Getting crafty in the heart of town
THIS year at Wexford Opera Festival, culture vultures can enjoy the best of Wexford arts and crafts at a new creative business venture in Wexford town.
The Makers House is an initiative by local makers who have set up a collaborative retail venture. Part of the Creative Hub, it brings the best of locally-produced Wexford crafts together under one roof, and includes the work of ten passionate makers.
The Wexford Craft Trail members who have collaborated on The Makers House are:
MAIREAD STAFFORD - BALLYELLAND POTTERY
Recognised as a maker of original, imaginative and collectable work ceramic artist Mairead Stafford has used her coastal landscape to inspire her ceramics, sculpture and art. Mairead forms a passionate connection to her work using the natural colours of her surroundings.
LINA VARNA & DAINIUS VARNELIS VARNA STUDIO
Varna Studio is home to husband and wife team Lina and Dainius. Lina Varna jewellery is inspired by botanical forms and made from sterling silver, gold, semi-precious stones and freshwater pearls. Dainius is a metalworker, sculptor and blacksmith. His work includes ornamental candle holders for the home, sculpture for home and garden, and commissions for elaborate gates and railings, working in the mediums of iron, stainless steel, copper and brass.
PATSY FLOOD O’CONNOR MAD4HATS
Hat designer Patsy Flood O’Connor of Mad4Hats produces a colourful range of vintage-inspired knitted and felted hats, as well as structured hats and headpieces using traditional millinery techniques. To complement the hats she also makes a range of wraps, scarves, collars and obis.
ANNETTE WHELAN
Fused glass maker Annette Whelan has been honing her craft for over 20 years. Her work is greatly influenced by her love of the sea, her family and a passion for colour.
She makes a wide range of functional art pieces ranging from small candleholders to larger sculptural fused glass installations.
PADRAIC PARLE - BRAMBLE CRAFTS
Padraic Parle makes hand-crafted kitchens, home furniture and other unique pieces in wood, based in an old forge, which has been in his family for generations.
He was instrumental in setting up the Wexford Craft Trail.
BIANCA DIVITO - DIVITO STUDIOS
Contemporary glass artist Bianca Divito produces a beautiful range of handcrafted glass and crystal features. Bianca is a RHS Chelsea Flower Show award-winner (for her work with stained glass for gardens) and she welcomes special glass commissions for a variety of architectural and domestic settings.
GILLY THOMAS
Sculptor Gilly Thomas produces figurative works in bronze and reconstructed stone.
Her sculpture reflects the essence of country life with horse figures, small hares, fish and Celtic designs for home and garden.
gillythomas-sculpture.com
REBECCA HOMFRAY
Taking much of her inspiration from the natural world printmaker Rebecca Homfray works with a variety of materials and techniques to produce fine art prints by hand in limited editions. She also prints on fabric producing a range of goods including cushions and tea towels.
MAIREAD CAIRBRE – AN CARRAIG TEXTILE WORKSHOP
Under the Tír na nÓg Creations label, award-winning designer/maker, Máiréad Cairbre offers a unique way to celebrate the birth or naming of a new baby with a range of ceremonial robes and accessories.
Located in the new Creative Hub @ The Bullring Mall in Wexford town, The Makers House can be accessed from North Main Street and has wheelchair access from Mallin Street.