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 Knitted monuments, embroidered banners, workshops, demonstrations and master classes – Craftfest Northwest 2011 is a celebration inspired by contemporary and traditional crafts in Sligo. Indoors and outdoors, Sligo residents and visitors will be treated to stunning displays and demonstrations as Sligo launches the inaugural Craftfest Northwest 2011 from the 3rd to 24th November.
Viewing or doing, you can be part of it. Craftfest Northwest is an opportunity for people of all ages to have fun learning or re-learning a craft in a creative way, whether taking part in a workshop activity, viewing an exhibition or just enjoying the quirky street displays of craftwork. Crafts people love company too, so why not join one of the events or get together with some friends and get your hands working for Craftfest Northwest 2011. The preparation work for Craftfest is already bringing people of all ages and abilities together as they knit, crochet and embroider masses of one of pieces that will adorn the streets of Sligo, breathing new life to into traditional crafts in a fun creative way.
Marking 2011 Year of Craft, the festival promises three weeks of free exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, master classes and street decorations throughout Sligo Town. The work is inspired by contemporary and traditional crafts from Sligo and the rest of the country. Eight Sligo designers will launch new ranges, and Sligo town will experience a spate of street art – using wool instead of spray paint.
Festival Director Martina Hamilton promises a colourful November: ‘During Craftfest Northwest, you can visit an exhibition indoors or enjoy walking down the streets and spotting outdoor ‘urban knitting’ graffiti exhibits, in the form of knitted, sewn or embroidered banners and flags. If you feel inspired to try a craft for the first time or to dust off long abandoned knitting or sewing needles, chisels or modelling clay, a range of workshops and master classes will keep you inspired and busy. Already in the run up to Craftfest, as schools, groups and individuals prepare the ‘urban knitting’ for our Streets, a keen interest in crafts has been sparked or rekindled with people of all ages. The visit of the National Showcase Exhibition of Craft is sure to further wow and inspire people.’
Throughout Craftfest Northwest 2011 the streets and shopfronts of Sligo will be decorated with urban knitting and banners designed and created by individual, groups and schools all over Sligo. Look out for them on Castle Street, Market Cross, Grattan Street, O’Connell Street, Hyde Bridge and at the entrance to Nazareth Village. Craftfest Northwest promises a lot more than exhibitions of inspirational workmanship. It will provide opportunities to do as well as view, with workshops, master classes and discussions running throughout the three weeks.
For more information on Craftfest Northwest 2011, click here.
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