Rockfield House hosts Art in August festival
Painting for Beginners and Food Village at Kells venue
Art in August is a new festival which will take place on Sunday 18th August at Rockfield House just outside Kells. With more than a nod to the delightful Art in Action which took place in Townley Hall for many years, the Murtagh family have created a wonderful festival where you can take part in all kinds of artistic and craft workshops, enjoy a tour of Rockfield House, listen to some of our great local talent and explore the grounds.
A host of exhibitors with an eclectic mix of handmade art and craft pieces will show their creations on the day. Browse your way around their stalls, find a tasty bite in our Food Village or relax to the sound of delightful live music.
Everyone can participate in a variety of workshops and activities for both adults and children: Watercolour Painting for Beginners; A collaborative mural based on the work of artist “ThankYouX”; The Art of the Bubble – we might even put you into a bubble; Make a Victorian Tussy Mussy – Now that’s one not to turn your nose up at!; Friendship Bracelets – choose your colours and weave your own!; Wall Art – a new take on a mural; Paper flower-making to enhance Lady Rockfield’s forest gown; Mindful colouring – Celtic Designs in the home of the Book of Kells; Victorian Photo Booth – Use our huge collection of vintage costumes to adorn your frame.
Demonstrations by many other creative experts are all included in the entry fee – flower arranging, glass engraving, woodworking, crochet, sewing and more. An Gobha, Tom King, the Blacksmith of the Boyne Valley will be demonstrating his skills.
An extra charge of between €5 and €20 will apply to a series of classes and workshops led by expert practitioners. These will be smaller classes and include Still Life in Acrylics, Landscape Sketching, Gelli Plate Printing, Jewellery Making, Cyanotype and Lino Printing, Life Drawing, Clay Modelling and even The Art of Phone Photography among others.
Artists of any level can take part in the Plein Air competition - just bring along an easel and paints and find a spot to paint one of the wonderful vistas which are just waiting to be captured throughout the grounds or even in the beautiful rooms of the house. There’s a prize of a two-night stay at Rockfield for the winner.
“It won’t matter at all if the weather is bad because we have lots of sheds and big rooms, and where would you rather be, if it’s wet outside, only being inspired in a beautiful place?” says Deirdre Murtagh, one of the four sisters who have put the festival together.
The event promises to be a wonderful day of creativity where the courtyards, gardens and stables will buzz with artistic activities and inspiration. Tickets are €20 per adult (€22 on the day) and €10 per child (€12 on the day). It all happens just outside Kells (A82 V9D5), between 12 noon until 5.30 pm on Sunday 18th August.
For more information, contact Deirdre on (087) 239 1354 or info@rockfieldhouse.com.