Contributing Artists
Tom Agnew
Tom studied at The College of Art (Belfast) from 1968-74 during which time he completed a degree, post graduate studies and teacher training. In the summer of 1974 Tom moved to Derry and trained as a production thrower with a Swedish company for 18 months. With this invaluable experience Tom set up Mill Pottery in 1976. The next 20 years saw him running a small but successful commercial pottery specialising in high fired functional stoneware which retailed through the best shops and galleries throughout the island of Ireland and into the UK and USA. In the mid-90s Tom work took a new route. With the awarding of an individual artists grant from the Arts Council Tom was able to put creativity and experimentation at the heart of his practice. He has recently been selected to produce a series of large tile panels for the Creggan Estate in Derry funded by the N.Ireland Art Council. Tom is 1 of 12 artists recently selected by Craft NI to have a video feature on their new craft map web site.
Neil Read
In 1976 Neil graduated from Edinburgh College of Art with a distinction Postgraduate Diploma in Design and Crafts. In 1987, he was appointed Head of Department Ceramics Glass and Metals, National College of Art and Design, Dublin, a position he held until 2010. Read has exhibited extensively, most recently the `Bricks in the Rain` show Farmleigh Gallery, Dublin. In 2011 he exhibited at the Fule International Ceramic Art Museum, Fuping, China where he was also selected for a 4-week residency, and in 2010 Neil was selected to exhibit work at The National Porcelain Museum, Jingdezhen, China. Read’s work can be found in numerous public collections including The Irish Museum Collection, FLICAM, Fuping, China, The National Museum of Ireland, Dublin and The Paisley Museum and Art Gallery, Scotland. Other activities include Chairman of judges, The Golden Fleece Awards, Ireland 2013 and Chairman of judges RDS Craft Award, Dublin 2012.
Alex Scott
Ulster College of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art. Lecturer 1983-2011 lecturer at NCAD. From 1998 to present member of Institute of Designers in Ireland. Exhibited throughout Ireland, UK, Europe, China and Japan. Numerous representations in Biennale Internationale de Ceramique Contemporaire and the International Biennale of Ceramic Art, Brussels, International Ceramics Festival, Mino, Japan. Work is held in The Ulster Museum, Belfast.
Adam Frew
Ceramicist Adam Frew is a graduate of the University of Ulster 2000-2004 and has worked with internationally renowned potters including Judy Makela in Finland, 2003, and Lisa Hammond in Greenwich, London, 2006. In 2008 Adam completed a 2 year placement at the Flowerfield Arts Centre, Coleraine N. Ireland. He remains at the centre where he continues to develop his profession. Adam`s solo exhibitions include 2012 Aberstwyth Arts Centre,Wales. His work has been represented at numerous group exhibitions which include Mungyeong Chasabal Festival, South Korea, 2012; The Gallery Uggerby, Denmark, 2011 and Bonhogn Gallery Shetland 2010. Frew’s commissions include the Law Society House, Belfast 2009, and his work is held at several collections including University of Ulster and the Mungyeong Ceramic Museum, South Korea.
Peter Meanley
Upon graduating from the Royal College of Art, London over 50 years ago Peter has established himself as one of N. Ireland`s foremost ceramicists. He has a DPhil in salt glazing and was Head of Ceramics at the University of Ulster for 30 years. His work is represented in a wide range of international collections and museums across Ireland, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Spain. Meanley has exhibited extensively: 2011 Ceramic Design from 1860, Bonhams, London; and 2010 `Teapotters` Craft in the Bay Gallery, Cardiff. Peter has been awarded several commissions by Auckland Museum, New Zealand, the British Council and the International Museum of Ceramic Art, Teranco, Italy. His featured publications include `The Ceramics Book: A-Z Guide to 300 Ceramic Artists’ Emmanual Cooper 2006, and ‘BBC2 Priceless Antiques Roadshow 2009’.
Gail Mahon
Gail graduated in Contemporary Crafts at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2001. She was a winner in Excellence at the British Trade Craft Fair 2007 and RDS National Crafts Competition 2006 Purchase Prize. In 2006 Gail began a 2 year residency at the North West Regional College Derry, N. Ireland and has been employed by the college as a part time lecturer in Arts and Crafts ever since. Gail has been represented at numerous exhibitions .In 2012, solo exhibition `Elemental Twitch` Spacecraft Belfast. Group exhibitions include `Things that Fall in Between` Mak9, R-Space Lisburn, N.Ireland, and ICMEA International Emerging Ceramic Artist Competition, Fuping, China. Commissions include Waterside Theatre, Derry and her work is in held at collections with the Crafts Council of Ireland and ICMEA , Fuping, China.
