Kilkenny designer among exhibitors in furniture making at Trees to Treasures

A Kilkenny student is among those exhibiting at the recent Trees to Treasures exhibition, showcasing the quality of education delivered by the National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design and Technology, School of Design and Creative Arts, Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Connemara.

First year student in ATU’s Furniture Design, Making and Technology, Isabel Robinson from Lavinstown, was among those exhibiting. Isobel made a trinket box from Spalted Beech and veneer for the Trees to Treasure exhibition in Farmleigh Gallery in Phoenix Park.

Rosemary Steen, CEO of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland, who officially launched the exhibition with with Mary Heffernan, General Manager and Creative Leader OPW and ATU Connemara’s Head of Campus, Paul Leamy admiring the table created by Shane Tubrid 

The Trees to Treasures exhibition highlights the remarkable work being produced by the students, staff, and graduates of ATU. It focuses on the transition of trees into beautiful and treasured creations, drawing influence from numerous sources, including experience, aesthetics, functionality, and the exceptional natural beauty of the campus's location on the west coast of Ireland.

The exhibition, which officially launched last week, will run until August 27 at Farmleigh Gallery in the Phoenix Park. The launch event was attended by a large audience and was officially opened by Rosemary Steen, CEO of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland who encourages the public to visit the exhibition over the summer.

“The Trees to Treasures exhibition is an unmissable exhibition for lovers of Irish craft and design. The dynamic nature of the programmes available to students at ATU are reflected in the show. It’s an exhibition which demonstrates how creativity can really come to life in the outstanding pieces on show," she said.

"This exhibition not only showcases the impressive work by students, graduates and staff of ATU. But it also illustrates, through sustainable means and materials, how exhibitions of high quality can be produced. We at DCCI are very proud to have been involved at the launch of this wonderful exhibition and encourage all those with an interest in the sector to visit it.”

Over the last 20 years, the Office of Public Works (OPW) has worked with ATU Connemara, starting with work placement students and progressing to collaborative projects and exhibitions.

Paul Biesty, Chief Technical Officer at the OPW Furniture Branch, highlighted the importance of the relationship with the OPW and the promotion of this exhibition to showcase the dynamic skills, creativity, and expertise of the students, staff, and graduates.

"As a former student of ATU Connemara, we were always delighted to have the opportunity to work on live projects. This allowed us to gain exposure to a working environment, dealing directly with clients while receiving constructive feedback as part of our learning journey," he said.

Paul Leamy, Head of Department at the National Centre for Excellence in Furniture Design & Technology, spoke about the programmes delivered at the Connemara campus.

"Our programmes are renowned nationally and internationally for the exceptional quality of applied technological education in the fields of furniture and wood product design and manufacture, teacher education, development, origination and creativity, fine furniture making, and focused research. These programmes are dynamic, alert, and responsive to the needs of industry, society, and the ongoing development of the Irish economy," he said.

Dr Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University added: “The Trees to Treasures exhibition provides an opportunity for those interested in pursuing a career in furniture design, making, technology, and initial teacher education to see the beautiful pieces on display. The exhibition showcases the innovative and creative ways in which the students, staff, and graduates utilise their skills and materials to make a positive impact on the world."

For those interested in learning more about the programmes delivered at the ATU Connemara campus, the public can visit the Trees to Treasures exhibition at Farmleigh Gallery, Farmleigh House, which will remain open until August 27. Further information is available at www.atu.ie.