From the Ground Up
The Transformation of Irish Clay
21 March 2026 to 21 July 2026
A Curated Showcase of Contemporary Irish Ceramics by Master Makers at the DCCI Gallery in Kilkenny and Mill Cove Gallery, Kenmare
This exhibition title evokes transformation, mastery, and the deeply rooted creative spirit of Irish ceramic practice. It reflects the profound connection between fire, earth, and artistic intent—and invites audiences to discover the poetic, expressive, and technical power of clay in Irish hands.
From the Ground Up: The Transformation of Irish Clay is a landmark exhibition at the National Design & Craft Gallery, curated by John Goode, Chair of Irish Ceramics and founder of Mill Cove Gallery, this exhibition will present an outstanding collection of contemporary Irish ceramics, from intimate wall-based works to larger sculptural pieces, showcasing both individual mastery and collective innovation.
It also responds to a key cultural need: the preservation and celebration of craft skills that are in danger of being lost. Through high-quality artworks, short documentary films, and live demonstrations, From the Ground Up captures the tactile poetry of making and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge that sustains Irish craft culture.
Blue Space Geographies
MTU Library Tralee, Co. Kerry
May 2025
Through kayak-based explorations of the Co. Cork coastline, I venture into hidden, often overlooked littoral spaces. These journeys—both physical and conceptual—deepen my relationship with the coastline and prompt reflection on eco-stewardship and our shared responsibility toward fragile environments.
My practice is rooted in applied material research. I collect found materials—clay sediments, sea-altered debris, mineral fragments—during these expeditions, later cleaning, testing, and transforming them through ceramic processes. This forms what I call a claytography of the Cork coastline: tactile notations of time, place, and transformation, offering an alternative cartography of our west coast blue spaces.
This approach draws conceptual support from research into therapeutic landscapes, particularly the idea of healthy blue space (Foley & Kistemann, 2015), where water-centred environments enable wellbeing. Framed through emotional and relational geographies and the theory of salutogenesis, this research resonates strongly with my own experience of engaging the coastline through art-making.
Themes of embodiment, inter-subjectivity, activity, and meaning are central to my process. Kayaking becomes an embodied method of research and collaboration with the sea, rather than mere observation. Each ceramic piece holds both material and emotional imprints of these interactions.
Through these works, I aim to make visible the ongoing dialogue between land and sea—erosion, renewal, and deep time continuity—connecting audiences to the emotional, ecological, and health-enabling values of our vulnerable blue spaces.
COMMITMENT
MTU Library, North Campus, Tralee, Co. Kerry
COMMITMENT is the third exhibition presented by the Technical Officers of Crawford College of Art & Design, Cork.
This exhibition showcases the work of the college’s Technical staff, spanning a broad range of materials, ideas, and techniques — from traditional craft to contemporary innovation. It reflects their individual artistic ideals and the expertise they practice daily, both within the college environment and in their personal studios. Through a compelling display of skill and creativity, it is clear that these artists are deeply committed to art education, and to enriching the vibrant cultural and visual arts community in which they live, work, and continually contribute.
Committed
Committed Exhibition
Exhibition from technical staff of MTU Crawford College of Art and Design - September 2024
For more information visit: https://crawford.mtu.ie
Fired Up!
Fired Up!
Sunday 11th August 3pm-5pm
Opening by Liz McManus
Runs until Sunday, 25th August.
Isobel Egan, Sinead Fagan, Jane Jermyn, Ann McBride, Marcus O’Mahony, Eileen Singleton, Kathleen Standen & Bernadette Tuite
Ilias Christopoulos, Mirka Drapaniotou, Manos Kalamenios,Haroula Koropouli, Iosifina Kosma, Ifigenia Tsirou, & Giorgos Vavatsi
Following their presentation at St Carthage Cathedral in Lismore, Ireland in May-June 2024 and Loggos, Paxos in July 2024, these eight prominent Irish ceramicists will be exhibiting in the company of their Greek colleagues here in The Courthouse Arts Centre.
The project for these three exhibitions - bringing together contemporary Greek and Irish ceramicists in a dynamic creative dialogue - was initiated last summer in an exhibition held in Paxos for the fifth edition of the annual Irish festival of Paxos – Irish Wings, 2023: “Irish and Greek Ceramic Art in Paxos” (Old Schoolhouse, Loggos, 14 July – 8 August 2023). Since 2017 the Irish Wings festival, under the direction of Kathryn Baird, has brought important Irish contemporary musicians, poets, writers and artists to Paxos in events and exhibitions attended every year by an enthusiastic international audience and by the Irish Ambassador to Greece.