Peter Fulop
Peter Fulop trained at the School of Ceramic Studies, Hodmezovasarhely, Hungary. In 2012 he completed an apprenticeship with Prof. Koie Ryoji, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. He has been awarded several Artist in Residencies including Mungyeong Zen Monastry, Ceramic Studio, 3month residency, Korea 2011. Peter’s work is held in several permanent collections: Ulster Museum, Belfast, the Shigaraki Ceramics Cultural Park, Japan and IWCAT Collection Tokoname, Japan. Peter has had numerous solo exhibitions which include the 2012 `Vessel` at the Gallery Zozimus, Dublin and the 2010 `One Man Show` Tea House Gallery Mungyeong, Korea. Peter has participated in several group shows in Ireland, the UK and the Far East and is currently represented at the `I Am of Ireland` show, Chelsea Arts Club, London. In 2013 he was invited to lecture at the Kathmandu University, Nepal. His work is featured in several publications which include `Hands On: The Art of Crafting in Ireland` Liberty Press, Ireland and `Best of Worldwide Sculpture` Kennedy Publishing,USA.
Scott Benefield
Scott Benefield studied art at the Philips Academy Washington, finishing in 1974. He went on to complete an MFA in Ohio State University in 1990 and took further studies at the Pilchuck Glass School between 1992-1996. He is currently based in N. Ireland. Scott’s work is held in many international collections: Museum of American Glass, New Jersey, USA, Himitsa Collection, London, UK. A solo exhibition of his work is currently being held at the Custom House Gallery, Westport, Co. Mayo. In 2012 he was represented in the exhibition: 50 years of American Studio Glass, Kentucky Museum of Arts and Crafts, Louisville, USA. In 2011 Scott was awarded an honorary lifetime membership to the Glass Art Society.
Dr Caroline Madden
MFA, Massachusetts College of Art, Boston. Professor of Art, Jacksonville University 1992-2007, Co-founder and Director Glass Institute of the Southeast 1997-2000, Visiting Assistant Professor of Art, School for American Craft, RIT 2001-02. Represented in collections at the National Museum, Ireland and the Ulster Museum, Belfast.
Peadar Lamb
Education: NCAD and Brierly Hill Glass Centre, Birmingham. Involved in numerous group and solo exhibitions including Museum of Modern Art, Philadelphia, Bernholms Kunstmuseum, Denmark, National Craft Gallery Kilkenny and Fujita Vente, Tokyo, Japan. Received commissions in percent for Art Scheme in Waterford and Dublin among others. Work is held in many public collections including National Museum of Ireland, Office of Public Works, Portugal and numerous private collections.
Alva Gallagher
Studied NCAD and was awarded the first Irish Partner Scholarship at the Pilchuck Glass Studios, Seattle. 2008 winner of Business 2 Art Awards. Involved in numerous exhibitions including 2012 Sculpture Biennale, Copenhagen, Saatchi Gallery. One of 14 international artists selected to exhibit in London Underground, Below Art, and in 2009 One of 16 artists selected for Pillar of Art , London and Toyko. Work is held in numerous collections public and private in Sydney, London, Dublin, Holland. Featured in Irish Arts Review and Home Interiors and Living magazine.
James Toal
BA (Hons), Glass, National College of Art and Design, Ireland, 2005His exhibitions include Work-in-progress Show, Royal College of Art, London, 2008; Man Group Drawing Competition, Royal College of Art, London, 2008He received the R.J. Washington Award, 2009; Third Prize, Man Group Drawing Competition, 2008
Charlene McFarland
Diploma Art and Design, Limavady, NI; BDes (Hons) Craft Design/Glass, NCAD. Exhibitions in Galerii Pink, Tallinn, Estonia, Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, Traver Gallery, Tacoma, Washington. Her work is featured in Craft + Design, ‘Current and contemporary Irish Glass’, Jan/Feb issue.
Stuart Cairns
After previously completing a degree in Economics and working as a landscape gardener Stuart returned to college to study Silversmithing and Jewellery in the University of Ulster, graduating in 2000 with a first class Honours degree. On leaving, he won the BT Millennium Award of Art and Design and the RUA President's Prize and went on to set up his workshop.
In 2004 he returned to college completing his Masters degree in 2006, winning the Association of British Designer Silversmith’s award for new work in silver at the New Designers fair in London. Stuart`s work has been purchased by the University of Ulster and is held in the permanent collection at the Ulster Museum. In 2011 he was represented at the Linen Diaspora 4th Biennale Internationale du Lin de Portneuf at Chevrotere Mill, Quebec.
Rachel McKnight
BA (Hons) Fine and Applied Art, University of Ulster, Belfast. Involved in numerous group exhibitions including ‘21st Century Icons’ Toured Ireland, Europe , USA in 2011/12. ‘Suspend ed in Pink’ Birmingham School of Jewellery, 2013, Solo Exhibition, Galerie Caractere, Switzerland. Participated in a number of trade and retail fairs including SOFA, Chicago, Origin, London, Showcase, Dublin. Her work is held in collections including the University of Ulster, National Museum of Ireland.
Eily O’Connell
After completing a BDes in metals at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin graduating in 2008 Eily set up in self-employment working from `Project 51` collective, South William Street, Dublin. In 2011 Eily was awarded Most Innovative in Show 1st Prize for Precious Jewellery at the RDS National Craft Fair, Dublin. Eily`s work is represented at several on-going exhibitions: Jewellery Show `Gill Wing` Gallery, London and `Design Collection` Roger Billcliffe Gallery, Glasgow.
