Project Title: I am what I am
Aim: “to celebrate who and what we are”
Date 15 January 2020

This day-long event will feature contributions from Inspire Wellbeing Facilitators and Participants and Creative Spark’s Art as Exchange Artists’ Group.

Starting with the theme of “I Am What I Am” we invite people to bring their art and creativity out of the home or studio and into the community. Any and all artforms are welcome including Painting, Poetry, Sculpture, Photography, Singing/Song writing, Dancing, etc.

Get out of the house on a gloomy winter day, and be inspired to “create sparks” with others

THE PROCESS:

Story Collecting

In November 2018 we issued a call to people living in County Louth to come along and share their favourite story about where they live – their street, their town, their county – to help us capture stories of particular relevance to County Louth and the people who live here.
At these story collecting session we engaged story facilitator, Ali Warner, and illustrator. Geraldine Martin, to record and capture the key themes and topics. These were then translated into a large scale image to be embroidered onto a panel of Irish linen as a collaborative endeavour.

Bayeux Stitch

On Saturday 24 November Agnieszka (Uisce) Jakubczyk, textile and embroidery specialist, led a workshop to teach the Bayeux stitches needed to create this embroidered wall hanging tapestry. The style of embroidery used is most closely related to that of crewelwork – there are about seven or eight basic stitches which are used to make this type of tapestry. The workshop was very well attended and each participant completed a small embroidered linen panel on the day.

Stitching Sessions

On 10 December we started! Assisted and supervised by textile artist Úna Curley, the mammoth task of embroidering the panel began. Over the days, weeks and months since, over thirty women (and a few brave men) have come in to complete the project, stitch by stitch…

The Stitchers

Ciara Agnew
Petra Berntsson
Meabh Breathnach
Briege Brennan
Gabrielle Brodigan
Rosemary Daly
Jacinta Dillon
Sally-Ann Duffy
Susan Farrelly
Bernhard Gaul
Colleen Hardy
Brenda Kane
Olive Kelledy
Marie Kelly
Blanche Kirk
Karolina Kragiel
Alistair Livingstone
Winnie Markey
Jean Marshall
Claire McAteer Conway
Mary McGarrell
Eileen McGoey
Kathleen Mulholland
Elish Murphy
Gráinne Murphy
Jebun Nahar
Caoimhe O’Dwyer
Rhona O’Hagan
Cathy Prendergast
Sandra Quigley
Liz Reilly
Ursula Tennyson
Gillian Tennyson
Dagmar Triller
Francis Verling
Aoife Verling

Facilitators

Úna Curley
Sarah Daly
Agnieszka (Uisce) Jakubczyk
Geraldine Martin
Ali Warner

North East Business Academy is a networking & education group established to bring local business owners together to collaborate through regular meetings, knowledge sharing and network with members. NEBA hosts fortnightly breakfast meetings at Creative Spark – for more information contact: northeastbusinessacademy@gmail.com
or
Click here for NEBA’s website

‘Art as Exchange’ is an informal, all-inclusive group of visual artists who meet together for the sake of making public art that is accessible, experiential, participative and or/free. For more information, contact aaex.artspark@gmail.com

Creative Spark will host its annual Christmas open day on Saturday 14 December. This will be a fun day for all the family with a range of free arts and crafts activities, mince pies and hot drinks. It’s also an opportunity for people to see what happens at the centre and what courses and workshops they can sign up to for 2020. We look forward to welcoming you on the day.

Creative Spark invites you to come along to our inaugural open studio event.
Beautiful handcrafted items will be on sale and with the opportunity to talk directly to the local artists and makers.

Items for sale include:
Soilse Candles, Beezti designs, exclusive pieces from our Print Studio members, textiles, fine art prints, paintings, illustrations, greetings cards, decorations, stocking fillers and lots more…

Open this Saturday the 14th December from 2pm-5pm
Entry is free.

Tutor: Joan McCann
Cost: FREE (booking required) Girls will need to bring their own laptop.
Venue: Creative Spark, Dundalk

Creative Spark will host a free coding event for Secondary School Girls, aged between 10 and 16 years. This event will introduce girls to computer science, coding and electronics in a fun and creative environment, inspiring them to become digital creators in the future.

This fun interactive workshop will cover the basics of computer coding with Microsoft MakeCode, and an introduction to electronics using the BBC Micro:bit. The girls will learn how to code the Micro:bit to become “Wearable Technology” such as a wristband and a badge, and how to turn it into a digital dice or a game of Rock-Paper-Scissors.

Let’s inspire girls to embrace technology, enhance their skills in the valuable and rewarding area of computer science, and encourage them to become innovators and inventors of technology in the future..

Attention please: We have received a Meet and Code grant to run this wonderful event for young girls from our community, who will get new digital skills during our Girls Can Code! Event.

Thank you SAP, Haus des Stiftens gGmbH and TechSoup Europe for this wonderful opportunity. We look forward to working with The Code Lab to deliver this exciting event.

LIMITED PLACES! BOOKING ESSENTIAL!

Tutor: Joan McCann
Cost: FREE (booking required) Girls will need to bring their own laptop.
Venue: Creative Spark, Dundalk

Creative Spark will host a free coding event for girls, aged between 8 and 12 years. This event will introduce girls to computer science and coding in a fun and creative environment, inspiring them to become digital creators in the future.

