Makers Who Teach: ME. HERE. NOW
24th Feb 2025
You are warmly invited to the opening night of the ’Makers Who Teach: ME. HERE. NOW.’ exhibition, which will take place next Thursday, March 8th (Late Night Art), 6 – 9pm at Craft NI Gallery, 115-119 Royal Avenue, Belfast! The exhibition will run until May 2nd.
Building on the success of the first ‘Makers Who Teach’ exhibition which took place in 2023, this year’s edition highlights the creative practices of makers who teach others as part of their overall practice, whether it’s in classrooms, workshops and communities. The show focuses on their current creative endeavours and it shines a spotlight on their recent works, ensuring they are seen and appreciated not only as teachers, but also as makers.
As they balance teaching and making, with the demands each makes on the other, these talented makers are ready to share with the public their private artistic practice, influences and inspiration. Whether it is textile art, jewellery, glass, ceramics or interdisciplinary installations, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into these makers’ private inner world – and the creativity it contains!
Textiles are richly represented by specialities such as Carrickmacross lace making by Theresa Kelly, Tambour beading by Justine Bonenfant, knitting by Alison Gault, embroidery by Andrea Hayes and stitching by Heather Burgess. A variety of styles can be seen in ceramics as well – from Jonathan Williams’ intriguing figurative forms to Nichola Dalton’s strong textural vessel inspired by Lough Neagh, Sandra Kerr’s clay installation, Shauna McCann’s framed figurative work or Tracey Johnston’s moon jars.
Glass artists showcase the potential of the medium – from Helen Hancock’s large scale blown glass vessels to Maggie Napier and Ruzica Ruane’s statement necklaces, Claire Bowe’s unique neckpiece or Scott Benefield and Natasha Duddy’s ornamental works.
Participating makers: Aisling Higgins, Alison Gault, Andrea Hayes, Clare Bowe, Heather Burgess, Helen Hancock, Jonathan Williams, Justine Bonenfant, Louisa McCartney, Maggie Napier, Natasha Duddy, Nichola Dalton, Patrick Colhoun, Ruzica Ruane, Sandra Kerr, Scott Benefield, Shauna McCann, Theresa Kelly, Tracey Johnston
