GET CRAFTY AT

WEXFORD ARTS Centre’s annual Christmas Craft Fair and Exhibition was officially opened by Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Jim Moore recently and will run until December 23.

The fair, which features the work of 13 professional local arts practitioners, is indicative of the county’s ongoing craft renewal and, with Christmas fast approaching, is a great opportunity to find handmade gifts from €10 to €1,000. Each artist is a member of the Co. Wexford Craft Trail.

The range of work on offer is varied. Ceadogan exhibits a selection of luxurious rugs while potters Paul Maloney, Mairead Stafford and Patricia Howard showcase their wares. Annette Whelan’s colourful fused glass works are also up for grabs while Terry the Weaver’s tapestries adorn the walls.

Milliner Patsy Flood and Maire- ad Carbery’s silk scarves add a fashion section to the fair while New Ross based sculptor Gilly Thomas’s bronze horse heads and crouching hares will delight animal lovers. Blacksmith Dainius and jeweller Lina Varnelis bring the inspired metal work of Varna Studio to the fair.

This year, the group welcomes two new members: fine art print maker Rebecca Homfray and glass artist, Bianca Divito.

The upstairs gallery features the artists’ choicest individual pieces.

Mayor of Wexford, Cllr Jim Moore congratulated all those involved with the fair, wishing them a happy festive season. Musical entertainment was provided by choral group, Quay Notes.

The fair is open daily, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.