The Leitrim Design House are proud to launch the first exhibition of Sinann Circle, an eclectic gathering of local female artists, craft makers and designers from the Leitrim region. All are welcome at a reception launch in The Leitrim Design House, in The Dock art centre, Carrick-on-Shannon from 4pm on Saturday the 28th of January where you will have an opportunity to meet these visionary creators. This group exhibition will be available to view until March 9th. These artists & makers came together as a result of a training programme provided by The Leitrim Design House and facilitated by Barry Murphy. They have continued to support each other throughout the pandemic, recognising the value of the connections formed.

The ‘Sinann circle’ was formed as a result to help further their creative endeavours and comprises of Craft Maker - Fiona O’Driscoll, Jeweller - Erika Marks, Designer - Edel McWeeney , Potter/Ceramic Artist- Bairbre Kennedy, Textile Artist - Catherine Gray, Glass Artist - Colette Langan and Visual Artist - Cathy Reynolds.

Fiona O’Driscoll of SundewCrafts.com works with wool to create work that celebrates the innocence of childhood and the beauty of the natural world, in particular the wildlife and landscape of Leitrim. The pieces for this exhibition are one off, knitted from naturally dyed organic Irish wool and framed with dogwood.

Erika Marks makes jewellery in silver and gold that holds echoes of the past, like treasures newly discovered. She works to commission, enjoying the process of creating pieces that have personal meaning for a client. Email Erika at skramdirgni@gmail.com for more information about her work or the commission process.

EZxploring creates walking trail games and playground guides which help local authorities’ direct visitors, newcomers and locals to a range of free outdoor activities in each county. Designed and printed here in Leitrim by Edel McWeeney Moran and her husband, Kevin Moran. For more information on where you can easily explore, check out www.ezxploring.ie

Bairbre Kennedy returned home to Leitrim in 2017 to set up Lichen Ceramics in Manorhamilton. She is inspired by the varied, lush landscapes of both North and South Leitrim, which are starkly different. They move from mountain views to hidden riverscapes and rose filled hedgerows. The inspiration of these landscapes allows her to incorporate the local clays and colours of her native county into her ceramic paintings. 

Catherine Gray is a textile artist also finds inspiration in the Leitrim Landscape. She loves to work with reclaimed family fabrics and papers that hold their own memories, creating new beginnings for collected fibres. Catherine works instinctively combining a variety of techniques through a unique combination of both painting and stitching.

Colette Langan is a glass artist who trained in the restoration of medieval stained glass.  She merges this influence with glass fusing to create contemporary glass pieces. Email langanstainedglass@gmail.com for further information or to commission work.

Cathy Reynolds is a visual artist/painter based in Leitrim. Her work takes inspiration from the local environment, particularly woodland areas. Cathy’s pieces in this show are a combination of original landscape paintings and hand painted Celtic name designs.

This exhibition showcases a wide range of materials, skills and techniques that have been inspired by Leitrim landscapes. We hope you’ll come and support your local creative community and celebrate the wealth of talent we have in the region. Why not drop in and browse our Irish art collection at your leisure, the more you look, the more you develop your own sense of what artwork resonates with you. If you do discover something special for your home, rest assured you can pay for any of our Irish made gifts over several weeks.

For further information follow us on social media, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or we’d love to see you in our not-for-profit store at The Leitrim Design House, The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim.

Open Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm and Saturday 10.00am - 5pm