Sabrina Meynes
Sabrina is early in her career, having graduated from The National College of Art and Design, (NCAD) Dublin with a first class honours degree in Craft Design in 2008. Since then she has co-established Workhouse Studios, a new craft collective dedicated to promoting fresh design-led craft in Co. Waterford. In 2010 Sabrina was awarded Future Maker Grant by the Crafts Council of Ireland. Sabrina`s work has been represented at numerous international exhibitions and fairs. In 2012 her work represented the Hedone Gallery, USA at Sofa, Chicago. Earlier in the year Sabrina was represented in the exhibition` Faszination Papier` which toured from Le Vigan Gard Gallery , France to Pflegeschloss, Germany. Sabrina was also represented at the `21st Century Icons` exhibition at Galway City Museum 2012.
Justyna Truchanowska
Justyna is early in her career, having graduated from The National College of Art and Design with 1st degree Hons BDes in Craft Design Metals in 2009. At the RDS Graduate Show of that year Justyna was awarded 1st prize in Jewellery category and 1st Prize in Felting category. Since then Justyna`s work has been represented at numerous exhibitions: in 2011 selected for the `Seoid 11` exhibition which took place in the Pieces of Eight Warehouse Gallery, Melboure, Austrailia. Justyna`s work was also represented in the `21st Century Icons` exhibition , National Crafts Gallery, Kilkenny, Ireland 2011 and at Design Craft at the Mall, London, UK 2012. In 2012 Justyna was awarded the Polly Weiss Color Prize with the Society of Designer Craftsmen, London.
Cara Murphy
MA Royal College of Art, Associate Lecturer in Silversmithing and Jewellery, University of Ulster, Belfast, Selected Member British Silversmiths. Numerous awards including RDS Award of Excellence and California Gold Medal and several Individual Artist’s awards from Arts Council of N. Ireland.
Commissions/Collections include: The Silver Trust Collection at Downing Street; Arts Council of Northern Ireland, National Museum of Ireland, Irish Embassy Collection.
Angela O’Kelly
BA and postgraduate diploma in Design and Applied Arts from Edinburgh College of Art. MA Arts Management and Cultural Policy, UCD, Kelly is currently lecturer in jewellery at NCAD. She has exhibited her work extensively in Ireland and abroad including curated exhibitions in Inhorgenta, Munich. The National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny, The Hunt Museum, Limerick. Her work has appeared in group exhibitions at The Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool; SOFA, Chicago, Origin, London. O’Kelly’s work held by the National Museum of Ireland, Office of Public Works, Dublin, Royal Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, among other locations.
Grainne Morton
Education: Edinburgh College of Art. Numerous group and solo exhibitions including Collect at Saatchi Gallery, Devon Guild of Craftsmen Bovey Tracey, touring exhibitions in UK, Europe, China, Shortlisted for the Jerwood Applied Arts Award 2007. Commissions include: Montreal Museum of Fine Art, National Museum of Scotland, Ulster Museum, Crafts Council, London. Retail outlets include Barney’s New York and Tokyo, Liberties of London.
Nigel Cheney
After gaining a first class B.A Textiles, with Commendation in Art History, in 1990, Nigel Cheney graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 1991 with an MA Textiles. He has held the position of Lecturer in Embroidered Textiles at NCAD since 1993. He has been the Republic of Ireland Selector for the Lódz Tapestry Triennale, Poland, since 2000. Professional duties have included being an External Examiner for the B.A. Textile Design, Bradford College 2002-2004. He is an expert in Industrial Multi-Head embroidery and has worked with several companies in Ireland and the UK. On-going projects included: Goldilocks and the 2 Bears- Developing a proposal for a 3 person show involving a textile sculptor and a ceramic artist. This focuses on reinterpreting aspects of the children’s story. Not worth the paper it’s printed on - exploring found imagery from old bank notes and documents as pattern and imagery for large scale textile works. Dark entries – documenting figurative carvings, and mouldings as architectural details found on entrance. Nigel’s current research involves textiles as narrative/metaphor; using multi-disciplinary process to create discourse with relation to esoteric topics.
Helen McAllister
McAllister has an MA in Embroidered Textiles and a PhD in Practice-Based Design from NCAD. She is currently head of textiles at NCAD. Her exhibitions include Dalkey, Dublin; CCOI AnPost Stamp exhibition. She has a number of publications to her credit including: 2009 “Art of Research”, University of Art & Design, Helsinki (Published Online) 2009 “Communicating (by) Design”, Sint-Lucas, Brussels (Published) 2008 “Love Objects: Engaging Material Culture”, Design Research Group, NCAD to name a few.
Tara Ni Nuallain
Ni Nuallain has participated in exhibitions throughout Ireland including in Sculpture in Context, National Botanic Gardens, Dublin; the RDS winners travelling exhibition; the Filament Group exhibition at the Knitting and Stitching Show, RDS and the Graffon Gallery, Co. Down. She has conducted workshops with the Embroiders Guild and demonstrations for Source exhibition of Contemporary Craft.
