Design Island, an exhibition by Irish designers and makers is returning with their fifth edition of Irish Design Works this July in Galway.
Design Island is a network of designer makers who pool their resources to promote their work through exhibition both in Ireland and abroad.
This year’s show will present furniture, lighting, resin and metal sculpture, glass, ceramics and woodturning.
All the work is designed and made in Ireland to the highest standard both in terms of craftsmanship and innovative design.
The show will run from July 15 – 28 at Tribeton on Merchant’s Road, with Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard opening the event on Sunday July 14 at 6pm.
Admission is free and opening hours are 12 noon to 8pm daily.
Thirteen craftspeople and artists from all over Ireland are taking part with exhibitors from Galway, Meath, Wicklow, Clare, Laois, Offaly, Dublin and Cork.
In addition to this line up, Irish Design have invited a graduate from Letterfrack College of Furniture.
Ann McBride is a ceramicist based in Clare who combines her experience in graphic design with her passion for ceramics in a very original style.
Alan Meredith, a furniture maker from Laois has won many awards for his designs both in furniture and wood turning and is an expert in steam bending. He has exhibited extensively in Ireland and abroad.
Bear Creation is a company based in Wicklow headed by Brian Tyrell, which specialises in bespoke furniture using the latest technology and best of Irish materials.
Ciara O’Neill is an artist based in Galway who uses resin and multimedia to make abstract art, jewellery and furniture inspired by the marine world and landscapes.
Daniel Gill furniture maker/designer, based in Galway is back with his contemporary interpretations of 19th century furniture design using traditional skills and methods.
Tatianna Dobos of Dobos Ceramics is orginally from Moldova and based in Galway for 10 years. She was very well received last year, and is launching her new ceramics collection this time.
Horizon Furniture is a well established furniture company and exhibited with Design Island in Dublin and London in the past. Fergal O’Leary based in Cork is known for his playful and innovative designs is the brain behind this enterprise.
Ben and Joshua Gabriel a father and son team of furniture makers/designers based in Galway will be launching designs for Gabriel Furniture which will travel to exhibitions in Cheltenham and The Netherlands later this year.
Michelle O’Donnell is glass artist using fused glass based in Co. Offaly. She has been present at this event for a number of years with her colourful creations which have lit up many private as well as public places up and down the country
Shane Holland is the chairman of Design Island based in Meath, known for his numerous public and private commissions in light installations and sculptures. He has created some collages and new lights he’s showcasing this year.
Stevan Hartung is a furniture maker of exceptional skill, whose design philosophy is rooted in the material he works with and the environment around him.
Tricia Harris is furniture/lighting maker/designer, graduate of GMIT Letterfrack, based in Dublin who has been a regular participant of this exhibition and is bring some of her minimalist designs using a variety of materials to Galway.
“This is our fifth year of this showcase and we are really excited to highlight some incredibly talented Irish furniture, lighting, resin and metal sculpture, glass, ceramics and woodturners,” explained Ben Gabriel of Irish Design Works.
” The launch evening will allow people come in and meet the makers of each piece on Sunday, July 14 and then the exhibition will run for the two-week duration of Galway Arts Festival.”
“It is an amazing platform in which all designers have been working towards all year. We want to encourage people to come along and see what Irish designers are creating.”
Main photo credit: Martina Regan
