By Hand at Gilbert’s Restaurant, Cobh

1000 Wishes by Denis Brown Prizewinning Calligrapher at Gilbert's Cobh, 1-31st August 2010.

Gilberts Restaurant in Cobh proudly presents “By Hand”, an exhibition of handmade Irish craft celebrating Cork Art and Design’s innovative concept “Cork Craft Month”.

This exhibition curated by local textile artist Carmel Creaner combines many key areas in the craft sector : basketry, ceramics, wood turning, weaving, contemporary textiles and jewellery.

While this is an unusual setting for a display of craft, the curator feels that the Irish public are starved of the possibilities of viewing handmade Irish craft.

Research recently conducted on behalf of the Crafts Council of Ireland by Indecon International Economic Consultants indicates that 48 per cent of craft makers reported a decline in sales over the past year. This figure is 58 per cent among craft makers with employees.  More than ever we need to support our Craft workers and buy Irish.

This show gives the viewer an opportunity to savour and enjoy the highest quality hand made work whilst enjoying a meal in Gilbert’s.

Several local Cobh artists and applied artists are represented in the selection such as painters Mairead Geary and Theresa Cullinane, ceramacist Diana Skalkos and jeweller Barbara Hall.

The overall impression “By Hand” leaves is that Irish craft is high quality, well priced and collectable.  Many prize winning artists are in evidence in the show as well as Cork based RDS prizewinning printer Anne Kiely. Craft Council of Ireland Portfolio makers Denis Brown, Liz Nilsson and Nicola Henley as well as Ireland’s craft representatives at this year’s Shanghai World Expo Cormac Boydell and Angela O’Kelly.

Budding ceramic artist Ethan Carthy has a strong piece called Kitsune the Japanese Fox and Conor O’Keeffe, a recent graduate of Colaiste Stiofain Naofa has a very delicate contemporary and well made cherry wall plaque.

This is a high end show for anyone who has a keen eye for well executed contemporary Irish craft.  Most of the work on display is for sale – Gilberts provide a price list and artist profile for your convenience.

The Cork Craft Month celebration comprises of a range of exhibitions, fairs and open studios, together with a plethora of “hands on” events and workshops. This program of events is supported by Cork County Council, Cork County & City Enterprise Boards and the Crafts Council of Ireland.  For more information on Cork Craft Month please view www.corkartdesign.com.

By Hand will be on view in Gilbert’s Restaurant, Pearse Square, Cobh 1-31^st August 2010. Monday-Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 9am-5pm. For more information on Gilberts phone 021 4811300 or email gilbertsincobh@gmail.com.

For further information please contact:

Carmel Creaner

086 6095656,  email : carmelcreaner@eircom.net