Discover Your Inner Maker and Celebrate Local Heritage this August Craft Month at Lisburn’s ISLAND Arts Centre
June 26, 2025
Discover Your Inner Maker and Celebrate Local Heritage this August Craft Month at Lisburn’s ISLAND Arts Centre
As August approaches, Lisburn’s ISLAND Arts Centre is ready to open its doors to the inspiring world of craft, inviting everyone to discover their inner maker during August Craft Month. This Northern-Ireland wide annual, month-long celebration features a diverse array of craft-focused activities, from hands-on workshops to fascinating exhibitions.
At the heart of this year’s celebration at ISLAND Arts Centre is the Linen Biennale Northern Ireland flagship group exhibition, “Common Threads,” running from 21 Aug to 13 Sept. This showcase honours the enduring legacy of linen, presenting a stunning collection of works from talented artists, designers, and makers. Gallery visitors will have a unique opportunity to see the imaginative ways contemporary creatives are engaging with this rich heritage material, with exhibiting artists including Jane Mathers, Lucy Moore, Zoe Gibson, Jude Fenton, Maya Todd, Margaret B. Russell, Helen O’Hare, and Wilma Kirkpatrick, all contributing to a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression.
Beyond gallery visits, August Craft Month is your perfect chance to get hands-on and pick up new skills from expert craftspeople, all within the welcoming environment of ISLAND Arts Centre:
Handprinted Linen Cushion with Jenna Lorimer (Sat, 2 August, 10.30am – 2pm): Find the joy in block printing and create your own unique ruffled linen cushion cover. It’s perfect for adding a personal touch to your home.
Advanced Pottery with Andrea McCullough Alderdice (Sats, 9, 16, 23 & 30 August, 10.30am-12.30pm): For the confident potter, this intensive series offers a chance to fine-tune your skills, develop your own project ideas, and master decorating and glazing techniques in the ISLAND’s well-equipped pottery studio.
Glass Handkerchief Vase with Keith Sheppard (Sat, 9 August, 10.30am – 4pm): Let your imagination flow with fused glass, as you design and craft a contemporary handkerchief-shaped vase. Explore endless possibilities with a vibrant array of materials.
Pointed Nib Calligraphy with Rosie Parkes (Sat, 23 August, 10am-1pm): Learn the elegant art of modern calligraphy. This beginner-friendly workshop gives you all the guidance you need to confidently create beautiful handwritten pieces with your own unique flair.
Botanical Silk Scarf with Angela Turkington (Sat, 30 August, 10.30am-4pm): Experience the magic of botanical printing. Learn how to create unique prints on luxurious silk using locally sourced flowers and plants, taking home a stunning “hedgerow” scarf.
August Craft Month is more than just a series of events; it’s an invitation to connect with our heritage, explore new passions, and support the incredible talent within our craft community,” says Councillor Tim Mitchell, Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee for Lisburn & Castlereagh City Councillor. “Whether you’re drawn to the historical depth of the Linen Biennale or eager to try your hand at pottery or calligraphy, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and be inspired by at ISLAND Arts Centre.”