Work of Westmeath and Offaly artists to feature in 'Murmuration' exhibition
Work created by 16 designers, makers, and artists from Westmeath, Offaly, and Finland will be featured in Murmuration, a new exhibition that will be launched at the Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore on Friday, January 12.
The exhibition is being presented by Westmeath Community Development and Offaly Local Development, and it will be on display at the Tullamore venue until March 2.
It will be officially opened by Eddie Shanahan, business and product development consultant, on January 12 at 5.30pm.
Murmuration emerged from the Craftlink programme, which provided the creators with opportunities to meet in Ireland and Finland.
The participating artists were captivated by the idea of working together, forming pairs that engaged in the exchange of ideas, experiences and skills.
The collaboration inspired most of the creators to choose to work with pure natural materials, connecting them more strongly, despite their geographic distance.
Murmuration serves as a reminder of the power of community, connectivity and trust, say the organisers, and the pieces in the exhibition are intertwined with the rich mythology of Ireland and Finland, reflecting a personal connection to self, a reverence for nature, and a celebration of cultural heritage.
The design teams featured in the exhibition, and the titles of their collaborations, are as follows:
• John Farrell (Esker Design) and Tero Mäkelä (Mäkelän Puukonttori) – The Barren table and Karu Cabinet
• Hazel Greene and Pauliina Yliniitty – My Enchanted World
• Helen Conneely (Celtic Roots Studio) and Marika Saarela – Selkie
• Aisling Muller (Life’s Changing Landscape) and Juha Peltola (Pieni Puusepänverstas) – Kirstu Sláinte
• Rosemarie Langtry and Johanna Smed (Lempiverstas) – Let her Bee
• Claire Guinan and Johanna Riepula – The Circling- Kaarrella Collection
• Jane Walsh (Button Studio) and Jaana Vähäsöyrinki – Momentum
• Teresa Doyle Bespoke Dolls and Craft and Jaana Öljymäki (Design JaanaÖ) – Figure Dance
Craftlink is a cultural exchange programme that explores heritage and culture, with a focus on developing new techniques and product development.
Developed by Westmeath Community Development, Offaly Local Development Company, Rieska and Keskipiste Leader (Finland), and funded through the LEADER Rural Development Programme. Craftlink seeks to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of the creative sector to our national economy and the support required for sustainable growth.
The Murmuration exhibition will be open Tuesdays to Fridays, 10am-5pm, and on Saturdays, 10am-3pm, at Esker Arts Centre, Tullamore.