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24 Mar 2026
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24 Mar 2026
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A significant new exhibition celebrating the evolution of Irish ceramics has opened at the National Design & Craft Gallery, with Mayo represented among the country’s leading makers.
Launched by Design & Crafts Council Ireland, ‘From the Ground Up: The Transformation of Irish Clay’ runs from Saturday, March 21 to Saturday, July 18, 2026, bringing together 42 ceramic artists from across Ireland.
Among those selected for the exhibition is Mayo-based artist Claire Finlay, whose work contributes to a diverse showcase spanning traditional, contemporary, and experimental ceramic practices.
Curated by John Goode, the exhibition represents more than one thousand years of combined experience and highlights the strength and vitality of ceramics as a discipline rooted in Irish landscape and culture. The works on display explore the relationship between material, maker, and place, while also reflecting Ireland’s growing presence on the international stage.
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Chief Executive of DCCI, Mary Blanchfield, said the exhibition demonstrates the importance of ceramics within Ireland’s creative sector and celebrates the individuality of makers from across the country.
“This exhibition showcases the creativity, skill, and regional diversity that define Irish ceramics today,” she said, adding that it also points to the future of the craft through new educational initiatives, including a recently announced ceramics degree programme at the DCCI Academy.
The exhibition traces the journey of Irish clay from its local origins to its global reach, with participating artists having exhibited across Europe, the United States, and Asia.
John Goode, curator, writer, and ceramic scholar, added: “Irish ceramics are experiencing a remarkable moment. This exhibition celebrates artists who are pushing clay into new territories of meaning, form, and expression - affirming the global significance of Ireland’s vibrant ceramic community.”
Admission to the exhibition is free, offering visitors an opportunity to experience one of the most comprehensive presentations of Irish ceramics in recent years.
Further information is available through the Design & Crafts Council Ireland website.
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