Sarah McKenna in Bridge Street Studios with a vase from her 'Blossom Collection'
August Craft Month, a month-long celebration of local craft across the island of Ireland, launches with a host of exciting events taking place throughout Louth.
This year August Craft Month returns with a packed programme of over 300 events from more than 900 makers across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland including workshops, exhibitions, open studios and festivals to allow audiences to immerse themselves in local craft.
With 26 craft disciplines represented there is something for everyone, of all ages, and all levels of expertise to experience, support, make, see and buy stand-out local craft. August Craft Month celebrates craft traditions that are hundreds of years old, and the fresh, modern ways people across the island still use and share them today.
The packed programme of events allows everyone to immerse themselves in creative craft celebrations on their doorstep and hit the road on a craft inspired adventure or staycation. Led by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) and Craft NI, August Craft Month is also continuing its long-term collaboration with Cork Craft & Design.
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Local makers such as Sarah McKenna, Tracy Fry and Adriana Torres Escobedo will all be involved in the celebrations and events, to name a few. The programme provides unmissable opportunities to experience, participate in, support, buy and learn about the local stand-out craft sector. Here are just a few of the exciting events on offer in Louth:
Resin Art Demonstration with Tracy Fry
Live resin art demonstration hosted by Tracy on August 14. This hands-on session introduces participants to the fundamentals of working with resin, including essential health and safety practices, mixing techniques, and the use of colour additives such as mica powders and alcohol inks.
The demonstration will conclude with an interactive Q&A session, offering a chance to dive deeper into the process. Whether you’re new to resin or looking to refine your skills, this event is a unique opportunity to explore the creative and practical potential of this dynamic medium, while considering our relationship to place and environment.
Ceramic Masks Workshop
Immerse yourself in a creative and cultural Ceramic Mask Workshop led by Adriana y Julio of Gato Thor Ceramica. In this five-hour session, you’ll design your own mask using traditional Peruvian techniques inspired by the Moche and Nazca cultures—or follow your own freestyle vision. No experience needed!
Enjoy small breaks with delicious Peruvian finger foods from Fineperuvianpastries and create using special clay and hand-mixed ceramic slips. Your finished mask will be professionally dried, fired, glazed, and ready for collection in 3–4 weeks. All materials and tools are provided, plus a special gift from the studio.
Sarah McKenna Ceramics: 10 Years of Home Comforts – Exclusive Studio Showcase
Join ceramic artist Sarah McKenna as she celebrates the 10th anniversary of her beloved Home Comforts Collection. Throughout August Craft Month, Sarah will be opening her 250-year-old Dundalk studio to offer an exclusive insight into her creative process and the stories behind her cherished collection.
On Saturday 23 August, Sarah will host a special event that provides a deeper look at the inspiration for her work. The event will feature imprints of vintage wallpaper, letterpress text, and her signature house motif with a glossy red heart. This is a unique opportunity to see where the magic happens and discover how each handmade piece tells a story, marking meaningful moments for homes across Ireland and beyond.
Be among the first to witness the unveiling of exclusive new pieces created especially for this anniversary celebration. This is a perfect chance to acquire a unique piece of Irish design directly from the artist.
For the full island-wide programme and to get involved and show your support for your local craft sector visit www.augustcraftmonth.org.
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