A showcase of excellence, in all craft disciplines, designed and made in Waterford
Thursday May 19th, 2022 saw the launch of the Waterford Designers and Makers Exhibition at the Waterford Gallery of Art on O’Connell Street in Waterford City.
Created by Waterford City and County Council’s Creative Ireland Programme in association with Waterford Local Enterprise Office the exhibition was launched by Dr Audrey Whitty, Deputy Director of the National Museum of Ireland, “I am honoured to open this prestigious exhibition showcasing the best of our designer makers from the Waterford area, through such distinct mediums as ceramic, glass, basketry, leather, jewellery, woodturning and furniture.
“The artistry of the work displayed underlines the incredible legacy Ireland continues to give the world, by way of the power of the three-dimensional form and the creative genius and skills involved in such making. This invaluable tangible and intangible cultural patrimony deserve to be more widely celebrated, nurtured and supported. This exhibition is therefore one very significant expression of support.”
The Waterford Designers & Makers Exhibition hosts the work of Waterford based design and crafts community, reflecting on the theme of Waterford and what it means to this community. Curator Vincent O’Shea has based the exhibition on the creativity involved in craft work and will showcase several areas of craft and design including textiles, ceramics, leatherwork & wood turning.
It will feature work from 19 exhibitors and is the first such exhibition of its kind in the city or county. The venue for the exhibition is Waterford Gallery of Art, 32 O’Connell Street, Waterford which houses one of the oldest, and best, collections of contemporary art in Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Richard Walsh, Head of Enterprise with Local Enterprise Office Waterford said: “Waterford is under rated as a centre for craft and design, which is amazing given our heritage. This is an opportunity to recognize and showcase the huge steps the county has taken over the past few years. We have national and internationally renowned designers and crafts people, and exhibitions like this help get that message out, to the people of Waterford and beyond.”
Katherine Collins, Waterford Cultural Quarter Project Manager & Creative Waterford Coordinator explains the importance of the exhibition,
“It is wonderful to host this showcase of creativity in the Waterford Gallery of Art in Waterford Cultural Quarter. Our aim for Creative Waterford is to support the excellent culture and creativity in our county, and this exhibition truly celebrates that aim. The vision for the Cultural Quarter is to be a distinctive and engaging place in the heart of Waterford, which is open, inspiring and a vital addition to the city’s creative, knowledge and visitor economy. That is why events like this are so important to the city, the county and the region. The Waterford Gallery of Art here on O’Connell Street is a wonderful location for our municipal art collection, and now with this exhibition, shows its versatility as a venue.”
This FREE exhibition is open from Thursdays to Saturdays, from 10am to 5pm until June 25th, and all are welcome.