Cork Craft Month unveils 2014 programme of events
Make sure you visit Cork during the 5th annual Cork Craft Month, from August 5-September 5 2014, to discover some of the very best craft being produced in Ireland today.  During this festival of craft, you will experience beautiful exhibits, craft fairs, workshops, and demonstrations, and will also be given unique opportunities to see what happens behind the scenes at craft makers' open studios.

From Cork city to Kinsale, Clonakilty to Skibbereen, the festival, which is organised by Cork Craft and Design, will showcase the creativity and skill of Cork craft makers and feature a selection of ceramics, jewellery, textiles, pottery and furniture, all of which are proudly 'Made in Cork'. With almost 50 individual events and over 100 craftspeople participating in Cork Craft Month, there is no better time to experience the best of craft in Cork.

Some of the highlights of this year's Cork Craft Month include:

·  The MOTIVE Exhibition in Kinsale will be a highlight of Cork Craft Month, promoting both established and emerging makers.  The exhibition explores the inspirations that have compelled crafts people to create their work, while focusing on craft objects that display a respect and understanding for materials combiled with technical ability. MOTIVE was curated by Steven Mc Namara of Roji Designs and runs in the James O'Neill Building (formerly the Old Mill) in Kinsale from 5 to 14 August. The Exhibition will feature the work of well-established Cork based craft makers including Alison Ospina, Hilary Nunan and Mary Palmer.

·   The Home Event will take place in the James O'Neill Building in Kinsale from August 28- September 4.  This will be an extra special 'pop up' craft event featuring an eclectic selection of work by Cork Craft & Designs members and a haven of handmade items for the home, including furniture, textiles, ceramics, woodturning and framed pieces to suit all budgets and tastes.

·  A 'Weekend of Crafty Fun Events' at Kilkenny Design Centre in Shanagarry, East Cork. This event is particularly family friendly with music and face painting for kids as well as opportunity to try your hand at the potter's wheel, visit Cork Craft and Design members in their painting studios, take a painting class, or simply treat yourself to a relaxing hand scrub and massage using locally made skincare products.

·   Specially designated Made in Cork Trails and Open Studio Trails of artists' studios across the city and county is a great way of exploring Cork's diverse natural beauty while taking in its talented artists and artisans in their own creative spaces.  The trails feature everything from Upcycled Furniture in Cork City to Fine Art Bronze in Glengariff, Timber products in Carrignavar and fantastic craft stores in Kilworth, Baltimore and Skibbereen. Trail members include Potters, Silversmiths, Sculptors, Furniture makers, Glass and Textile Artists.  There will also be a Sculpture Trail on the grounds of Blarney Castle

· Many Exhibitions will take place throughout Cork, including "Shoals & Waves on the Wild Atlantic Way" in Clonakilty, an exhibition of handmade craft, paintings and photography at "West Cork Creates in Skibbereen, the 'CLAY WORKS' Society of Cork Potters Annual Members Exhibition 2014' in CIT Wandesford Quay Gallery and many more.

·         The Cork Craft and Design exhibition and retail space in Douglas Village Shopping Centre is another must see, as it will feature a rotating collection of Cork Craft & Designs members work.  Pop in and meet the makers.

There will also be a number of workshops and demonstrations where you can meet the makers and create your own craft piece at a selection of free events and fee paying courses.

Commenting on the month-long series of events, Tony Farrell, Chairman of Cork Craft and Design, organisers of Cork Craft Month, said, "Cork Craft Month prides itself on making craft accessible to everyone, and this year'sfestival is expected to attract in excess of 50,000 visitors, which will boost sales of locally made products throughout Cork. We are delighted to announce that this year's month long programme is going to be better than ever and filled with wonderful opportunities to appreciate and buy stunning pieces of original craft and design".

Cork Craft & Design is a voluntary organisation representing over 100 professional and passionate craftspeople in Cork county and city. Cork Craft Month is organised by Cork Craft and Design, and supported by Cork County, City Enterprise Boards, Cork County Council, Fáilte Ireland and the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland.

The month long calendar of workshops, exhibits, demonstrations and open studios will be officially launched by Sir Charles Colthurst, owner of Blarney Castle, at the festival's launch at 7pm in the James O'Neill Building (formerly the Old Mill) in Kinsale on 5 August.

For a full schedule of events, dates and times for Cork Craft Month see www.corkcraftanddesign.com www.corkcraftanddesign.com, or follow Facebook or Twitter @corkcraftdesign.

Picture: Miki Barlok