This fun workshop will cover the basics of computer coding using Scratch, a visual programming language for children. The girls will learn how to design and code their own animation. They will learn how code works and how they can express their creativity using technology. Limited places, so booking essential!

Let’s inspire girls to embrace technology, enhance their skills in the valuable and rewarding area of computer science, and encourage them to become innovators and inventors of technology in the future.

Attention please: We have received a Meet and Code grant to run this wonderful event for young girls from our community, who will get new digital skills during our Girls Can Code! Event.

Thank you SAP, Haus des Stiftens gGmbH and TechSoup Europe for this wonderful opportunity. We look forward to working with The Code Lab to deliver this exciting event.

We have entered into a competition to win the Meet and Code Award in the Girls Do IT! category! You can help us win by voting for our event, Girls Can Code! clicking this link.
Voting closes Friday 20th September, so hurry, it only takes a second, Thank You!

LIMITED PLACES! BOOKING ESSENTIAL!

Location: Creative Spark, Clontygora Ct, Muirhevnamore, Dundalk, Co. Louth

Character is Mystery: Creative Writing Workshop with Declan Burke in Association with Wee County, Big Bookclub 2019.

Workshop Description:
Join crime writer Declan Burke for a creative writing workshop focusing on character building in the context of thrillers. The enduring popularity of the crime and mystery novel should be no great surprise; as John Connolly once said, ‘character is mystery’. Why do people do the things they do? Why do apparently rational, law-abiding people commit the most heinous of crimes? Using Liz Nugent’s Skin Deep as an inspiration, the ‘Character is Mystery’ workshop will explore the importance of character in crime and mystery fiction, offering a guide to creating and sustaining plausible, interesting, fictional characters.

or phone (042) 938 5720
Email: hello@creativespark.ie

About Declan
Declan Burke has published six novels, including his debut Eightball Boogie, Slaughter’s Hound, The Big O, Crime Always Pays and Absolute Zero Cool. Declan has also contributed to a number of short story anthologies and essay collections, including Uncage Me, Best British Mysteries Vol. 8, The Quiet Quarter, New Planet Cabaret, and Following the Detectives. His books have been translated into German, French, Dutch, Hungarian, Korean and Portuguese. Absolute Zero Cool won the Goldsboro Prize in 2012. Books to Die For, co-edited with John Connolly, won the Anthony Award for Best Non-fiction Crime in 2013. Most recently, Declan edited the short story collection Trouble is Our Business (2016).

Praise for Declan Burke’s writing:

‘A genuinely original take on noir, inventive and funny…a cross between Flann O’Brien and Raymond Chandler.’ -John Banville

‘Absolute Zero Cool is unlike anything else you’ll read this year…laugh-out-loud funny…this is writing at its dazzling, cleverest zenith. A feat of extraordinary alchemy.’ -Ken Bruen

This workshop is being offered as part of Wee County, Big Bookclub 2019, a partnership project supported by Words Ireland with The Droichead Arts Centre, Louth County Library Service, the Irish Writers Centre, An Táin Arts Centre and Creative Spark. The chosen book for the project is Skin Deep by Liz Nugent. Liz will appear at The Droichead for an author event on September 6th: https://www.droichead.com/show/873605522
An Táin and the library service also have September events as part of the project. For more information contact An Táin and the Library Service directly.

Screen- Printed Origami

Come along to Culture Night in Creative Spark. Learn how to pull your own limited edition print and take part in live screen-printing demos. We will have a range of designs ready to print. We will then transform these prints into origami butterflies and create a collective floating installation.

Print Factory and Lantern Making Workshop with Art as Exchange (AAEX) and Creative Spark who have teamed up to set up a small print factory in St Dominic’s Park. Visitors are invited to try their hand at mono printing, screen printing, using lino cuts and other techniques alongside drawing, watercolours, calligraphy or collages to assemble their own lantern made from recycled materials. AAEX and Creative Spark artists will be on hand to guide you in the creative process throughout this fun family event.

Creative Spark will hold an afternoon of fun, free drawing activities from 2.00 – 4.00pm. #NationalDrawingDay is an annual national event run by the National Gallery of Ireland in many venues across Ireland.
This event is FREE, but booking is necessary by telephone or email.

Calling all communities, schools, groups, clubs, illustrators, artists, print maker’s, writers and poets.

Be part of our new publication

We’re putting together a new zine. Each issue will be based around a different theme. Our first issue will be “SPARK – COMMUNITY”. A mini magazine celebrating what community means to you! We want to run some workshops with different groups to develop our first issue.

If you want to get involved email us at printstudio@creativespark.ie

Did you know that Creative Spark is involved in Cruinniú na n'Óg 2020?

Do you want to contribute to our community jigsaw?

Local artist Caoimhe McCarthy illustrated  a ‘big picture’ of her interpretation of Louth, representing the county with folklore stories about the region.

Get your piece of the big picture !

These pieces will then be available for you to download and colour in at home. Once finished you can send them back to us at Creative Spark where we will put them all back together to make our community jigsaw.

