Design Showcase in Rathmullan
Donegal’s top designers are holding a major showcase of Donegal design and craft work from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th December in the award-winning Rathmullan House Hotel.
The Donegal Designer Makers, a group formed in late 2009, is holding a three-day “Visual Feast” exhibition, sponsored by the Donegal County Enterprise Board.
The exhibition and sale will showcase the work of the county’s leading designers and artisan craft workers in the sumptuous surroundings of Rathmullan House.
The work of over 15 artists, designers and craftspeople will be on display including works in ceramics, jewellery, textiles, woodwork, batik, knitwear and furniture.
The exhibition will be officially launched at a wine reception at 7pm on Friday 9th December.
The 3-day exhibition will also include the opportunity to explore the walled garden and sample afternoon tea and canopés in front of a log fire in Rathmullan House which is celebrating 50 years in business this year.
Donegal Designer Makers was established in 2009 by members of the Donegal Crafts Guild with the objective of promoting the work of local designers and crafts workers across the county. Chaired by jewellery maker and curator Hannah McGuinness, the group has grown rapidly and now has over 2 members, with some of the best-known names in crafts and design from throughout the county.
The “Visual Feast” exhibition follows the success of the group’s “Snapshots” exhibition in Adara during July and August which attracted huge interest.
The exhibition will include work from well known ceramic artists Emer O’Sullivan and Brian McGee, paintings by batik artist Fiona Higgins, jewellery designers Rosie Moloney, Hannah McGuinness and Joanne Gamble, textiles from Koko Designs and woodwork from Martin Gallagher and contemporary Irish furniture designer Michael Parkinson, Made with Wood.
On Saturday in the Gallery Kitchen there will be a seasonal cookery demonstration at lunchtime with complimentary beer and wine tastings from Rick Le Vert, Kinnegar Brewery and Richard Finney, the Wine Buff, Letterkenny. Richard will also be displaying his fabulous hampers containing only Donegal produce. Bernie O’Donnell, masseuse, will also be on standby to de-stress eager shoppers.
“The Snapshots exhibition in July was fantastic”, says Hannah McGuinness.
“It really generated excitement and awareness of the quality of design in the county. With more designers participating in the ‘Visual Feast’ show, we hope to raise the profile of Donegal design even further.
“We have everything from contemporary furniture design through to hand-woven textiles. All of it is of superb quality, and all of it is produced locally”.
‘Visual Feast’ will officially open at 7pm on Friday 9th December and everyone is welcome. The exhibition will continue from 11.00am to 7.00pm on Saturday 10th and 12 noon to 6.00pm on Sunday 11th December.
To attend the opening or for further information about the exhibition and the Donegal Designer Makers, please contact Karen O’Kane, Secretary on + 353(0)86 3191514 or visit www.donegaldesignermakers.com
