Slow down and get arty during August

The gallery is holding three workshops as part of August Craft Month, employing a diverse range of materials to allow young people to join explore the craft world.

Craft NI is inviting local people to take time out to enjoy and experience craft, see the work of international craft designer-makers, and, if tempted, to buy something originally designed, hand-made and local.

August Craft month will feature more than 40 events across Northern Ireland, including exhibitions, talks, workshops, demos and guerrilla craft throughout Northern Ireland where skilled international and local designer-makers are working with clay, wood, glass, metal, fabric and recycled products.

“At the heart of craft beat the values of quality and individual expression. Quality of design, that is cutting-edge and innovative as well as building on tradition,” explained Joe Kelly from Craft NI.

“Contemporary craft takes us beyond what’s presented in the High Street and give us choice about the clothes and jewellery we wear and the objects we have in our homes,” he added.

In Banbridge from August 2 until August 4 there will be a Wonderland Weave with textile artist, Jane Allen, will give five to seven-year-olds the opportunity to create funky artwork with thread, ribbons and sticks.

During another event, Willow Weaver, Jim Russell will hold plasticine modelling workshops on August 9 (for children aged between five and seven) and on August 10 (for people aged between eight and 11).

On August 12 and 13, Lesley Frew will host a Plentiful Plastic workshop for children aged between eight and 11, which will enable them to create something unique out of old plastic bags.

This year’s August Craft Month theme of “Slow” is inspired by the ideas and spirit of the Slow Movement, a global phenomenon that is a welcome antidote to the hectic pace of modern life.

So slow down and get involved!