Anyone who has regenerated, restored or replicated an old vessel understands the concept of craft.
The author Jeannette Winterspoon stated recently in Craft – the art of making, “The most satisfying thing a human being can do ... is make something”. Crafted objects are very different from mass produced items. “Making is personal, making is shared and making is a celebration of who we are”.
The bringing together of manual dexterity and artistic skill or function and art has been practised on board recreational, residential and working vessels possibly, forever. Looking at our barges and boats from their hulls to their living quarters, we could almost set up our own Craft Guild with the many examples of both heritage and contemporary craft produced, commissioned or restored by our members in metal, wood, glass, textiles, ceramics and furniture.
Examples on board are: wooden furniture - cabinets, tables and seating, wooden doors and facades to steel doors, steel and wooden wheelhouses, light fittings, brass fittings, canvas work, forged steel, stained glass, photography, wood turning in posts and flagpoles, ceramics and pottery, frames, candles, textiles, wool and needlework, sign painting and rope work. The list is endless with each boat having a unique range of craft on board.
Throughout Ireland during 2011, the Year of Craft is being celebrated.
While navigating the Three Sisters there will be many opportunities to spend an hour or so visiting exhibitions and artisans, with Kilkenny, home of the Craft Council of Ireland, always close when travelling along the Barrow, Nore and Suir. In the Midlands there are various events along the Shannon or within a short drive.
Here are just a few of the shows and demonstrations you may want to visit. There are displays to suit everyone, so check the Craft Ireland 2011 events pages to find your particular interests and perhaps, pick up some tips for your next project on board.
When
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South East
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What
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Address
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Mar 18-May 11
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Kilkenny
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Irish Craft Portfolio
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Castle Yard
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Apr 6-8
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Garryhill
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Ray Key Woodturning
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Flanders Cross
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May 5 - 8
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Waterford
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Architecture and Craft
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People's Park +
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May 20 - Jul 6
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Kilkenny
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21st Century Icons
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Castle Yard
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Jun 6 - 10
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Bennettsbridge
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Mosaics Re-cycle
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Castlerin Studios
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Jul 15 - 27
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Kilkenny
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Graduates Exhibition
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Castle Yard
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Aug 6 - 14
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Kilkenny
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Woodturning Exhibition
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Ormond College
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Sep 1 -
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Carlow
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Bronze Casting Exhibition
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Visual Centre
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|
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|
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When
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Midlands
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What
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Address
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Feb - Dec
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Athlone
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Exhibitions - various
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Ballinahown Village
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Feb - Dec
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Carrick on Shn
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Various crafts people
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http://intoleitrim.com/ldh/artists/
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Mar 4 - 16
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Manorhamilton
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Ironwork exhibition
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Leitrim Sculpture Centre
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Jul 16 - 17
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Ballinlough
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Country Fair & Crafts
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Ballinlough Castle,Westmeath
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Aug 27 - 28
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Birr
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Country Fair & Crafts
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Birr Castle, Offaly
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