Lasting Impressions

27 April 2018 – 4 July 2018

Exhibition

Lasting Impressions27 April 2018 – 4 July 2018

Lasting Impressions takes a closer look at how craftspeople make and the processes they use to produce an object that will last. This exhibition celebrates the crafting of objects that will become tomorrow’s heirlooms; pieces with a timeless quality constructed from the best raw materials with integrity and ingenuity.

Craft can offer us something unique, bespoke and personal. These selected designer makers excel in their personal creative making skill and include their signature, something of themselves into every object they make. Their immense skills must be celebrated and not be overshadowed in our modern consumer driven world.

In examining the bespoke, we also explore collecting - it is a very special thing to commission an wholy new piece of jewellery or furniture, when you can discuss its attributes with it’s creator and have made exactly to fit. To understand where the materials are sourced, how it is designed, put together and finished. The exhibition considers the commissioning process and talks to collectors of contemporary craft about why they choose to invest in contemporary talent.

Lasting Impressions is curated Gregory Parsons and is produced in partnership with Ruthin Craft Centre, Wales.

You can listen to an interview with the curator of the exhibition here:

On Tour

Ruthin Craft Centre, Wales 21 July 2018 – 23 September 2018

ruthincraftcentre.org.uk/

Education & Outreach

EXHIBITION CURATOR’S TOUR Thursday 26 April 6pm

With Gregory Parsons followed by the official exhibition launch at 7pm when visitors can enjoy a complimentary ‘design cocktail’ inspired by Lasting Impressions courtesy of Statham’s Bar, Pembroke Kilkenny.

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION - Collecting The Contemporary Object Thurs 26 April, 4pm - 5.30pm

Join Liz Cooper, Dr Jennifer Goff of the National Museum, Ciara Garvey of the DCCoI and Designer Makers from the Lasting Impressions exhibition for an informal discussion on themes such as Design and Craft Longevity; Ingenuity of thought and process; Engagement with collectors and commissioning. Venue: Pembroke Hotel Business Centre, 11 Patrick Street, Kilkenny. Tea and Coffee on arrival. Places are limited. EYCH event. Book now

*Bealtaine - Crafternoon Tea Wed 2 and Thurs 3 May 11am + 2pm

Crafternoon tea. Join us for an informal tour and social gathering at the gallery. Includes a fabric silk screen printing craft activity with resident craftsperson Sandra McAllister. Celebrating creativity as we age, Bealtaine Festival 2018. EYCH event. Book now

Craft Club - Vessel Whispers Sat 12 May 11am & 12.30pm

Explore materials and techniques used in the work of Adi Tock on display in the Lasting Impressions exhibition with resident DCCoI education panel member Sandra McAllister. Children will create their own group installation in response, for exhibit at the NDCG. Includes Gallery Tour of selected work. FREE event, age 4 - 12yrs. Book now

Masterclasses - Mindfulness Repeat-Printing Yoga Thurs 17 May 12pm - 4pm €35

Experimental mindful, creative yoga printing session with Swedish born, master printer and yoga instructor Liz Nilsson. Participants will use their breath and body movements to develop repetition of lines and mark-making as inspiration to create repeat block prints. EYCH event. Book now

Masterclass - Clay Forms Thursday 17 May 11am - 4pm €35

Join Adam Buick for this special Masterclass Demonstration, at the DCCoI Ceramics Skills and Design Course Studio, Island Mill, Thomastown, Kilkenny. Adam will discuss materials, processes, and career trajectory followed by demonstrations on joining pots in sections, throwing large-scale, tips on working with porcelain and additions of materials into the clay body. EYCH event. Places are limited, book early to avoid disappointment. Book now

Late Date Talk - Intersections: Art and Conceptual Craft Thurs 17 May 6.30pm

Join us at the National Design and Craft Gallery for a late date talk with Lasting Impressions makers Liz Nilsson and Adam Buick, as they discuss  thematic installations and projects which involve collaborative or experimental  practices within their work.  EYCH event. Book now

National Drawing Day 2018 Sat 19 May 11am - 3pm 

Join us at the National Design & Craft Gallery and experience lots of FREE creative family fun and artistry this National Drawing Day. We have a wide range of workshops including bird drawing using felt with Sheila Jordan, foil techniques with jeweller Marie-Therese Walker, fabric silk screen printing with Sandra McAlister and a garden party with fun activities led by Carrie Lynam.

Craft and drawing drop-in workshops for all ages. 

See more here

Craft Club - Oasis Sculptures Sat 9 June 11am + 12.30pm

Focusing on Sculpture Helen O Connell’s work, children explore the possibilities of sculpture by carving into the malleable medium, oasis. Children will also be given the unique opportunity to handle a collector’s craft item at the National Design & Craft Gallery. Followed by a peer gallery tour of selected items by young local makers. Refreshments - Homemade lemonade with summer fruits. FREE event, age 4 - 12yrs. Book now

Masterclass, Storytelling Through Embroidary Thurs 28 June 2pm - 5pm €35

Join Art Historian and Storyteller Jean Ryan to explore selected work in our current exhibition Lasting Impressions. Participants will respond to the stories told about the exhibits through embroidery with Alexis Bernstorff. On completion of this practical workshop, the selected exhibits that inspired jean's stories will be revealed and participants will be joined by a Lasting Impressions maker for tea/coffee. EYCH event. Places are limited. Book now

Late Date Talk - Threads of Myth & Culture Thurs 28 June 6.30pm

Join Lasting Impressions maker Eleri Mills, Alexis Bernstorff art historian and textile conservator, and Dolores Gaffney Head of Collections of Kilkenny Castle, as they talk connections with mythic and cultural associations explored through stitch and woven tapestry. Learn about the processes and techniques used in Eleri’s work and the Ros tapestry. Explore the local history of Kilkenny Castle's newly restored woven tapestry artefacts and discover why they are of unique significant international status and appeal. EYCH event. Book now