterfulop.squarespace.com or contact the Leitrim Design House on 071 96 50550, email info@leitrimdesignhouse.ie or visit www.leitrimdesignhouse.ie

Work Showcased:

Peter Fulop 2009 Solo Exhibition at C2 Gallery, May 2009, Jingdezhen,China.

Selected Group Show Potfest in the Park, July 2009, Penrith, Cumbria, UK.

Invited lecturer and Exhibitor Art in Clay, August 2009, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, UK .

Upcoming Exhibitions:

Peter Fulop 2009, Jingdezhen Solo Show at the Leitrim Design House 26th September, Carrick-on-Shannon,

Ceramic in Focus- Invited artist at the Lewis Glucksman Gallery 6-8 November, Cork

Echo’s of the Past is an educational project organised by the Leitrim Design House for Carrick-on-Shannon Community School. The project which took place over the past four months was designed to fit the transition year programme at Carrick Community School coordinated by tutor Paul Byrne.

A series of new explorative art works using the curriculum subjects -Architecture and Archaeology were created by twenty four transition year students. Leitrim Design House member artists Brigitta Varadi (textiles) and Peter Fulop (ceramics) worked with the students using Art and Design skills to create art objects using the historical themes of the Cistercian monks and the Mark Masons.”The underlying rationale behind this aspect of the Transition Year Programme Option is to bring students through a sequence of four modules designed to introduce them to construction techniques, freehand sketching and architecture, both past and present from a design and constructional point of view and to give them an experience in the field of archaelogy”. “The modules are designed to build on the students skills and experience from Junior Certificate, and to explore different ways of learning. It is intended to focus on skill development, activity based learning, experiential learning and education for the world of work in fields related to architecture” said Paul Byrne, Transition Year Co-ordinator at Carrick- on- Shannon, Community School. The project work created by the students explores the architecture of the Irish Cistercians though a variety of techniques from print making to textiles and ceramics.

Easter Millinery:This Easter Leitrim Design House bring you a rainbow of colour, a visual feast from some of Irelands top Milliners. Wendy Louise Knight, Suzie Mahoney, Rachel Feeley and Leonora Ferguson will collectively showcase their talent and precise craftmanship at the Leitrim Design House.

Hats for the races- Hats for going places- For a wedding,a celebration or special occasion.

HATS ARE A STATEMENT, a work of art, an essential piece of clothing. A hat will instantly change the look and add a sense of style to any outfit. Find a creation true to your own sense of style and imagination. This group of well established Milliners have come together to exhibit their creations and place Irish Millinery under the spotlight.

A definate date for your diary.

This exhibition will be opened on Saturday the 28th of June at 3pm by award winning ceramic artist, Peter Fulop. Peter will give a presentation on his ceramics which were inspired by recent residencies abroad and created in his Leitrim Studio. Peter will be exhibiting at the Hatfield National pottery and ceramics festival in the UK this summer. He has also been selected for SOFA a world renowned contemporary decorative Art Fair in Chicago which takes place in October

The Leitrim Design House has been at the forefront of cultural development in Leitrim for over ten years, it is widely recognised for a commitment to standards of excellence in art, craft and design

The Leitrim Design House retail gallery was established in 2000 by Leitrim County Enterprise Board. Now in their 8th year of business, it is seen as an innovative centre of excellence providing the ideal platform for recent graduates and fledgling creative businesses to achieve economic growth through product and business development. Providing support through sales, exhibitions, events and marketing opportunities for over 260 designers and makers. The Leitrim Design House was noted, in the Sunday Independent “as a vehicle for the renaissance of the Irish Craft Industry”.

For further information please contact the Leitrim Design House on 071 96 50550 or email info@leitrimdesignhouse.ie.

at the Leitrim Design House .

On Thursday the 8th of May the Leitrim Design House will present an exhibition of drawings created by the WILL/WAVE Partnership. Women from Leitrim (WILL - Women Living Independently in Leitrim) and Fermanagh (WAVE - Women Making WAVES) have come together to creatively engage with the self-image of women with and without disabilities in a cultural and artistic context, building on the Peace and Reconciliation process.

To accompany the exhibition Kathy O’Leary a member of the Leitrim Design House and facilitator with the WILL/WAVE Partnership will present a workshop around the theme of “Identity and Women”, “Shared Spaces and experiences”. Kathy will endevour to address the issues facing women with disabilities through the artwork of surrealist painter Frida Kahlo.