Liz Nilsson
BA in Textile Design from the Swedish School of Textiles and Grays School of Art, Aberdeen and an MA from Goldsmiths College, London. Nilsson has had many exhibitions of her work in Ireland including at the National Craft Gallery, Botanic Gardens, Dublin; and the Lavitt Gallery, Cork. International exhibitions include Chevrotere Mill, Quebec, Canada; Kentucky Museum of Art, USA, Central Museum of Textiles, Lodz, Poland. Nilsson has created a number of public commissions including those for The Gibson Hotel, Patrick Pearse Museum, Dublin; Church of the Holy Redeemer, Dundalk. Her work is held in public collections in Ireland and Sweden.
Caroline Schofield
Schofield’s work has been selected for a number of exhibitions including ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ Nouart Gallery, Beijing; ‘Seascapes’ textile CCOI exhibition touring Ireland; as part of Filament Group exhibition at the RDS Knitting and Stitching Show. Her work has been commissioned by OPW for the Kilkenny Courthouse and she has won First place in felting in the National Crafts Competition, RDS and was short-listed for the Golden Fleece Award.
Logan McLain
McLain completed a BA in Art and Design Education at NCAD and then a MA in Textiles.
Brigitta Varadi
BA Teacher Training College, Zsunbek, Hungary. 2002-05 Artist in Context, Sligo Arts and Community Partnership Programme. Lecturer, Hamina School, Finland and at ‘Felt Conference’ Istanbul, Turkey. Solo exhibitions include, Silver River Gallery, Carrick on Shannon, Ireland; Sunnuntai aamu site specific installation in Kultturrikauppila, Finland. She has participated in numerous group exhibitions in Ireland, USA, Italy, Turkey, Sweden and Scotland. Her work is held in Collections including Office of Public Works, Dublin, and the Craft Council of Ireland.
Liam Flynn
Wood-turner, Liam Flynn has won numerous awards such as several firsts at the RDS National Craft Competition and a Gold Medal for his work in 1996. He has exhibited throughout the Ireland and the UK in group and solo exhibitions and in the USA at SOFA, Chicago, and with the del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles, the Woodturning Center, Philadelphia to name a few. His work is held in many Public Collections including the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, Victoria and Albert Museum, National Museum of Ireland, Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, Crafts Council of Ireland.
Joe Hogan
Hogan has been involved in basket-making for over 30 years taking baskets from a traditional craft form into a contemporary collector’s piece. He has participated in many international exhibitions including those at the National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny, SOFA, Chicago, Bluecoat Gallery, Liverpool, Handswerkforum, Hanover, Germany, and The Hunt Museum, Limerick. Hogan is the recipient of many awards including several firsts at the RDS National Craft Competition. His work is held in the National Museum of Ireland and the Pinolere Baskets of the World Collection, Canary Islands as well as numerous private collections.
Seliena Coyle
Coyle studied Jewellery and Silversmithing at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art (Dundee University), graduating with a BDes (Hons) in 1993. She went on to complete a MFA in Jewellery and Silversmithing at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, graduating with Honors in 1998.
She has complemented her academic studies with two training programmes delivered by the Crafts Council of Ireland; the Jewellery Design and Production Skills Courses in 1994 and the Craft and Design Business Development Programme in 2000.
Coyle has lectured full-time at several institutions including Indiana University, Savannah College of Art and Design (2003-2006) and most recently as Head Lecturer of the Metals Area at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin(2007-2009). She is currently External Examiner for the Design for Industry Degree pro-gramme at Birmingham School of Jewellery (2009 – present).
Coyle’s work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally including; Forty Shades of Green, Dubh, Ornament and the upcoming jewellery exhibition Adorn.
Deirdre O Callaghan
Foundation in Art & Design 1991 University of Ulster, Belfast Graduated 1994 BA (Hons) Ceramics and Glass, Brunnel university, Buckinghamshire. Pottery Skills Course, Crafts Council of Ireland, Kilkenny 1997. Worked as a production thrower at Michael Kennedy Ceramics, Galway for 3 years before setting up own pottery studio, Docpot, in home town Derry in 2001. More recently help set up Derry’s 1st collective craft shop in Derry’s Craft Village. ( August 2012 ) Elected chairperson of Craft Connect (newly formed organisation to help grow a strong craft and design sector in the Northwest of Ireland).
Suzanne Woods
Education: BA with distinction, University of Southern Illinois, graduating with a BA in 1986; MA in modern art history at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduating with highest honours in 1991. Woods lectured in art history at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, the University of Indianapolis, and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, curator Carlsten Art Gallery. visual arts officer, then acting director of the Model Arts and Niland Gallery, Sligo until 2005. Woods began her own textile studio, ArrooDesigns, in 2005. She was featured in RTE’s Nationwide programme and images of her work have appeared in print including in The Irish Times, Sunday Times, and various interiors publications. Exhibitions include Leitrim Design House, National Craft Exhibition, RDS. She has received CCOI Travel Award, CraftNI export grant.
