RDS National Craft and Student Award shows bookend Limerick

by Rose Rushe

DUBLIN based RDS is more usually thought of as a venue. In fact, the Royal Dublin Society is a philanthropic organisation, comprised of members and dedicated since the 1730s to “improve Ireland’s economic condition by promoting the development of Agriculture, Arts, Industry and Science”.
Hence the establishment of the RDS Craft and Student Art Awards, providing a platform to enable the student emerge as artist in what ever metier or medium.
Looping this to Limerick, the RDS Arts Programme is behind two exhibitions opening hear on Thursday September 4. The 2014 RDS National Craft Awards Exhibition will launch at Hunt Museum, wood turner Liam Flynn officiating, at 6.30pm. However this is preceded by the opening at UL’s Bourn Vincent Gallery, in the Foundation Building, of the 2014 RDS Student Awards.
Led by Mike Fitzpatrick, director of City of Culture and indeed, of Limerick School of Art and Design, a bus will leave his college’s Clare Street campus at 4.30pm for Bourn Vincent. There he launches the Student Awards exhibition/ installation with comment. There is a return chairlift by bus to the dovetailed Crafts Awards event at Hunt Museum after the 6pm bell.
Clearly, places are premium for this interesting journey that straddles to venues and the best of Irish arts and crafts. Email a booking to eve@rds.ie