Cultural Workshops
Experience hands-on learning of Irish crafts and culture.
Friday, August 1
| Time | Cultural Workshops |
| 6 p.m. | Columbus Feis Adult Language Competition |
Saturday, August 2
| Time | Cultural Workshops |
| 12:30 a.m. | How to Make Soda Bread and Brown Bread - Mary Tracy |
| 2 p.m. | Knitting - Barbara Murdock |
| 3 p.m. | Celtic Knotwork - Cindy Matyi |
| 4 p.m. | Leatherwork - Father Stephen Hayes |
| 5 p.m. | Copper Repousse - Kathryn Looby |
| 6 p.m. | Chain Mail Workshop - Megan Murphy |
| 7 p.m. | Tatting Workshop - Eunice Hayes |
Sunday, August 3
| Time | Cultural Workshops |
| 12:00 a.m. | Chain Mail - Megan Murphy |
| 1 p.m. | Intro to Celtic Stonecarving - Dan Roth |
| 2 p.m. | Fingerloop Braiding - Father Stephen Hayes |
| 3 p.m. | Knitting I - Barbara Murdock |
| 4 p.m. | Knitting II - Barbara Murdock |
| 5 p.m. | How to Make Soda Bread and Brown Bread - Mary Tracy |
Workshop Details
Beginning Tatting- Eunice Hayes
Eunice Hayes has been interested in crafts and needlework since childhood. She taught herself tatting 20 years ago and has used it to create garments and decorative items for the home. Eunice is a member of the Smocking Arts Guild whose purpose is to promote and preserve handwork for future generations.
Tatting is a form of lace making that was introduced in Ireland in 1847 as a cottage industry. In this cultural workshop, Mrs. Hayes will share the history of tatting in Ireland and teach the basic techniques for beginning tatting. Mrs. Hayes will have samples of lace and patterns from which to learn and a list of resources for further study.
Copper Repousse- Kathryn Looby
The ancient Celts adorned many of the personal items using the metal smithing technique called Repousse. Artist, Kathryn Looby, will be explaining the history and technique of this wonderful art form. She will also like to give the opportunity for the first 20 people to enjoy a short hands-on repousse workshop. Web site
Creating Celtic Designs- Tips for Beginners- Cindy Matyi
Hands-on drawing workshop introducing basic methods for creating knotwork, spiral and zoomorphic Celtic designs. Cindy Matyi's work is known internationally. She has exhibited her paintings in the United States, Canada and Europe. She gives workshops in Celtic Art to students of all ages and recently published a children's book "Little Town of Spirals.” Web site
Finger Loop Braiding- Father Stephen Hayes
Father Hayes who has spent year’s learning the traditional crafts of Ireland will teach us how to create many different pieces through the ancient art of finger-loop braiding. Father Stephen Hayes will also be constructing a workshop in basic leatherwork.
Barbara will distribute a brief history of knitting and instructions for several patterns to include cables and stitches used in Aran knits. Beginning to advanced knitters are invited to take part in this interactive workshop where all materials will be supplied. Barbara will also be holding a class on level II knitting.
Making Chain Mail Armor- Megan Murphy
Participants will learn how to make the European 4-in-1 basic chain mail pattern, while being educated on facts and history of the armor itself. The participants will take with them the keychain or bracelet that they made.
Megan Murphy has seven years of experience making chain main. For the past two years, she has taught at the Dublin Irish Festival. She has had her work displayed in many public exhibits and also used in other artist’s artwork.
Web site
Intro to Stone carving- Dan Roth
Dan Roth is returning to the Dublin Irish Festival for the second year and will be selling and displaying his works throughout the weekend in the Emerald Arts Isle area. During this workshop, Dan will talk about the history of stone carving, the types of stone available in this area and will demonstrate the basic tools and how to use them.
Soda and Brown Bread- Mary Tracy
Mary is a member of the sponsorship committee for the Festival and has been involved for many years. She will provide hands on instruction for making authentic Irish soda and brown bread in an interactive and fun demonstration. She will help participants mix the bread and then allow them to take it home and bake it in their own kitchen.