The closing date to send pieces back is on Saturday 20th June

To get involved email grainne@creativespark.ie

The Steamroller Print Project; artists and the community to come together in a cooperative event to celebrate art and community for Culture Night 2020.

Come to Creative Spark and get involved in our giant wood cut print. It will be inked up and printed using a steam roller on the night. Creating the largest scale prints Dundalk has ever seen!

The image will be an illustration of County Louth .

Booking essentail.

The Steamroller Print Project; artists and the community to come together in a cooperative event to celebrate art and community for Culture Night 2020.

Come to Creative Spark for a love demo of our giant wood cut print. It will be inked up and printed using a steam roller on the night. Creating the largest scale prints Dundalk has ever seen!

The image will be an illustration of County Louth by Caoimhe McCarthy .

Booking essentail.

Creative Spark will host a free coding event for boys and girls aged 8 to 10 years.  The theme for this event is "Stay Connected". Covid-19 has changed how we communicate, and for lots of us, that means we don’t see our loved ones as much as we used to, whether they live in our town, our county or across the world. What better way to stay connected with them than through a personalised digital card, created by your child.

Children will learn how to design and code a digital card for someone special, they can add a personal message, add music, movements and they can even star in the animated card themselves! They will learn how to save the card, how to send it to someone special, and how to change it and create more versions of the card for others.

Parents Please Note:

This is a beginners level workshop for boys and girls aged 8 to 10 years.

Limited places available to ensure lots of one-to-one mentoring.

This is an online event, your child will require access to a desktop computer or laptop and reliable internet connection for the duration of this workshop.  Tablets and phones not suitable.

This event will be run over Zoom, by invitation only.  Once you have registered for the workshop, you will receive instructions and an invitation from us.

Creative Spark will host a free coding event for boys and girls aged 11 to 13 years.  The theme for this event is "Stay Connected". Covid-19 has changed how we communicate, and for lots of us, that means we don’t see our loved ones as much as we used to, whether they live in our town, our county or across the world. What better way to stay connected with them than through a personalised digital card, created by your child.

Children will learn how to design and code a digital card for someone special, they can add a personal message, add music, movements and they can even star in the animated card themselves! They will learn how to save the card, how to send it to someone special, and how to change it and create more versions of the card for others.

Parents Please Note:

This is a beginners level workshop for boys and girls aged 10 to 13 years.

Limited places available to ensure lots of one-to-one mentoring.

This is an online event, your child will require access to a desktop computer or laptop and reliable internet connection for the duration of this workshop.  Tablets and phones not suitable.

This event will be run over Zoom, by invitation only.  Once you have registered for the workshop, you will receive instructions and an invitation from us.

Creative Spark will host a free online coding event for local Girls, aged 8 to 10 years.  This event will introduce girls to coding and computer science through fun interactive online workshops, facilitated by experienced coding tutors.  This is a beginners level workshop.

Our guest speaker, Dr Niamh Shaw, an inspirational Dundalk native, an engineer, scientist, writer and performer, will talk to the girls about following their dreams, and how her big dream is to travel into Space! 

The girls will learn the basics of computer coding using Scratch, a fun visual programming language for children.  The theme for our workshops will be "Girls In Space", they will learn how to design and code a space-themed animation, how to add music, movement, change scenes, and they can even star in the animation themselves! 

We will show the girls that technology is fun and creative, and not just for boys!  We will tap into their curiosity and encourage them to explore technology and show them that they can become innovators and inventors of technology in the future.

Parents Please Note:

This is a beginners level workshop for girls aged 8 to 10 years.

Limited places available to ensure lots of one-to-one mentoring.

This is an online event, your child will require access to a laptop and reliable internet connection for the duration of this workshop.

This event will be run over Zoom, by invitation only.  Once you have registered for the workshop, you will receive an invitation from us.

Creative Spark will host a free online coding event for local Girls, aged 11 to 13 years.  This event will introduce girls to coding and computer science through fun interactive online workshops, facilitated by experienced coding tutors.  This is a beginners level workshop.

Our guest speaker, Dr Niamh Shaw, an inspirational Dundalk native, an engineer, scientist, writer and performer, will talk to the girls about following their dreams, and how her big dream is to travel into Space! 

The girls will learn the basics of computer coding using Scratch, a fun visual programming language for children.  The theme for our workshops will be "Girls In Space", they will learn how to design and code a space-themed animation, how to add music, movement, change scenes, and they can even star in the animation themselves! 

This workshop is for girls aged 11-13 years, limited places available to ensure lots of one-to-one mentoring.

We will show the girls that technology is fun and creative, and not just for boys!  We will tap into their curiosity and encourage them to explore technology and show them that they can become innovators and inventors of technology in the future.

Parents Please Note:

This is a beginners level workshop for girls aged 11 to 13 years.

Limited places available to ensure lots of one-to-one mentoring.

This is an online event, your child will require access to a laptop and reliable internet connection for the duration of this workshop.

This event will be run over Zoom, by invitation only.  Once you have registered for the workshop, you will receive an invitation from us.