Tom studied at The College of Art (Belfast) from 1968-74 during which time he completed a degree, post graduate studies and teacher training. In the summer of 1974 Tom moved to Derry and trained as a production thrower with a Swedish company for 18 months. With this invaluable experience Tom set up Mill Pottery in 1976. The next 20 years saw him running a small but successful commercial pottery specialising in high fired functional stoneware which retailed through the best shops and galleries throughout the island of Ireland and into the UK and USA. In the mid-90s Tom work took a new route. With the awarding of an individual artists grant from the Arts Council Tom was able to put creativity and experimentation at the heart of his practice. He has recently been selected to produce a series of large tile panels for the Creggan Estate in Derry funded by the N.Ireland Art Council. Tom is 1 of 12 artists recently selected by Craft NI to have a video feature on their new craft map web site.
Neil Read
In 1976 Neil graduated from Edinburgh College of Art with a distinction Postgraduate Diploma in Design and Crafts. In 1987, he was appointed Head of Department Ceramics Glass and Metals, National College of Art and Design, Dublin, a position he held until 2010. Read has exhibited extensively, most recently the `Bricks in the Rain` show Farmleigh Gallery, Dublin. In 2011 he exhibited at the Fule International Ceramic Art Museum, Fuping, China where he was also selected for a 4-week residency, and in 2010 Neil was selected to exhibit work at The National Porcelain Museum, Jingdezhen, China. Read’s work can be found in numerous public collections including The Irish Museum Collection, FLICAM, Fuping, China, The National Museum of Ireland, Dublin and The Paisley Museum and Art Gallery, Scotland. Other activities include Chairman of judges, The Golden Fleece Awards, Ireland 2013 and Chairman of judges RDS Craft Award, Dublin 2012.
Alex Scott
Ulster College of Art and Design and the Royal College of Art. Lecturer 1983-2011 lecturer at NCAD. From 1998 to present member of Institute of Designers in Ireland. Exhibited throughout Ireland, UK, Europe, China and Japan. Numerous representations in Biennale Internationale de Ceramique Contemporaire and the International Biennale of Ceramic Art, Brussels, International Ceramics Festival, Mino, Japan. Work is held in The Ulster Museum, Belfast.
Adam Frew
Ceramicist Adam Frew is a graduate of the University of Ulster 2000-2004 and has worked with internationally renowned potters including Judy Makela in Finland, 2003, and Lisa Hammond in Greenwich, London, 2006. In 2008 Adam completed a 2 year placement at the Flowerfield Arts Centre, Coleraine N. Ireland. He remains at the centre where he continues to develop his profession. Adam`s solo exhibitions include 2012 Aberstwyth Arts Centre,Wales. His work has been represented at numerous group exhibitions which include Mungyeong Chasabal Festival, South Korea, 2012; The Gallery Uggerby, Denmark, 2011 and Bonhogn Gallery Shetland 2010. Frew’s commissions include the Law Society House, Belfast 2009, and his work is held at several collections including University of Ulster and the Mungyeong Ceramic Museum, South Korea.
Peter Meanley
Upon graduating from the Royal College of Art, London over 50 years ago Peter has established himself as one of N. Ireland`s foremost ceramicists. He has a DPhil in salt glazing and was Head of Ceramics at the University of Ulster for 30 years. His work is represented in a wide range of international collections and museums across Ireland, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and Spain. Meanley has exhibited extensively: 2011 Ceramic Design from 1860, Bonhams, London; and 2010 `Teapotters` Craft in the Bay Gallery, Cardiff. Peter has been awarded several commissions by Auckland Museum, New Zealand, the British Council and the International Museum of Ceramic Art, Teranco, Italy. His featured publications include `The Ceramics Book: A-Z Guide to 300 Ceramic Artists’ Emmanual Cooper 2006, and ‘BBC2 Priceless Antiques Roadshow 2009’.
Gail Mahon
Gail graduated in Contemporary Crafts at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2001. She was a winner in Excellence at the British Trade Craft Fair 2007 and RDS National Crafts Competition 2006 Purchase Prize. In 2006 Gail began a 2 year residency at the North West Regional College Derry, N. Ireland and has been employed by the college as a part time lecturer in Arts and Crafts ever since. Gail has been represented at numerous exhibitions .In 2012, solo exhibition `Elemental Twitch` Spacecraft Belfast. Group exhibitions include `Things that Fall in Between` Mak9, R-Space Lisburn, N.Ireland, and ICMEA International Emerging Ceramic Artist Competition, Fuping, China. Commissions include Waterside Theatre, Derry and her work is in held at collections with the Crafts Council of Ireland and ICMEA , Fuping, China.
