Several of Kilkenny’s most talented craft makers are gearing up to participate at the Bloom Festival in the Phoenix Park over the June Bank Holiday Weekend as part of a rich craft programme organised by the Crafts Council of Ireland.
Daily craft demonstrations, a dedicated craft retail area, a children’s craft programme and an exhibition of large-scale sculptural craft are among the various craft experiences that more than 60 of Ireland’s most talented craft makers will bring to this year’s event, reflecting the new-found interest around the country in the art of craft and working with hands.
Ceramist Gus Mabelson, based in Inistioge and who is the course director of the Craft Council of Ireland’s Pottery Design & Skills Course, is one of seven designer makers selected to exhibit unique large-scale sculptural pieces at Bloom.
Thomastown-based papermaker Tunde Toth, of Kozo Studio & Gallery, will be helping younger visitors to Bloom by providing interactive children’s craft classes over the weekend.
Bennettsbridge candle makers Moth to a Flame; Castle Arch Pottery - based in Castle Yard - and Earthworks Ceramic Studio and Gallery in Thomastown will be exhibiting and selling their designs in the Craft Council of Ireland’s selected retail area at Bloom. Visitors will have the opportunity to shop and browse through a superb selection of crafted design products from more than 30 different makers and many disciplines including glassmaking, woodturning, ceramics, jewellery, and candle-making and more.
For further information, visit www.bloominthepark.com