The programme will introduce students to the various digital design process used in product and machine design. Students will use 3D based CAD systems to design and simulate products and machine parts operations. Then using this data, they will prototype components using such processes as 3D printing and CNC machining.
Following a design methodology student will design products and components and gain an understanding of the stages of the product development life-cycle, from project planning, concept developments, market requirements, design, analysis, prototyping and testing. The student will gain an understanding of creative design methods, material selection and manufacturing processes used for rapid prototyping.

Skillnet funding of up to 30% of tuiton fee may be available to qualifying participants.* 
 
*Qualifying participants must be employed and ROI resident. 

Contact Aidan Ryan for more information 

aidan.callan@dundalkskillnet.ie

Try your hand at spray painting and street art with artist Michael Stafford, suitable for ages 5 - 12 years. Please make sure to wear old clothes as this workshop is lots of fun and can get messy!

Each event will be run in accordance with Government health and safety measures in place with regard to COVID 19. Gloves and hand sanitiser will be provided.

Places limited, booking essential.

Try your hand at spray painting and street art with artist Michael Stafford, suitable for ages 13-18 years. Please make sure to wear old clothes as this workshop is lots of fun and can get messy!

Each event will be run in accordance with Government health and safety measures in place with regard to COVID 19. Gloves and hand sanitiser will be provided, please wear a face covering.

Places limited, booking essential.

Dundalk BIDs and Creative Spark in conjunction with lead sponsors Colourtrend Ireland, Paypal and Creative Ireland are proud to announce – Seek Urban Arts Festival 2021.

Our festival tour take you on a guided walk through the artworks created in Dundalk as part of SEEK 2021, the tour will also feature some of the amazing murals from previous years.

Join our guided walk to to visit the highlights of the festival and to learn about the artists, their techniques, and discover the history and stories behind the pieces they are creating in this express tour.

Meeting point: Dundalk Tourist Office, Market Square

Start time: 1:10pm, please arrive a few minutes in advance for registration

Duration: approx 45mins

Weather conditions: hail, rain or shine!

SEEK guided walking tours are free of charge but if you would like to support the festival we have hand-printed Tote Bags (€5) and hand-printed festival T-Shirts (€12) available to purchase from Dundalk Tourist Office.

If for any reason, you wish to cancel your booking, please do so at your earliest convenience by emailing info@dundalktouristoffice.ie

Covid 19

SEEK 2021 walking tours will adhere to government guidelines - in addition to being in the open air we are still taking the usual precautions of everyone wearing a mask, social distancing.

Please ensure to bring a facemask and hand sanitiser, and to check the most up-to-date information in relation to Covid 19 compliance and best practice at www.gov.ie

All tour dates are subject to change in accordance with any revised Government guidelines and restrictions.

Find out more about SEEK Urban Arts Festival:

The festival is centred on promoting visual arts in Dundalk. By commissioning established and emerging artists, locally, nationally and internationally, we aim to promote the town culturally and artistically, repositioning the area as a vibrant hub for creativity.

Seek 2021 will highlight the important influence art can have in the public domain, its role as a catalyst for change, helping reinvigorate and refresh some of our town centre spaces. The themes behind the artwork will be instrumental in telling Dundalk’s story and connecting people to our heritage.

Culturally Dundalk has been shaped over the ages, with many historical figures and events. With our outdoor art gallery we hope to generate and inspire local pride and help to forge a new identity based on creativity while still celebrating our past.

Dundalk BIDs and Creative Spark in conjunction with lead sponsors Colourtrend Ireland, Paypal and Creative Ireland are proud to announce – Seek Urban Arts Festival 2021.

Our festival tour take you on a guided walk through the artworks created in Dundalk as part of SEEK 2021, the tour will also feature the amazing murals from previous festivals.

Join our guided walk to learn about the artists, their techniques, and discover the history and stories behind the pieces they are creating.

Meeting point: Brigid of Faughart mural, Bridge Street

Start time: 3pm, please arrive a few minutes in advance for registration

Duration: approx 1hr 30mins

Weather conditions: hail, rain or shine!

SEEK guided walking tours are free of charge but if you would like to support the festival we have hand-printed festival Tote Bags (€5) and T-Shirts (€12) available to purchase from Dundalk Tourist Office.

If, for any reason, you need to cancel your booking, please do so at your earliest convenience by emailing info@dundalktouristoffice.ie

Covid 19

SEEK 2021 walking tours will adhere to government guidelines - in addition to being in the open air we are still taking the usual precautions of everyone wearing a mask, social distancing.

Please ensure to bring a facemask and hand sanitiser, and to check the most up-to-date information in relation to Covid 19 compliance and best practice at www.gov.ie

All tour dates are subject to change in accordance with any revised Government guidelines and restrictions.

Find out more about SEEK Urban Arts Festival:

The festival is centered on promoting visual arts in Dundalk. By commissioning established and emerging artists, locally, nationally and internationally, we aim to promote the town culturally and artistically, repositioning the area as a vibrant hub for creativity.

Seek 2021 will highlight the important influence art can have in the public domain, its role as a catalyst for change, helping reinvigorate and refresh some of our town centre spaces. The themes behind the artwork will be instrumental in telling Dundalk’s story and connecting people to our heritage.

Culturally Dundalk has been shaped over the ages, with many historical figures and events. With our outdoor art gallery we hope to generate and inspire local pride and help to forge a new identity based on creativity while still celebrating our past.

