Where are the Insects?
As the wet summer continues, I have been having quite a struggle to find insects to draw. Numbers seem to be much reduced from the last few years, perhaps because of a cold, wet spring and the unsettled weather we have been having.
I have however, managed to track down a few bright orange soldier beetles, and these small black and gold beetles which appeared for a few brief days near the beach in Millisle. I have tentatively identified them as Lagria hirta and have completely failed to depict quite how iridescent they were. The book describes them as “covered in fine hairs” which also fails to convey that they appear to have been dusted with the finest of fine gold powder!
The Mad World of Summer Swift Surveying
This summer I have also joined North Down Swift Conservation Group for their first year of swift surveying in Bangor. Finding a nest site is only possible by being in the right place to see a swift go into a nest, which they do just before dark.
We are a strange sight often in the middle of the road, looking at the eaves of peoples houses with binoculars. The residents twitching their curtains suspiciously must be very baffled to then see us pointing at the sky and going round in circles until we bump into each other, or fall over!
Exhibitions opening
Exhibition Wildlife Art takes place in Gordale Garden Centre on the Wirral on the last weekend in July, and on line for the rest of the year. 31 July sees the launch of the Creative Peninsula exhibition in Ards Arts Centre and with it one of the busiest months of the summer! Read on for what I’ll be up to for the Creative Peninsula Festival and August Craft Month.
Exhibition of Wildlife Art 2024
The Annual Exhibition of Wildlife Art is an exciting three day show featuring the work of some of the world’s most talented wildlife artists. It is held at the Gordale Garden Centre on the Wirral, at the end of July .
The physical exhibition runs for one weekend, but the online gallery, which I am taking part in, is now live and will remain so for the rest of the year.
Exhibitions, Fairs, Workshops
The Creative Peninsula is Northern Ireland’s premier celebration of professional Art and Craft, making August the busiest month of the summer.
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.
I will be taking part in some of the festival events and will have pieces in the two festival exhibitions:
Creative Peninsula Exhibition at Ards Arts Centre
Thu 1 August – Sat 31 August
During Arts Centre opening hours
Find out more…
Creative Peninsula Exhibition at North Down Museum
Tuesday 30 July – Sunday 22 September
During museum opening hours
Find out more…
Creative Cafe at Castle Espie
Join me for a Creative Cafe at Castle Espie Wetlands Centre where you will make your own paper bird decoration. we will learn some simple paper cutting and folding techniques to cut and assemble a paper bird decorationWe’ll be making Robins and Blue tits.
Thursday 8 August 2024,
10:00am – 2:30pm
Fee includes includes materials, a cuppa and a tray bake, plus access to the Creative Café/Visitor Centre only. For access to the full site an admittance charge applies
Highlighting the vibrant local craft scene right across the island of Ireland. August Craft Month provides unique opportunities for people to get involved to learn about, make, see, and buy craft this summer!
Presented by Design & Crafts Council Ireland and Craft NI.
Below are the craft events in August that I will be taking part in. you can also see all the events happening across Ireland on the August Craft Month website.
Paper Bird Workshop at the Craft Room
My August paper bird making workshop at the Craft Room has now sold out, but we have added another date in September, We will be making robins and blue tits!
Tuesday 24 September 2024
10am – 12pm
To book email the Craft Room at: [email protected]
Killinchy Community Summer Fun day
On 17th August I will be taking part in the Community Fun Day at Killinchy Presbyterian Church Hall. There will be plenty going on besides the fair – donkey rides, a party bus, an owl show and more!
Saturday 17th August
2 – 5 pm
£3 per adult, £2 per child
Killinchy Presbyterian Hall
Craigarusky Rd, Killinchy, Balloo, Newtownards BT23 6QS
Craft NI Exhibition at Festival of Making
The Folk Museum’s Making Festival returns on 17th &18th August for a weekend of craft demonstrations, hands-on activities, musical performances and film screenings.
As part of this years festival Craft NI are curating an exhibition of local makers using heritage crafts in a contemporary way. I will be exhibiting a piece in the show.
Saturday 17th August
& Sunday 18th August
North Down Craft Collective Summer fair at Castle Espie
Sunday 25th August
10am – 4pm
Over 25 makers will be showcasing their work as part of North Down Craft Collective’s ongoing collaboration with WWT Castle Espie.
Entry to the visitor centre and the award winning Kingfisher Cafe, as well as the fair, is free. The visitor centre is on one level with wheelchair access. Free parking
For access to the full site an admittance charge applies
