FESTIVE POP UP SHOP
THE 2017 Made in Sligo Christmas Pop Up Shop is open for business with a wide range of authentic Sligo gifts, produced and made by our very own art and crafts people.
It’s the second year the shop will operate from a base at Water Lane. Chamber President Des Faul opened the store last Monday saying: “I was delighted to officially launch this years Made in Sligo Christmas Pop Up Shop and as President of Sligo Chamber of Commerce & Industry we are very pleased that Made in Sligo joined the Chamber earlier this year. Sligo has so much to offer and with so many people working together to put Sligo firmly on the map as a must-do destination in Ireland we are definitely developing a great recipe for sustainable success throughout County Sligo. I wish all the Made in Sligo craft makers Yuletide prosperity over the coming weeks.”
Made in Sligo, which started up in 2010, brings together all that is excellent in Sligo craft, creativity and design under one brand, and acts as a flagship for craft producers in County Sligo. It currently has 12 members who work from their studios throughout the county and who are part of the Made in Sligo Craft Trail.
“Everyone agrees that given the recent economic challenges, it is more important than ever to support local business- es, particularly smaller local enterprises” said Matt Jones, Chairperson of Made in Sligo.
“Our jointly run store at Water Lane will make it easier for shoppers to buy local as we bring together a wide range of gift ideas, made by a variety of craft workers, under one roof.
“We were so enthused by the reactions we got from shoppers last year that we decided to do it again for Christmas 2017. Being able to give a gift that is unique and 100% made in Sligo is really something which struck a chord with shoppers. People absolutely loved being able to buy a special hand crafted item for someone while also playing their role in helping to sustain jobs in Sligo”.
The six Made in Sligo members who are selling their work in the Pop Up Shop this year are Rachel Quinn Ceramics, Breeogue Pottery, Ciarán McHugh Photography, Lynda Gault Ceramics, Tom Callery Ceramics and Matt Jones Woodturner Artist.
“The work on show at Water Lane is a wonderful selection of high quality craftsmanship” said Úna Parsons, Head of School Engineering &Design at IT Sligo, who attended the launch. “We are very lucky to have such highly skilled creative people living and working in Sligo and we must all do our best to support them in order that Sligo continues to grow and flourish as the creative hub of the North West.”
Together with boosting the profile of local craft businesses Made in Sligo also includes a Craft Trail. “The Craft Trail gives tourists and residents the opportunity to engage with artists in their craft studios” said Imelda Ryan-Jones of Made in Sligo.