Come along and have a go at creating your own blueprint with artists Gráinne Murphy and Jenny Slater from Creative Spark. Cyanotype is one of the oldest form of photography. On the day we will be experimenting with drawing, objects and images. Each participant will create and keep their very own print.

Please note this workshop is weather dependent as the sunlight is essential for this artist process.

Suitable for all ages young and old.

Each event will be run in accordance with Government health and safety measures in place with regard to COVID 19. Gloves and hand sanitiser will be provided.

Places limited, booking essential.

Come along and have a go at creating your own blueprint with artists Gráinne Murphy and Jenny Slater from Creative Spark. Cyanotype is one of the oldest form of photography. On the day we will be experimenting with drawing, objects and images. Each participant will create and keep their very own print.

Please note this workshop is weather dependent as the sunlight is essential for this artist process.

Suitable for all ages young and old.

Each event will be run in accordance with Government health and safety measures in place with regard to COVID 19. Gloves and hand sanitiser will be provided.

Places limited, booking essential.

Creative Spark will host a free online coding event for local Girls, aged 8 to 13 years. This event will introduce girls to coding and computer science using Scratch, a fun visual programming language for children.

Our event will use specially recorded video lessons to show the girls how to create a game in Scratch, with a Show-And-Tell session afterwards, facilitated by experienced coding tutors for any questions, and to show off their games.

The girls can follow the step-by-step lesson, pause where recommended to complete a step and then move on at their own pace.

There will be separate lessons for Beginners and Improvers. Beginners will learn how Scratch works, and create their first game in Scratch. Improvers who are familiar with Scratch will create a more complex game with a score and sounds.

We will show the girls that technology is fun and creative, and not just for boys! We will tap into their curiosity and encourage them to explore technology and show them that they can become innovators and inventors of technology in the future.

This workshop will introduce participants to the craft of blending fragrance and hand pouring soy wax candle.

Beginning with an introduction to fragrance development  and natural candle making ingredients we will move on to blend your own selection of fragrance with soy wax to create 3 custom apothecary inspired candles per participant.

You will then label and gift wrap your candles to gift over the Holiday season.

The programme will introduce students to the various digital design process used in product and machine design. Students will use 3D based CAD systems to design and simulate products and machine parts operations. Then using this data, they will prototype components using such processes as 3D printing and CNC machining.

Following a design methodology student will design products and components and gain an understanding of the stages of the product development life-cycle, from project planning, concept developments, market requirements, design, analysis, prototyping and testing. The student will gain an understanding of creative design methods, material selection and manufacturing processes used for rapid prototyping.

This programme is being run in partnership with DkIT, Creative Spark and Dundalk Chamber Skillnet

Want to try something new in 2022? With Podcast listeners expected to exceed 420 million around the world this is a great time to explore the world of podcasting. The variety of podcasts topics are endless, if you want to start podcasting as a hobby or to aid the promotion of your business our 3 Day Workshops will help your understand the basics.
The Workshops will include:

• Structure and Planning a Podcast
• How to target
• Interview Skills
• Recording and Publishing

Participants will leave this course with an understanding of how to take their podcast idea to publishing their own episodes.

A three day camp for 13 to 18 year olds, bringing your idea from paper to production.

The course will cover all areas from working on initial topic and script ideas, interview skills, editing and publishing.

Gain the confidence to host your own podcast or grow your audience.

Cost €80

The SEEK Walking Tours are back! Learn about the artists and their techniques, and discover the stories behind the pieces they are creating.

This 80-minute tour also features some of the amazing murals from previous years and captures snapshots in time of Dundalk’s rich history and heritage.

Meeting point: Brigid of Faughart mural, Bridge Street

Start time: 11.30am, please arrive a few minutes in advance for registration

Duration: 1hr 20mins (ish)

Weather conditions: hail, rain or shine!

The guided walking tours are free of charge during the week of the festival but if you would like to support the SEEK Urban Arts we have hand-printed festival Tote Bags (€5) available to purchase from Dundalk Tourist Office.

If, for any reason, you need to cancel your booking, please do so at your earliest convenience by emailing info@dundalktouristoffice.ie

Find out more about SEEK Urban Arts Festival:

Seek Urban Arts highlights the important influence art can have in the public domain, it’s role as a catalyst for change, inspiring local pride as well as helping to reinvigorate and refresh some of our town centre spaces. Many historical events and figures have shaped Dundalk through the ages, and the themes behind the artwork will be instrumental in telling Dundalk’s story and connecting people to our heritage.

The festival is centered on promoting visual arts and culture in Dundalk. By commissioning established and emerging artists, we aim to promote the town culturally and artistically, while also enhancing the area as a vibrant hub for creativity.

Follow us on Instagram: @seekdundalkofficial

The Start Your Own Business Training Programme has been designed to address the needs of those wishing to start their own business, or those who have recently started trading. It is aimed at providing practical support, advice and guidance in a broad range of business areas. This programme will enable participants to gain a working knowledge of how to set up a business and / or to manage an existing business.

