Monday, September 4th was Labor Day in the US. It’s always a bit strange when there is a holiday back home but not where I am. This proved to be another one of my favorite days.. We went to Sligo to meet the Textile Collective, a group of fiber artists. Such a great group of people. If I lived there, this is the group I would like to join–if they would have me! Four of the six members were present and they put on quite a buffet. Very glad I had skipped lunch that day. Here we are gathered.
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Our two groups meeting together for the first time
We met in the home of Audrey Stanley.
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Audrey Stanley
We all loved the painting she had done.
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Audrey Stanley–painter
Textile Collective has had opportunities to show their work. Here is a piece they’ve displayed and asked viewers to add to whether stitches, text, or embellishments.
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Interactive piece
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detail image
Alison Hunter showed a number of pieces, showing a variety of interests. We were all amazed at her felted, recycled plates. I’ve never seen anyone do anything like them. She uses only vintage, cracked or broken plates.
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Felted, recycled plates
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Felted Plate
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Felted Plate
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Felted Plate–note the complexity of the “cross-stitch” pattern
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Felted plate
Here is Alison standing by Kathy Brassill, our tour organizer.
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Alison Hunter on the right
Alison also showed a number of small, felted landscapes, which at least two of our members purchased, along with some of her cards.
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Alison Hunter–artist
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Alison Hunter–artist
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Alison Hunter–cards
Geraldine Beirne also showed a number of pieces, felted and stitched. I particularly liked her felted vessels which she refused to sell to one of our members, no not me.
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Geraldine Beirne–fiber art
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Geraldine Beirne–fiber work and felting
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Geraldine Beirne–felted vessels and books
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Geraldine Beirne–artist
Last but not least was Mary Cronin who wore her art–a rusted and printed top.
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Mary Cronin–maker
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Detail of Mary’s top
Our last destination for the day was Killybegs–a fishing village. The harbor at twilight.
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View of the town from the harbor
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Fishing boats in the harbor
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Harborside view