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954), one of the most influential Mexican painters of the middle twentieth century. From 1926 until her death, the painter created striking, often shocking, images that reflected her turbulent life. She did not originally plan to become an artist. A polio survivor, at 15 Kahlo entered the premedical program at the National Preparatory School in Mexico City. However, this training ended three years later when Kahlo was gravely hurt in a bus accident.

The day long workshop and exhibition at the Leitrim Design House aims to develop positive relationships between the participants North and South of the border by focusing on the shared experiences of women with and without disabilities.

“The Partnership is ready to open up to the public having built up relationships through Art and Drama. They would like to work on the theme of shared spaces/experiences and the event at the Leitrim Design House is a building block for this work” says Kathy.

A presentation on the life and work of the artist will be followed by a self portrait drawing workshop.
A viewing of the academy awarding winning film FRIDA will take place in the afternoon at Carrick Cineplex. The artwork made during the workshop will be exhibited with a body of work recently made by the women from the Partnership.

As part of the workshop the group will also look at the work of Scottish Artist Chrissie Orr As a practising artist for the past thirty years her focus has been on producing work for and with communities. Her work is based on the premise that the artist, when directly involved with the community, can address complex issues and bring people together in a shared experience. It is her belief that art can transcend politics, cultural barriers and socio-economics.

Her project in Arizona worked with Native American and Hispanic Youth from treatment Centres to create a safe space for Youth in trouble. These adolescence were suffering from alienation of their ancestors and had turned to gangs and killing each other through conflict. Through working with these Youth she uses photography to raise issues of Peace and the Peace Process and the concept of what Peace meant to them.

The artwork made during the workshop will be exhibited along with a body of work recently made by the women from the WILL/WAVE partnership. This exhibition “Identity and Women” will be shown at the Leitrim Design House as an installation on panels similar to the projects developed by Chrissie Orr. The idea to expand and travel the exhibition to other public venues in the region.

This exhibition will be shown at the Leitrim Design House from the 8th to the 22nd of May. The WILL/WAVE Partnership is funded through the Leitrim County Councils Task Force.

The Leitrim Design House aims to engage with the wider community through organised events and activities to accompany its lively exhibitions programme. If you are interested in getting together to creatively engage with other women and explore the self-image of women with and without disabilities in a cultural and artistic context please contact the Leitrim Design House on 071 96 50533.

This day long workshop will take place on the 8th of May 11am to 5.30pm. Admission is free please book early to confirm your place.

Experience stunning Irish Craft at Bloom 2008 - the Garden Show

Visit Leitrim Design House at Bloom - meet our talented craftspeople - see the work, find out the inspirations, hear the stories behind these unique and beautiful pieces, and experience the fun of making.

An exciting addition to Bloom 2008 is the new Craft Trail - offering visitors a chance to live the craft experience. Follow the craft trail at Bloom; see and enjoy;

• Large-scale pieces of hand-made craft from some of Ireland’s most talented designer-makers

• Demonstrations, in a variety of skills and disciplines, from some of the countries most talented
  craftspeople - and have a go yourself

• Crafted Design - a select area where you can browse and purchase a wide variety of products
  from over 20 of the Irish craft world’s most talented makers.

The craft trail has something for all ages - whether you want to wonder at the inspiration that influenced the one-off pieces, or you’d like to try your hand at a craft you’ve always liked, or even if you are just curious to see what’s involved in crafting a piece - the opportunities are all there at Bloom.

And of course if you want to bring home a piece, treat yourself or a friend, buy for the house or the garden - the choice of beautifully design, hand crafted items is sure to tempt and delight you.

29th February 2008

Everyone’s welcome to “Afternoon Tea” March 13th

Docpot ceramics -Derry and Adam Frew’s teapots

Here at the Leitrim Design House we are always searching for inspirational ideas to make available to you. Makers today may express themselves through a wide range of media from ceramics, to textiles, paper to glass, and graphic design to sculpture. Whatever the medium, craft practice demands a unique combination of hand, mind and eye - the technical mastery of material, aesthetic sensibility and design skills. The best craft work involves a fourth element too: passion. All the makers at the Leitrim Design House have a common goal - to make beautiful things and put them out into the world. In the process they aim to enjoy what they do and to learn from their work.

This Easter we are delighted to invite you to “AFTERNOON TEA” a stunning show of teapots and tea making paraphernalia which encourages you to stop your rushing and turn up the calm!! ….

