The Gift, Craft NI Gallery’s annual Christmas selling exhibition, opens November 5 (Late Night Art, 6 – 9pm) at Craft NI Gallery, Belfast! You are warmly invited to a festive evening to discover this year’s selection of jewellery, ceramics, woodwork and more, and meet some of the designer-makers in person!
The exhibition features contemporary craft works in a festive, relaxed gallery setting, giving visitors the opportunity to discover unique, handcrafted pieces. These objects, thoughtfully-designed and beautifully crafted, are gifts to be cherished and given with intention.
Those looking for a special piece of jewellery will find unusual gems and designs, as well as innovative techniques. Abbie Dixon’s modern heirloom pieces are handcrafted in gold and set with grey diamonds or moonstone, while jewellery designer Fiona Kerr creates a distinctive texture in her latest sterling silver statement necklace using a rolling technique and scrunched-up tissue paper. Martin Cameron’s new designs give medieval moon and sun motifs a contemporary look, while Janice Gilmore’s ‘Constantina’ collection of embroidered jewellery draws on the opulence of Byzantine textiles and ecclesiastical adornment.
The Gallery also welcomes guest makers this season. Inga Reed’s elegant oxidised silver pieces, with gemstone and gold accents, offer a distinctive take on classic styling. Seamus Gill’s coveted ‘Golden Twist’ range returns, contrasting highly polished silver with a subtle hammered texture and 22ct gold accents.Natasha Heaslip’s silver jewellery, finished with a modern matte surface, features subtle, organic designs.
Modern materials feature in Marlene McKibbin’s flexible stainless steel and acrylic designs, which move with the wearer, and Aisling Higgins’ ‘Teannta’ collection, which combines steel with red silk and silver elements.
Those looking for a one-of-a-kind gift will appreciate Anna Smyth’s sculptural porcelain vessels with crystalline glazes, complete with textured wood plinths, or Sarah Elliot’s new range that brings colour and pattern into everyday spaces. Functional ceramics include Rory Shearer’s porcelain vessels and teapots, finished in understated Celadon and Shino glazes – a joy to look at and to use.
Nichola Dalton presents textured stoneware vessels inspired by Lough Neagh, while Ursula McGivern’s new ceramic pieces, in a rich green glaze, add just the right colour touch to interior spaces this Christmas. Wall space becomes a conversation starter with Jill Phillips’s new range, ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’, featuring embellished vintage ceramics that celebrate six remarkable women whose contributions to Irish society have been largely forgotten by history.
‘The Gift’ will refresh the concept of festive gifting with unique, locally handcrafted pieces – so plan your visit to Craft NI Gallery, explore the full selection of jewellery, ceramics, textiles and woodturning on display and support local makers this season!
Participating makers:
Abbie Dixon, Aisling Higgins, Anna Smyth, Fiona Kerr, Hugh Cummins, Inga Reed, Janice Gilmore, Jill Phillips, Marlene McKibbin, Martin Cameron, Mary Chris, Natasha Heaslip, Nichola Dalton, Rory Shearer, Sarah Elliott, Seamus Gill and Ursula McGivern.
