As autumn is around the corner many Artists and Galleries are putting their plans for their winter schedule into action and the auction rooms are putting together inventory for the sale rooms.
At Artisan Frames we are busy preparing some more additions to our hand finished frames along with some new lacquer finishes for more simple frames.
We are also starting a programme of Art and creative classes beginning this Autumn for those who wish to get more creative during the long winter (or the extended summer!) ahead.
Art Care
Since the start of the year we have noticed many collectors re-framing their collections to increase the longevity of their artworks or simply to give them a fresh new look. This kind of framing work has kept us very busy throughout the year to date and shows no signs of letting up.
This is a sample of an Evie Hone that a customer bought at auction and decided to have it reframed.
Through all the work we have carried out, particularly this year, it is amazing to see how much framing was done without using conservation materials. Some of it done in the mid 90’s!
Tue
Jul
7
Hi All Kinsale artsweek begins this week,11th - 19th of July and an artist we recommend you to have a look at is Sheenagh Geoghegan from Clonmel. A very interesting painter with a very quirky style.
Thu
Jul
2
Hi all
This week we highlight and showcase some of Ireland’s acclaimed artists such as Paddy Lennon,Donald Teskey,William Crozier,Dorothy Cross and loads more favourites. Plus we will also be showcasing some fine furniture from the Wedge Furniture which was exhibited at the last RDS show 2009.
Feel free to calll in any time at or shop in Clonmel for a viewing. We have a newly renovated gallery,so pop in for a viewing and chat.
Sun
Jun
7
Art in the Recession
The recession has deepened in Ireland taking its effect on all sections of society and on the Art industry since April 2008. Talking to many Gallerists the mood is low and future prospects don’t look all that healthy either! Sales are falling with Artists and Galleries cancelling exhibitions and dropping each other in favour of new talent. There is a point to be made that the government in Ireland is doing little or nothing to stimulate growth or help small business even to the point where it has admitted, that raising the VAT rate to 21.5% was a mistake, but then not correcting it in the last budget.
So why should business wade in when there is no support from the administration?
The Art business is unusual in that, while it works the same as any other business in terms of commerce, its takes its raw material from a resource pool of artists where the reason d’être is to stimulate , provoke thought and to comment socially.
This is where the Art business can turn, not only to find help and inspiration, but in a symbiotic way encourage their charges to get to work revitalising the public interest and awareness in Art. But Artists need support and while many galleries have done rather well in the last decade it is now time to repay their previous good fortune by investing in their own future and supporting their artists.
It is time to get out of the Galleries and go public with their Art. To show that there is still an Art business that is interesting vibrant and more importantly that Art has something to say and is worth investing in.
There are many vacant buildings not only around Dublin but also countrywide that are crying out for an Art installation, guerrilla Art exhibition, music, recitals. Public areas that could be used for symposia and public art display involving the community in an inclusive way though master classes and demonstrations by some of the best artists in the country.
I would propose that particularly in Dublin that the Gallery’s get together to formulate plans for an Art Festival over the summer months that gives something back to the community while raising their own profile. Currently all the art colleges from NCAD in Dublin to Crawford school of art in Cork are turning out their latest batch of graduates all of whom are keen to meet the Art world head on.
Between all the networks of contacts shared among the Galleries, there must be a patron who would be willing to give the use of suitable premises to host an extensive Art Festival both inside and out for all kinds of artistic endeavour and instruction.
Isn’t the Art Industry missing a trick here by not turning itself inside out?
David Kirwan
Artisan Frames
David O Donoghue is our Dublin Agent.