The implications of Brexit may have far-reaching effects on Irish Business. The objective of this Customs Export & Import Procedures workshop is to provide businesses with knowledge and understanding of the potential impacts, formalities and procedures to be adopted when trading with a Third Country. The workshop will highlight the Customs facilities available to importers and exporters, opportunities to minimise import duty payments and ensure compliance with customs procedures. The workshop is designed to embed best practice into businesses from across all industry sectors.

Start 2020 with Focus on Marketing Your Business the Right Way!

What You’ll Learn:

• Defining Your Target Audience
• Marketing Mix
• Creating A Marketing Plan
• Segmentation
• Communications
• Social Media

Jill Lush is a Thought Leader in Digital Marketing and delivers training to businesses of all sizes nationwide. She is the owner of the Award Winning Marketing Agency, Lush Marketing.

Access to Finance Workshop is designed to demystify the processes of raising finance for your business. The workshop is targeted at individuals who have a business and are interested in gaining valuable information about accessing finance for your business. Various types of financing will be discussed, information will be given on types of loan finance available from lenders such as MicroFinance Ireland, mainstream banks and credit unions.

Participants will be informed of how loans are assessed and will be provided with tangible examples of common reasons why loans are refused. General information on types of sources of finance available for small businesses.

Procurement can be a minefield for SMEs but if you can get it right it can really help drive your business growth. Taking part in this one-day workshop will help you to identify tender opportunities suited to your business, improve your tender-writing skills and understand how decisions are made in the tendering process. The workshop will show how to write tenders that stand out from the competition. You will leave with an adaptable tender template that will be invaluable to your in future tenders.

The implications of Brexit may have far-reaching effects on Irish Business. The objective of this Customs Export & Import Procedures workshop is to provide businesses with knowledge and understanding of the potential impacts, formalities and procedures to be adopted when trading with a Third Country. The workshop will highlight the Customs facilities available to importers and exporters, opportunities to minimise import duty payments and ensure compliance with customs procedures. The workshop is designed to embed best practice into businesses from across all industry sectors.

In order to avoid the potential pitfalls, it is extremely important that businesses know their obligations in relation to VAT from the outset. This workshop will give attendees a clear understanding of the main VAT issues that need to be considered.

The Start Your Own Business Training Programme has been designed to address the needs of those wishing to start their own business, or those who have recently started trading. It is aimed at providing practical support, advice and guidance in a broad range of business areas. This programme will enable participants to gain a working knowledge of how to set up a business and / or to manage an existing business.

A practical hands-on half day workshop on setting up & using social media for your business, tools covered include Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin etc.

The Workshop will include: Overview of social media, What Tools to Use & Why, Generating Content for Social Media, Creating & Using a Twitter account, Setting Up and Using a Business Facebook page, Generating Engagement and an Overview of LinkedIn & YouTube.

*Please note, participants will need to bring their own laptop on the day

Whether you are planning to start a business or if you already run a small business, you need to be aware of the basic requirements in relation to record keeping. Not only do you need to be able to understand how your business is performing but you also need to be able to compile the information required to comply with the various tax regulations. Your bank will also expect you to keep your financial information up to date.
This workshop will provide an overview of all aspects of maintaining proper books of account for a start-up or small business. You will be guided through the setting up of a proper system of book-keeping and how to use the information recorded, to run your business. The workshop will also touch on cash flow management and tax registration and compliance.

Are you considering exporting your product overseas or need to learn how? Yes – then this practical advice workshop presented by a successful export sales expert is what you need.
Learn how to apply a structured approach to exporting and the supports available to explore and develop new market opportunities.
Workshop topics will include Market Research, Competitor Sales Analysis, Sales Presentation Preparation and Tailoring Sales Pitch to Your Customer.
The workshop will also include access to a network of trade contacts and industry specific experts to allow you to prepare and adapt your product for entry into suitable new markets.

Access to Finance Workshop is designed to demystify the processes of raising finance for your business. The workshop is targeted at individuals who have a business and are interested in gaining valuable information about accessing finance for your business. Various types of financing will be discussed, information will be given on types of loan finance available from lenders such as MicroFinance Ireland, mainstream banks and credit unions.
Overview of MicroFinance Ireland (MFI), private investment, business angels, bank/credit union loans, invoice discounting, leasing, government grants etc. Participants will be informed of how loans are assessed and will be provided with tangible examples of common reasons why loans are refused. General information on types of sources of finance available for small businesses.

This workshop is specifically aimed at people who don’t know how to leverage the power of events correctly. It will teach them how to productively use their time before, during and after to ensure they are fully optimising the business development potential of the event.

Cost: €129 (€159 for Non Chamber & Non Network Members)

The Workshop will focus on building systems & procedures to aid in speedy responses to “Access Requests” and right to be “Forgotten Requests”. It will provide expert advice on systems & procedures to easily deal with requests, ensuring they do not becomes long winded, labour intensive jobs.

The workshop will also refresh on what GDPR is, review what should have been implemented within your organisation and reflect on whether the current implementation is fit for purpose. It will discuss the problems, challenges and impacts of GDPR one year on from its enforcement.

