Creative Peninsula, August Craft Month and More
A new adventure with SWLA in Norfolk
As usual I will be taking part in the Creative Peninsula fesitval and August Craft Month this year. In addition to all those events, I will be taking a trip to Norfolk to take up an opportunity to be part of a major new project with the Society of Wildlife Artists.
I am excited to be included in an ambitious, year long project with the Society of Wildlife Artists and Massingham Heath Wilderness in Norfolk. The project will be showcased at the society’s annual exhibition in October, and will eventually culminate in a publication. Norfolk conservationist and writer, Nick Acheson will be creating most of the text
In mid August, I will be travelling to Norfolk to get close up with the insect life of the heath. I will be on site from 11 to 17 August along with a group of other SWLA artists. There will be an artist trail for visitors and an informal exhibition at the end of the week.
I will be posting about my adventures and more about the project in due course, but in the mean time below are links to more information, and, if you are able, a page to donate to the project costs.
This is a year long project and any funds raised will go towards some of the basic costs for the artists (travel and meals) and extra funds for the workshops, community projects plus possible hire fees for gallery spaces.
You can read more about the project on the SWLA website HERE
New Responsibilities with North Down Craft Collective CIC
The Craft Room in Newtownards has now closed its doors. While the retail space has gone, North Down Craft Collective has been reconstituted as a community interest company. I have the honour of serving as one of seven directors who will be guiding the organisation forward.
We have lots of plans. Workshops and craft fairs will continue as well as other projects that bring craft and art into the community. Watch this space!
For more information and news, check out the NDCC website HERE, Including our August Craft Month Fair at Castle Espie. Read on for more about that and a long list of other things happening in August!
Online Comic Fair with LD comics
1 – 31 July 2025
Another new adventure for me this year has been taking part in my first online comic fair.
Laydeez Do comics is a women-led comics forum who believe in the transformative potential of the comics form to offer wellbeing through making and reading. To celebrate their 15th birthday they are hosting an online comic fair which is now live.
Here are a couple of pages from my comic, “McNab” to whet your appetite!
Exhibition Wildlife Art
From 25 July 2025
The Exhibition Wildlife Art is an open annual exhibition based in the North of England. The exhibition is staged in a specially constructed gallery space at Gordale Garden Centre.
This year I am again taking part in the online gallery which is hosted on their website, where you can see works from both the online and in person exhibitors. The online gallery will launch on 25 July, and remain live after the physical exhibition finishes.
The Creative Peninsula is Northern Ireland’s premier celebration of professional Art and Craft. This thriving annual event has been taking place for over 20 years and showcases the best work from professionally practicing artists and craft makers who reside in the picturesque Borough of Ards and North Down.
Exhibitions – this year I will be in 4 shows in August!
Creative Peninsula Main Exhibition: “Reflection”
Thursday 31 July – Saturday 30 August 2025
Exhibition Preview: Thursday 31 July, 7 – 9pm
I will have one piece in the main Creative Peninsula exhibition at Ards Arts Centre. This is the prototype which I will be elaborating for the show. It will be facinating to see how everyone has responded to this years theme, ‘Reflection’
Read more about the exhibition HERE
Creative Peninsula at Castle Espie: “At the Waters Edge”
Saturday 2 August – Sunday 31 August
Inspired by the surroundings and wildlife of Castle Espie WWT. Expect a variety of mediums including paintings, drawings, ceramics, glass and more by selected artists and makers from the borough of Ards and North Down. I will have 2 drawings of insects made in the reserve.
Creative Peninsula at North Down Museum
Tuesday 29 July – Sunday 21 September 202
My Drawing of sandwich terns from earlier in the spring will be part of the Creative Peninsula group exhibition at North Down Museum. This year the exhibition will be in the Coffee Cure Cafe, so you can have a brew while you enjoy the art on show!
See moreore information about the exhibition HERE
August Craft Month Exhibition: “(Un)Bound”
August 7th – September 30th.
Join us for the Late Night Art opening event:
Thursday 7 August 6 – 9 pm
I am please to say my piece, “Screaming Party” has been accepted into the August Craft Month Exhibition at Craft NI. This piece was inspired by my involvement for the past two summers in nest surveying with the North Down Swift Conservation Group.
See more about the exhibition HERE
Fairs – Enjoy an evening of art in Ards or Sunday Crafts at Castle Espie
Twilight Market and Art Night
Friday 1 August
3 – 8 pm
I will be one of the Creative Peninsula artists and makers exhibiting, demonstrating, and selling their unique hand-crafted products in Conway Square for one-night only, including a drop-in area for children’s arts and craft activity provided by Boom! Studios.
There will be live music from Cool Hand String Band and the String Ninjas, local artisan food produce, drinks, and a bar so you can make a night of it!
Find out more HERE
North Down Craft Collective at Castle Espie
10am-4pm
Sunday 24 August
The collaboration between North Down Craft Collective and Castle Espie will be continues with our August Craft Month Fair, this time including craft demonstrations throughout the day.
Entry to the market and the cafe is free. Normal admission applies beyond the visitor centre.
More information HERE
Creative Peninsula Workshop – Bugs!
Creative Cafe – draw bugs with me at at Castle Espie
Wed 6 August 2025, 10:00am – 12:30pm
Join me for an expanded, and more in depth version of the informal drop in bug drawing sessions I normally run. We will explore insects through drawing with some captive invertebrate volunteers! We will also look at adding colour and try some different surfaces. If we get good weather, maybe we will try some drawing in the field!
Price includes includes materials, a cuppa and a tray bake
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