The Irish Crafts Council will host a major exhibition at the National Craft Gallery which features the craftwork of Irish American makers and Irish born craftsperson’s who now live in America. The exhibition will take place in April 2007 and highlight the artwork of 20 contemporary makers in glass, metal, wood and clay. The exhibition will be curated by silversmith/sculptor Kevin O’Dwyer.

Throughout the centuries the Irish have been known for their travels abroad to seek religious and economic freedom as well as in the pursuit of adventure. They carried with them skills in many disciplines and contributed to the building of nations. The Wild Geese was a term describing those who fled the conflicts in Ireland over the past 300 years and settled in the New World. This exhibition will look at the descendants of the Wild Geese, as well as Irish born artists who have set up their studios in America. Kevin O’Dwyer will select artists in glass, metal, wood and clay that are both nationally and internationally known for the quality and artistic merit of their craftwork.