For more information click on the link below or contact Aidan on aidan.callan@dundalkskillnet.ie

A practical hands-on half day workshop on setting up and using social media for your business, tools covered include Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc.
The workshop will include: Overview of social media, What tools to Use & Why, Generating Content for Social Media, Creating & Using a Twitter account, Setting Up and Using aBusiness Facebook page, Generating Engagement and an Overview of LinkedIn & YouTube.
Participants are advised that they will need to bring their own laptop

Are you thinking about creating or developing an online business? This one day workshop for people/companies who are planning on selling their products online and who want to learn more about the process and practicalities of e-Commerce.
This workshop will focus on Trading Online Voucher Grant Aid, Selling Online Overview, Fundamentals of Selling Online, Practicalities, Market Places, Planning & Management, GDPR for Online Trading.

Cost: €62.50 (discounted rate to Creative Spark members)- €100

The workshops will also propose an action plan and review the existing digital plan of small business.
Why attend: –
We have hosted more than 100 workshops for big and small businesses. This workshop will review your business or brand you manage and deliver custom content. So unlike, generic social media workshops, we will be discussing your product or brand and strategies relevant for it.
Topics covered :
1. Inbound Marketing
2. Integrated Marketing
3. Design tools ( for everyone )
4. Best Social media channels for your brand/product
5. Digital Strategy
For who :
1. Business owners
2. Professionals
3. Students
4. Startups
Workshop open to only a maximum of 15 attendees to ensure maximum engagement. If you have any queries please get in touch on 089 4578 057
or

All businesses will experience some form of impact from Brexit. All Importers and Exporters will need to know how to move their goods through Customs in Ireland and the UK post Brexit. Some of the issues that will be faced include Customs Duty, Import VAT, Border Delays, Additional Costs e.g. Clearance Agents, etc., Additional Documentation e.g. Import and Export Documentation, etc., New Procedures e.g. How and when to lodge import and export SADs, etc. and New Licences. This course will enable companies to understand both Revenue rules in Ireland and HMRC rules in the UK. It will also cover the post Brexit simplifications being introduced by both Authorities and how to apply for these. It will also explain the operational requirements necessary to move goods through Customs.

Host: Rebecca Mahon, Founder of Savvy Business Gals

This seminar will cover key resources for business owners, entrepreneurs, and sales and marketing professionals seeking a better way to connect with today’s customer.

In this seminar you will learn everything you need to know in order to leverage the new business environment into top sales figures. You’ll learn the techniques that will change your entire approach on helping prospects to buy from you and not your competitor.

Social Selling is not social media marketing. It’s a different approach, more one-to-one rather than one-to-many. This seminar will helps you to understand and master the methods today’s business demands.

Date: Tuesday 22 October 2019
Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Cost: €20

Whether you are planning to start a business or if you already run a small business, you need to be aware of the basic requirements in relation to record keeping. Not only do you need to be able to understand how your business is performing but you also need to be able to compile the information required to comply with the various tax regulations. Your bank will also expect you to keep your financial information up to date.
This workshop will provide an overview of all aspects of maintaining proper books of account for a start-up or small business. You will be guided through the setting up of a proper system of book-keeping and how to use the infor

Date:    23rd April 2020
Time:    6.30pm to 9.30pm
Cost: €20

Whether you are planning to start a business or if you already run a small business, you need to be aware of the basic requirements in relation to record keeping. Not only do you need to be able to understand how your business is performing but you also need to be able to compile the information required to comply with the various tax regulations. Your bank will also expect you to keep your financial information up to date.

This Workshop will provide an overview of all aspects of maintaining proper books of account for a start-up or small business. You will be guided through the setting up of a proper system of book-keeping and how to use the information recorded, to run your business. The Workshop will also touch on cash flow management and tax registration and compliance.

Date: Thursday 30th April
Time: 10am to 4pm (light lunch will be provided)
Cost: Free

A one day workshop for people / companies who are planning on selling their products online and who want to learn more about the process and practicalities of e-Commerce.

Participants will learn all about:

• Selling Online Overview
• Fundamentals of Selling Online
• Practicalities
• Market Places
• Planning & Management
• Grant Aid / Trading Online Vouchers
• GDPR and your website

Date: Thursday 7th May 2020
Time: 10am to 2pm
Cost: €20

Determining the right price for your new product or service can be one of the most challenging tasks any business faces, all the more so if, you’re a Start-up. In competitive markets, getting your price right can be the difference between success and failure.

This short course looks at the basics of how to cost your product / service and to understand the market in which you are selling to price with confidence. The course will provide participants will simple costing tools to clarify how costs are arrived at and ways of pricing which ensure profitable returns.

Topics include:

• Cost analysis – fixed costs and variable costs
• Breakeven Analysis
• The Forces on Price
• The relationship between Price and Demand
• Pricing with confidence

Date:     Wednesday 13 May 2020
Time:     9.30am – 5.00pm
Cost:     Free

Successful Tenders:
Procurement can be a minefield for SMEs but if you can get it right it can really help drive your business growth.

Taking part in this one-day workshop will help you to identify tender opportunities suited to your business, improve your tender-writing skills and understand how decisions are made in the tendering process.   The Workshop will show how to write tenders that stand out from the  competition.   You will  leave with an adaptable tender template that will be invaluable to you in future tenders.

