Made in Kilkenny meet the maker evenings at the Mayfair Library

As part of its 2025 MADE/NEW exhibition, local craft collective, MADE in Kilkenny, is hosting a series of free Meet the Makers evenings at the Mayfair Library.

The exhibition runs Monday to Saturday, from August 9-30 as part of the city’s Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival (AKA). Opening hours 10am to 5 pm, with Tuesdays and Thursdays until 8 pm.

Meet the Maker events will take place throughout the MADE/NEW Exhibition at 6.30 pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Each of the hour-long sessions will feature three MADE in Kilkenny craft makers who will present their work and share the traditional methods that go into creating unique works of art.
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The craftspeople come from a range of disciplines, including glass, ceramics, wood, textile, blacksmithing and jewellery. These events promise a fascinating glimpse into the makers’ processes.

Eoghan Leadbetter, Miriam Cushen, Rosemarie Durr, Larry Kinsella

Speaking ahead of the launch, MADE in Kilkenny Chairperson, ceramic artist Claire Molloy said: “We’re really looking forward to showcasing our latest work this August. AKA always gives us a unique opportunity to explore new ideas for the MADE/NEW Exhibition. It’s a chance to celebrate the remarkable creativity that runs through the county. One of the highlights each year is the ‘Meet the Makers’ event. It’s such a pleasure to step out of the studio, connect with the public, and share the stories behind our work in such a beautiful setting at the Mayfair Library.”

Unveiling of MADE/NEW by Gemma Tipton
The MADE/NEW Exhibition will be unveiled on Saturday, August 9 and all are welcome to the opening reception from noon to 3pm. Gemma Tipton, celebrated Irish writer and curator, is the keynote speaker at the reception and will officially declare the exhibition open to the public.

The annual exhibition will feature new specially commissioned/one-off work from 27 of the MADE in Kilkenny makers. MADE in Kilkenny was formed in 2009 in collaboration with the County Enterprise Board (now LEO) and CCoI (now DCCoI).

In 2021, Kilkenny was designated as World Crafts Council City and Region of Craft, one of five such designations in Europe. Kilkenny has long had the reputation for being a centre of creativity. The MADE in Kilkenny collective has actively contributed to this perception over the last decade. It strives to bring together the considerable wealth of craft talent found in Kilkenny to a wider audience, fostering excellence in craftsmanship, and to promote the economy and tourism of the county.

The MADE in Kilkenny MADE/NEW Exhibition runs from the August 9-30. Open Monday to Saturday, from 10am to 5pm, Tuesdays and Thursdays until 8 pm. Meet the Maker events will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.30pm to 7.30pm, and are free of charge at Mayfair Library in Kilkenny City. For more information, see madeinkilkenny.ie.