Peter Fulop
Peter Fulop trained at the School of Ceramic Studies, Hodmezovasarhely, Hungary. In 2012 he completed an apprenticeship with Prof. Koie Ryoji, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. He has been awarded several Artist in Residencies including Mungyeong Zen Monastry, Ceramic Studio, 3month residency, Korea 2011. Peter’s work is held in several permanent collections: Ulster Museum, Belfast, the Shigaraki Ceramics Cultural Park, Japan and IWCAT Collection Tokoname, Japan. Peter has had numerous solo exhibitions which include the 2012 `Vessel` at the Gallery Zozimus, Dublin and the 2010 `One Man Show` Tea House Gallery Mungyeong, Korea. Peter has participated in several group shows in Ireland, the UK and the Far East and is currently represented at the `I Am of Ireland` show, Chelsea Arts Club, London. In 2013 he was invited to lecture at the Kathmandu University, Nepal. His work is featured in several publications which include `Hands On: The Art of Crafting in Ireland` Liberty Press, Ireland and `Best of Worldwide Sculpture` Kennedy Publishing,USA.
Scott Benefield
Scott Benefield studied art at the Philips Academy Washington, finishing in 1974. He went on to complete an MFA in Ohio State University in 1990 and took further studies at the Pilchuck Glass School between 1992-1996. He is currently based in N. Ireland. Scott’s work is held in many international collections: Museum of American Glass, New Jersey, USA, Himitsa Collection, London, UK. A solo exhibition of his work is currently being held at the Custom House Gallery, Westport, Co. Mayo. In 2012 he was represented in the exhibition: 50 years of American Studio Glass, Kentucky Museum of Arts and Crafts, Louisville, USA. In 2011 Scott was awarded an honorary lifetime membership to the Glass Art Society.
Dr Caroline Madden
MFA, Massachusetts College of Art, Boston. Professor of Art, Jacksonville University 1992-2007, Co-founder and Director Glass Institute of the Southeast 1997-2000, Visiting Assistant Professor of Art, School for American Craft, RIT 2001-02. Represented in collections at the National Museum, Ireland and the Ulster Museum, Belfast.
Peadar Lamb
Education: NCAD and Brierly Hill Glass Centre, Birmingham. Involved in numerous group and solo exhibitions including Museum of Modern Art, Philadelphia, Bernholms Kunstmuseum, Denmark, National Craft Gallery Kilkenny and Fujita Vente, Tokyo, Japan. Received commissions in percent for Art Scheme in Waterford and Dublin among others. Work is held in many public collections including National Museum of Ireland, Office of Public Works, Portugal and numerous private collections.
Alva Gallagher
Studied NCAD and was awarded the first Irish Partner Scholarship at the Pilchuck Glass Studios, Seattle. 2008 winner of Business 2 Art Awards. Involved in numerous exhibitions including 2012 Sculpture Biennale, Copenhagen, Saatchi Gallery. One of 14 international artists selected to exhibit in London Underground, Below Art, and in 2009 One of 16 artists selected for Pillar of Art , London and Toyko. Work is held in numerous collections public and private in Sydney, London, Dublin, Holland. Featured in Irish Arts Review and Home Interiors and Living magazine.
James Toal
BA (Hons), Glass, National College of Art and Design, Ireland, 2005His exhibitions include Work-in-progress Show, Royal College of Art, London, 2008; Man Group Drawing Competition, Royal College of Art, London, 2008He received the R.J. Washington Award, 2009; Third Prize, Man Group Drawing Competition, 2008
Charlene McFarland
Diploma Art and Design, Limavady, NI; BDes (Hons) Craft Design/Glass, NCAD. Exhibitions in Galerii Pink, Tallinn, Estonia, Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, Traver Gallery, Tacoma, Washington. Her work is featured in Craft + Design, ‘Current and contemporary Irish Glass’, Jan/Feb issue.
Stuart Cairns
After previously completing a degree in Economics and working as a landscape gardener Stuart returned to college to study Silversmithing and Jewellery in the University of Ulster, graduating in 2000 with a first class Honours degree. On leaving, he won the BT Millennium Award of Art and Design and the RUA President's Prize and went on to set up his workshop.
In 2004 he returned to college completing his Masters degree in 2006, winning the Association of British Designer Silversmith’s award for new work in silver at the New Designers fair in London. Stuart`s work has been purchased by the University of Ulster and is held in the permanent collection at the Ulster Museum. In 2011 he was represented at the Linen Diaspora 4th Biennale Internationale du Lin de Portneuf at Chevrotere Mill, Quebec.
Rachel McKnight
BA (Hons) Fine and Applied Art, University of Ulster, Belfast. Involved in numerous group exhibitions including ‘21st Century Icons’ Toured Ireland, Europe , USA in 2011/12. ‘Suspend ed in Pink’ Birmingham School of Jewellery, 2013, Solo Exhibition, Galerie Caractere, Switzerland. Participated in a number of trade and retail fairs including SOFA, Chicago, Origin, London, Showcase, Dublin. Her work is held in collections including the University of Ulster, National Museum of Ireland.
Eily O’Connell
After completing a BDes in metals at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin graduating in 2008 Eily set up in self-employment working from `Project 51` collective, South William Street, Dublin. In 2011 Eily was awarded Most Innovative in Show 1st Prize for Precious Jewellery at the RDS National Craft Fair, Dublin. Eily`s work is represented at several on-going exhibitions: Jewellery Show `Gill Wing` Gallery, London and `Design Collection` Roger Billcliffe Gallery, Glasgow.
