Black Sheep - Open Day led by artists Caroline Byrne and Sharon Wells

(Featuring the crafters of Fassaroe, spinning and storytelling with Nora Burton, a visit to a neighbouring farm with farmers Joe & Brendan Burton, as well as a talk about the role of wool in nature restoration by Lorna Kelly of the Wicklow Uplands Council)

Black Sheep extends an invitation to witness and participate in the all-enveloping and profoundly connecting world of wool. Exploring the craft of wool making, from sheep farming right through to the skills of knitting and felting, this event will lead people deep into a creative engagement with land, heritage, art and nature.

This open day marks the culmination of a longer project, led by artist Sharon Wells, with the neighbouring community of wool crafters in Fassaroe, Bray. An exhibition of work by those involved in the project will be on display and this will be added to as the day progresses.

The morning will begin with the opportunity to observe and hear about the traditional skills of washing, carding and spinning wool from a raw fleece, as demonstrated by the Black Sheep team. Storytelling of farming life in the Glencree Valley will follow, as everyone is invited to make their way, across a small field, to meet with local farmers, Brendan and Joe Burton in their neighbouring farmyard. After refreshments, Lorna Kelly, from the Wicklow Uplands Council, will speak about the role of wool in nature restoration and everyone can then get crafting with workshops in knitting, crochet and wet felting, with locally sourced wool.

This gorgeous day will end with some collective hand-spinning, with artist Caroline Byrne, to mark the passing down of skills through the generations, as well as the weaving together of communities, stories and skills.

Places are limited, so booking is essential. Families are welcome.