The Christmas Elves pop up Shop run by local artist Cecilia Scholte Lubberink in the former Kerr’s Chemist Shop in Dunmanway was a revelation. It was a cornucopia of wondrous things produced by the cast of eclectic creative’s we have living in our midst attracted by the laid back lifestyle of West Cork.
Supported by Cork County Council and Creative Ireland and supported local artists who liked and shared and helped to spread the word! It was chock a block with works by amazing artists and craftmakers who were delighted to have their work curated and sold, including to many who made a special trip to Dunmanway as the word spread.
Now the elves are coming back to Dunmanway!! With Spring around the corner the elves must change their name… No longer Christmas Elves Pop-Up Shop, but now the more permanent and fresh Le Chéile Arts. There has been a lot of prep going on inside the building to make it magic again!
Le Chéile is the Irish for Together, and Cecilia hopes that this new art, craft and design shop will be an embodiment of local Artists, Craftmakers and Designers coming together to show you how much talent and creativity exists on our doorstep. In addition to the shop the building will hold studio spaces and a workshop room.
Much of the success of the previous venture was down to Cecilia’s wide network of art contacts as she is herself a trained artist with an impressive track record as well as experience in retail and exhibitions . Many artists and crafts people trusted her to curate and display their works and customers appreciated being able to have informed conversations and guidance from her.
So an impressive portfolio has been assembled and even if you have no intention of purchasing Le Chéile will welcome you to its lovely shop a few doors from Supervalu in Dunmanway for a stimulating browse of its lovely contents of original and beautifully handcrafted gifts and Fine Art made by Local Artists and Craftmakers.
You will find lovely items from Hints of Celtic Jewellery by Aileen O’Riordan, evocative ink drawings by Celine Nyhan of Cloud and Field, unique woven artefacts by In Sheep’s Clothing, soothing ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ ink series drawings by Jim Wilson, some truly beautiful textile and collaged original artworks by Mary Ffrench, works in acrylics and paintings are themed around ‘time, places, feelings and emotions’ by Alvin Sexton, seascapes, landscapes and animal by Gill Smith and much else too numberous to mention. Give yourself and your peepers a real treat by calling in for a dekko!
Le Chéile Arts has its launch event on Thursday 16th March as part of Dunmanway’s St Patrick’s Festival and will be open normal trading hours Tuesday / Saturday thereafter. Check it out on Facebook and Instagram @ le_cheile_arts or better still call in to the shop to see the magic, there may even be some Elf dust left behind!