Sabrina Meynes
Sabrina is early in her career, having graduated from The National College of Art and Design, (NCAD) Dublin with a first class honours degree in Craft Design in 2008. Since then she has co-established Workhouse Studios, a new craft collective dedicated to promoting fresh design-led craft in Co. Waterford. In 2010 Sabrina was awarded Future Maker Grant by the Crafts Council of Ireland. Sabrina`s work has been represented at numerous international exhibitions and fairs. In 2012 her work represented the Hedone Gallery, USA at Sofa, Chicago. Earlier in the year Sabrina was represented in the exhibition` Faszination Papier` which toured from Le Vigan Gard Gallery , France to Pflegeschloss, Germany. Sabrina was also represented at the `21st Century Icons` exhibition at Galway City Museum 2012.
Justyna Truchanowska
Justyna is early in her career, having graduated from The National College of Art and Design with 1st degree Hons BDes in Craft Design Metals in 2009. At the RDS Graduate Show of that year Justyna was awarded 1st prize in Jewellery category and 1st Prize in Felting category. Since then Justyna`s work has been represented at numerous exhibitions: in 2011 selected for the `Seoid 11` exhibition which took place in the Pieces of Eight Warehouse Gallery, Melboure, Austrailia. Justyna`s work was also represented in the `21st Century Icons` exhibition , National Crafts Gallery, Kilkenny, Ireland 2011 and at Design Craft at the Mall, London, UK 2012. In 2012 Justyna was awarded the Polly Weiss Color Prize with the Society of Designer Craftsmen, London.
Cara Murphy
MA Royal College of Art, Associate Lecturer in Silversmithing and Jewellery, University of Ulster, Belfast, Selected Member British Silversmiths. Numerous awards including RDS Award of Excellence and California Gold Medal and several Individual Artist’s awards from Arts Council of N. Ireland.
Commissions/Collections include: The Silver Trust Collection at Downing Street; Arts Council of Northern Ireland, National Museum of Ireland, Irish Embassy Collection.
Angela O’Kelly
BA and postgraduate diploma in Design and Applied Arts from Edinburgh College of Art. MA Arts Management and Cultural Policy, UCD, Kelly is currently lecturer in jewellery at NCAD. She has exhibited her work extensively in Ireland and abroad including curated exhibitions in Inhorgenta, Munich. The National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny, The Hunt Museum, Limerick. Her work has appeared in group exhibitions at The Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool; SOFA, Chicago, Origin, London. O’Kelly’s work held by the National Museum of Ireland, Office of Public Works, Dublin, Royal Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, among other locations.
Grainne Morton
Education: Edinburgh College of Art. Numerous group and solo exhibitions including Collect at Saatchi Gallery, Devon Guild of Craftsmen Bovey Tracey, touring exhibitions in UK, Europe, China, Shortlisted for the Jerwood Applied Arts Award 2007. Commissions include: Montreal Museum of Fine Art, National Museum of Scotland, Ulster Museum, Crafts Council, London. Retail outlets include Barney’s New York and Tokyo, Liberties of London.
Nigel Cheney
After gaining a first class B.A Textiles, with Commendation in Art History, in 1990, Nigel Cheney graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in 1991 with an MA Textiles. He has held the position of Lecturer in Embroidered Textiles at NCAD since 1993. He has been the Republic of Ireland Selector for the Lódz Tapestry Triennale, Poland, since 2000. Professional duties have included being an External Examiner for the B.A. Textile Design, Bradford College 2002-2004. He is an expert in Industrial Multi-Head embroidery and has worked with several companies in Ireland and the UK. On-going projects included: Goldilocks and the 2 Bears- Developing a proposal for a 3 person show involving a textile sculptor and a ceramic artist. This focuses on reinterpreting aspects of the children’s story. Not worth the paper it’s printed on - exploring found imagery from old bank notes and documents as pattern and imagery for large scale textile works. Dark entries – documenting figurative carvings, and mouldings as architectural details found on entrance. Nigel’s current research involves textiles as narrative/metaphor; using multi-disciplinary process to create discourse with relation to esoteric topics.
Helen McAllister
McAllister has an MA in Embroidered Textiles and a PhD in Practice-Based Design from NCAD. She is currently head of textiles at NCAD. Her exhibitions include Dalkey, Dublin; CCOI AnPost Stamp exhibition. She has a number of publications to her credit including: 2009 “Art of Research”, University of Art & Design, Helsinki (Published Online) 2009 “Communicating (by) Design”, Sint-Lucas, Brussels (Published) 2008 “Love Objects: Engaging Material Culture”, Design Research Group, NCAD to name a few.
Tara Ni Nuallain
Ni Nuallain has participated in exhibitions throughout Ireland including in Sculpture in Context, National Botanic Gardens, Dublin; the RDS winners travelling exhibition; the Filament Group exhibition at the Knitting and Stitching Show, RDS and the Graffon Gallery, Co. Down. She has conducted workshops with the Embroiders Guild and demonstrations for Source exhibition of Contemporary Craft.