This is a unique opportunity to discover the variety in form, texture, colour, technique and expressitivity of contemporary Irish and Greek ceramics.
Exhibition curated by Chris Boïcos and Jane Jermyn.
Exhibition Opening Hours
Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sundays 12pm - 4pm
Past Present - Future Perfect
The exhibition showcases the talent and dedication of local GANS members who have contributed to the vibrant craft community in Cork. From traditional techniques to modern innovations, the pieces on display will reflect the diversity and skill of the region’s makers. Each item tells a story – of the materials used, the process involved, and the artist’s vision.
“Past, Present – Future, Perfect” will showcase a diverse range of traditional and contemporary skillsets across various mediums and disciplines.
The traditional skillsets on display include intricate hand stitching, woodturning, pottery, and traditional weaving techniques and more. These time-honoured practices have been passed down through generations and continue to be celebrated for their craftsmanship and attention to detail. In contrast, the exhibition also features contemporary skillsets that push the boundaries of traditional techniques and materials. These include contemporary furniture design, silversmithing, laser cutting, and experimental sculpture. These contemporary makers are exploring new ways of creating and expressing themselves, often incorporating technology and unconventional materials into their work to amalgamate traditional and contemporary craft techniques.
Overall, this exhibition aims to highlight the rich diversity of skills and talents within our maker community, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation to create a dynamic and engaging showcase of creativity made locally.
Lavit Gallery Summer Show
Summer Exhibition 2024
11 July – 22 August, 2022
Opening reception Thursday 11 July 5.30-7.30pm
The Summer Exhibition at Lavit Gallery is an annual group show featuring painting, print, photography, sculpture and craft at a variety of price points.
Exhibiting artists and makers include Lone Beiter, Cormac Boydell, Aidan Crotty, Sally Cush, Debbie Dawson, Wendy Dison, Ita Freeney, David Goldberg, Sonja Guenther, Etain Hickey, Hina Khan, Dorothy Ledwith, Siobhan Leonard, Roseanne Lynch, David Magee, Nuala O’ Donovan, Emma O’Hara, Mandy Parslow, Victor Richardson, Eileen Singleton, Dorothy Smith, Bernadette Tuite, Amna Walyat, Grainne Watts, ZAM.ROD.
Irish Wings
Fired Up ! A Celebration of Irish & Greek Ceramics
Paxos from 5 July to 18 August 2024
Eight prominent Irish ceramicists - Isobel Egan, Sinead Fagan, Jane Jermyn, Ann McBride, Marcus O’Mahony, Eileen Singleton, Kathleen Standen & Bernadette Tuite
Old Schoolhouse, Loggos, Paxos Following their presentation at St Carthage Cathedral in Lismore, Ireland in May-June 2024, exhibiting in the company of their Greek colleagues
Ilias Christopoulos, Mirka Drapaniotou, Manos Kalamenios, Haroula Koropouli, Iosifina Kosma, Ifigenia Tsirou, Giorgos Vavatsis
The same artists will also be exhibiting at the Courthouse Arts Centre in Tinahely, Ireland in August 2024. The project for these three exhibitions - bringing together contemporary Greek and Irish ceramicists in a dynamic creative dialogue - was initiated last summer in an exhibition held in Paxos for the fifth edition of the annual Irish festival of Paxos – Irish Wings, 2023 and Greek Ceramic Art in Paxos” (Old Schoolhouse, Loggos, 14 July – 8 August 2023). Since 2017 the Irish Wings festival, under the direction of Kathryn Baird, has brought important contemporary musicians, poets, writers and artists to Paxos in events and exhibitions attended every year by an enthusiastic international audience and by the Irish Ambassador.
Fired Up
I'm delighted to be exhibiting with much admired fellow Irish ceramicist and Greek artists in St Carthages Cathedral, Lismore, Co.Waterford on May 25th.
Opening Reception at 4.30pm.
All Welcome.
Exhibition open daily until June 22nd.
Irish Artists
@omahony_marcus @isobel_egan @sinead_fagan_sineceramics @janejermyn @annmcbrideceramicdesign @eileensingleton8 @kathleen.standen.7
Greek Artists
@ilias.christopoulos.ceramist @mirkadrapaniotou @haroulakoropouli @isofinakosma @ifigeniats @_giorgos.vavatsis_