A special launch of the exhibition by Councillor Sinead Guckian, Leitrim County Council will take place on Thursday the 13th of March at 5.30 pm at the Leitrim Design House, everyone is welcome along. This exhibition will run until April 21st 2008.

Left to right - DOCPOT, Deirdre OCallaghan, Jelena Fischer’s teapot and jugs by Adam Frew

“AFTERNOON TEA” involves the work of twenty six of Ireland best contemporary applied artists who all work to a common theme which everyone will be familiar with “the art of tea making”. This exhibition is all about seeking new and unexpected experiences, making tea an essential part of the process.

For centuries people have known that wisdom and advice, love and support, news and gossip all go better with a cup of tea. Tea and philosophy go hand in hand. The story of teapots begins with their necessity…. the development of tea and its regular consumption required an efficient and later an aesthetically pleasing vessel for drinking and brewing.

Left to right - Rosemary Durr porcelain, Ruth la Gear’s animation, Rosemary Durr porcelain

Adam Frew a young designer / maker currently artist in resident at the Flower Field Arts Centre in County Antrim exhibits his range of functional ceramic teapots. Adam has created an arrangement of distinctive, hand thrown contemporary teapots. The pottery wheel allows for endless possibilities in terms of shape and containment. The aim is to captivate a sense of movement and freshness, in the soft clay resulting in asymmetrical form, giving each piece an arresting quality that calls the eye to look more closely. Adams teapots are uninhibited and whimsical as they engage with each other.

Leitrim’s designers and makers, Peter Fulop, Brigitta Varadi, Erika Marks, Angela Hope, Suzanne Woods, Jelena Fischer, Ann-Marie Gearty and Jonathan Ball have created unusual teapots which range from the functional to amusing, in silver, clay, textiles and metal.

To add a more innovative slant to the show Emer O’Sullivan a young designer from Donegal will show a collection of stunning feminine prints based on functional utensils for the kitchen. Ruth la Gear is a recent graduate of Galway Institute of technology where she specialised in Sculpture. Ruth’s brings photography and animation to the exhibition through her collection “series with the teacup”. Jenny Mc Kenna also a student at Galway Institute of Technology uses a method of wrapping / coiling to make forms to create a cup and saucer matching tea pot and tray using washing line wrapped with wool.

This creative exhibition of teapots, cups and saucer, jugs, egg cups and a whole array of other tea time necessities will inspire all tea drinkers to enjoy a cup and spend a while. A range of refreshing seaweed teas from a member business VOYA in Sligo will accompany the exhibition. New collections by established Irish companies Big Leap, Nicolas Moss, Thomas Diem , Breeogue Pottery and Rosemary Durr will by complemented by brand new collections at the Leitrim Design House from DOC POT, Belfast, Emer O’Sullivan, Donegal, Andrea McCullough, Antrim, Hilary Jenkinson, Kilkenny, Orion Ceramics, Sligo amongst others.

Left to right - teacake tower, Andrea Mac Cullagh, textile work by Suzanne Woods, Jepena Fischer’s porcelain teapot

As part of “Afternoon Tea” children from the primary schools in Carrick-on-Shannon, Leitrim Village and Annaduff National school are participating in the exhibition. The children are designing imaginative teapots and their artwork will be displayed at the Leitrim Design House for the duration of the exhibition. An award for the best designs will go to the class who come up with the most innovative ideas. The winning design will be transformed into a real teapot created by Breeogue Pottery , Sligo.

If you would like to find out more about this exhibition or any of the artists involved please get in touch with us on 071 96 50533 or email info@leitrimdesignhouse.ie

Artists at Afternoon Tea…..

Adam Frew, Derry, Andrea McCullagh, Antrim , Angela Hope, Leitrim, Ann-Marie Gearty, Leitrim, Adrian Wistreich, Cork , Big Leap designs, Mayo, Brigitta Varadi, Leitrim , Breeogue Pottery, Sligo, Callery Ceramics, Sligo, Charlie Mahon, Cork, Deirdre O Callaghan, Derry, Diane McCormack, Tyrone, Erika Marks, Leitrim, Emer O’Sullivan, Donegal, Hilary Jenkison, Kilkenny, Jenny McKenna, Galway, Jonathan Ball, Leitrim, Jelena Fischer, Roscommon, John Ryan, Sligo, , Jerpoint Glass, Kilkenny, Peter Fulop, Leitrim, Rosemary Durr, Kilkenny, Ruth La Gear, Galway, Suzanne Woods, Leitrim, Thomas Diem, Meath,