Liz Nilsson
BA in Textile Design from the Swedish School of Textiles and Grays School of Art, Aberdeen and an MA from Goldsmiths College, London. Nilsson has had many exhibitions of her work in Ireland including at the National Craft Gallery, Botanic Gardens, Dublin; and the Lavitt Gallery, Cork. International exhibitions include Chevrotere Mill, Quebec, Canada; Kentucky Museum of Art, USA, Central Museum of Textiles, Lodz, Poland. Nilsson has created a number of public commissions including those for The Gibson Hotel, Patrick Pearse Museum, Dublin; Church of the Holy Redeemer, Dundalk. Her work is held in public collections in Ireland and Sweden.
Caroline Schofield
Schofield’s work has been selected for a number of exhibitions including ‘A Tale of Two Cities’ Nouart Gallery, Beijing; ‘Seascapes’ textile CCOI exhibition touring Ireland; as part of Filament Group exhibition at the RDS Knitting and Stitching Show. Her work has been commissioned by OPW for the Kilkenny Courthouse and she has won First place in felting in the National Crafts Competition, RDS and was short-listed for the Golden Fleece Award.
Logan McLain
McLain completed a BA in Art and Design Education at NCAD and then a MA in Textiles.
Brigitta Varadi
BA Teacher Training College, Zsunbek, Hungary. 2002-05 Artist in Context, Sligo Arts and Community Partnership Programme. Lecturer, Hamina School, Finland and at ‘Felt Conference’ Istanbul, Turkey. Solo exhibitions include, Silver River Gallery, Carrick on Shannon, Ireland; Sunnuntai aamu site specific installation in Kultturrikauppila, Finland. She has participated in numerous group exhibitions in Ireland, USA, Italy, Turkey, Sweden and Scotland. Her work is held in Collections including Office of Public Works, Dublin, and the Craft Council of Ireland.
Liam Flynn
Wood-turner, Liam Flynn has won numerous awards such as several firsts at the RDS National Craft Competition and a Gold Medal for his work in 1996. He has exhibited throughout the Ireland and the UK in group and solo exhibitions and in the USA at SOFA, Chicago, and with the del Mano Gallery, Los Angeles, the Woodturning Center, Philadelphia to name a few. His work is held in many Public Collections including the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, Victoria and Albert Museum, National Museum of Ireland, Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, Crafts Council of Ireland.
Joe Hogan
Hogan has been involved in basket-making for over 30 years taking baskets from a traditional craft form into a contemporary collector’s piece. He has participated in many international exhibitions including those at the National Craft Gallery, Kilkenny, SOFA, Chicago, Bluecoat Gallery, Liverpool, Handswerkforum, Hanover, Germany, and The Hunt Museum, Limerick. Hogan is the recipient of many awards including several firsts at the RDS National Craft Competition. His work is held in the National Museum of Ireland and the Pinolere Baskets of the World Collection, Canary Islands as well as numerous private collections.
Seliena Coyle
Coyle studied Jewellery and Silversmithing at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art (Dundee University), graduating with a BDes (Hons) in 1993. She went on to complete a MFA in Jewellery and Silversmithing at Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, graduating with Honors in 1998.
She has complemented her academic studies with two training programmes delivered by the Crafts Council of Ireland; the Jewellery Design and Production Skills Courses in 1994 and the Craft and Design Business Development Programme in 2000.
Coyle has lectured full-time at several institutions including Indiana University, Savannah College of Art and Design (2003-2006) and most recently as Head Lecturer of the Metals Area at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin(2007-2009). She is currently External Examiner for the Design for Industry Degree pro-gramme at Birmingham School of Jewellery (2009 – present).
Coyle’s work has been exhibited both nationally and internationally including; Forty Shades of Green, Dubh, Ornament and the upcoming jewellery exhibition Adorn.
Deirdre O Callaghan
Foundation in Art & Design 1991 University of Ulster, Belfast Graduated 1994 BA (Hons) Ceramics and Glass, Brunnel university, Buckinghamshire. Pottery Skills Course, Crafts Council of Ireland, Kilkenny 1997. Worked as a production thrower at Michael Kennedy Ceramics, Galway for 3 years before setting up own pottery studio, Docpot, in home town Derry in 2001. More recently help set up Derry’s 1st collective craft shop in Derry’s Craft Village. ( August 2012 ) Elected chairperson of Craft Connect (newly formed organisation to help grow a strong craft and design sector in the Northwest of Ireland).
Suzanne Woods
Education: BA with distinction, University of Southern Illinois, graduating with a BA in 1986; MA in modern art history at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduating with highest honours in 1991. Woods lectured in art history at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, the University of Indianapolis, and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, curator Carlsten Art Gallery. visual arts officer, then acting director of the Model Arts and Niland Gallery, Sligo until 2005. Woods began her own textile studio, ArrooDesigns, in 2005. She was featured in RTE’s Nationwide programme and images of her work have appeared in print including in The Irish Times, Sunday Times, and various interiors publications. Exhibitions include Leitrim Design House, National Craft Exhibition, RDS. She has received CCOI Travel Award, CraftNI export grant.