Pictures: Thomastown Creative Arts Festival launches to fanfare

Several different launch events and openings relevant to the Thomastown Creative Arts Festival took place over the weekend.
Each event saw great attendance from the local community, artists and well-wishers.

The Thomastown Creative Arts Festival presents a dynamic mix of art exhibitions, open studios and workshops all over Thomastown running until August 20. The festival invites art enthusiasts to gather and celebrate works on display across various venues in and around Thomastown.

The lineup features a rich blend of both local talents and nationally recognised artists, showcasing their works in a diverse range of traditional and non-traditional media.
With an inclusive and family-friendly programme, the festival promises an engaging experience for art lovers and enthusiasts.

Tomm Moore, Co-founder and Creative Director of Cartoon Saloon, launched the festival on Saturday in the Watergarden Cafe and Gardens.

This year’s lineup includes a selection of artists and groups, each contributing to the festival, including:

At Thomastown Community Centre, Kay Roche and Helena Fitzgerald-Cody unveiled their thought-provoking showcase titled Progression, offering a captivating exploration of artistic vision.
Meanwhile, Grennan Mill Craft School hosts the exhibition Hands On, featuring a diverse array of artists working across film, tapestry, metalwork, ceramics, and jewellery.

On Low Street, Mairead Holohan’s exhibition Transcience captivate audiences with its exploration of the essence of fleeting beauty.

As a firmly established integral part of Kilkenny’s cultural calendar, Thomastown Creative Arts Festival runs concurrently with Kilkenny Arts Festival and the AKA Festival 2023, and is proudly supported by the Thomastown Community Network.
The festival receives valuable funding from the generous grant provided by the Kilkenny Arts Office. The festival’s success is also made possible in part by the generous contributions from supporters, local businesses and the community.

Thomastown Men’s Shed opened their third annual art and craft exhibition on Saturday with 15 locally-based exhibitors showing their amazing work. There is a wide range of art on display and all are welcome to visit during the Creative Arts Festival.