Branding:
In increasingly crowded and sophisticated markets, brand development has never been as critical to the achievement of business success. How a brand is created, promoted and maintained will be the focus of this short course.

Participants will be asked to consider their own brand, its personality, its uniqueness, positioning and management within the overall marketing and promotion of the business. Participants will be provided with practical tools and techniques to manage their branding and promotion to maximise business returns.

Date:    21st May 2020
Time:    10am to 2pm
Cost:     €20

In this interactive workshop you will explore your Business USPs, your target markets, how each one behaves and buys and how you can position your business to maximise potential and reach. Learn what your product or service offers, what PAIN it addresses and benefits vs features. Pick the best channels to connect and
resonate with your target market.

Date: Wednesday June 10th 2020
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Cost: €20

A practical hands-on half day workshop on setting up & using social media for your business, tools covered include Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin etc.

The Workshop will include: Overview of social media, What Tools to Use & Why, Generating Content for Social Media, Creating & Using a Twitter account, Setting Up and Using a Business Facebook page, Generating Engagement and an Overview of LinkedIn & YouTube.

*Please note, participants will need to bring their own laptop on the day

Date:   12th June 2020
Time:    10 am to 1pm
Cost:     €20

In this workshop you will learn exactly how to create a blog that will raise your profile, enhance your credibility, and attract new customers to help your business grow.

What we will cover:

• Starting up a blog
• Which platforms to use
• How to set the blog up
• How to make it look professional.
• Content strategy.

By the end of the Workshop you’ll be ready to create a business blog that educates and entertains your
readers, brings new streams of traffic to your site, and helps you reach more customers.

Did you know that Creative Spark is involved in Cruinniú na n'Óg 2020?

Do you want to contribute to our community jigsaw?

Local artist Caoimhe McCarthy illustrated  a ‘big picture’ of her interpretation of Louth, representing the county with folklore stories about the region.

Get your piece of the big picture !

These pieces will then be available for you to download and colour in at home. Once finished you can send them back to us at Creative Spark where we will put them all back together to make our community jigsaw.

The closing date to send pieces back is on Saturday 20th June

To get involved email grainne@creativespark.ie

Access to Finance Workshop is designed to demystify the processes of raising finance for your business. The workshop is targeted at individuals who have a business and are interested in gaining valuable information about accessing finance for your business. Various types of financing will be discussed, information will be given on types of loan finance available from lenders such as MicroFinance Ireland, mainstream banks and credit unions.

Overview of Microfinance Ireland (MFI), private investment, business angels, bank/credit union loans, invoice discounting, leasing, government grants etc. Participants will be informed of how loans are assessed and will be provided with tangible examples of common reasons why loans are refused. General information on types of sources of finance available for small businesses.

Please note this course is fully online. Please ensure you have a suitable device with microphone and camera in order to take part. Laptops or Tablets are preferred, but a Smartphone will suffice. Broadband speeds of 2mb are recommended.

These free one to one sessions give you the chance to talk through your business issues with an independent advisor.

Together, you can work to uncover further supports or strategies.

The clinics will take place remotely due to current Government restrictions.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into force in May 2018.

This course will go through the steps to complete a number of important documents that are required to demonstrate compliance with the GDPR. Most businesses operating in Ireland will have to comply with the GDPR. During the session, the attendees will learn how to complete the accompanying document templates so that they are accurate and relevant to their business.

Documents included and explained:

• Data Protection Policy Statement
• Data Retention Policy
• Data Subject Access Request Policy

Please note this course will be delivered online via Zoom.

Talentpool are facilitating this session.

You will receive your login details in the day before the course is scheduled to start.

In order to grow and prosper Micro- enterprises must develop their capability and confidence in tender writing.

"The ability to write powerful tenders will be critical to the sustainability of many micro-enterprises. This is essential as we look to the future and restart the economy  as we emerge from Covid19"

Ian McKay, Navigate Change

This online course is ideal for small businesses seeking opportunities.

The course covers:

• An Overview of Public Procurement - the importance of effective tendering – how the tendering process works and how effective tendering can develop a business’s client-base and increase revenue;
•  Why buyers choose the successful tender: what sells your tender - the motivations, requirements and methodologies of the tendering organisation.
•  Sources of tendering opportunities including local opportunities, State tendering processes and practical opportunities outside Ireland – and how to access them and get included on tender lists: This includes an overview and tour of e-tender and the other European e-tender sites.
• How to adopt a systematic approach to considering and responding to tender requests
• Understanding and writing the bid from the customer perspective
• The dos and don'ts of tender writing.

This course will be facilitated by Navigate Change Consulting.

This course will be delivered online via zoom.

The course facilitator will be in touch in the days prior to the course to issue your login details.

It is vital that small business owners maintain an up to date website to retain an online presence.

Managing your own Wordpress site is one way of keeping costs down, but with it, comes regular maintenance.

This online tutorial will enable participants to manage and maintain their Wordpress website, taking them step by step through getting started to adding content and video.

This course is suitable for beginners and will cover:

• Wordpress Hosting Options
• Basics of Wordpress User Interface
• Understanding the Wordpress Dashboard
• Pages, Tags, Media and Content Administration
• Finding and Using Wordpress Plugins
• Upgrading Wordpress Plugins
• Working with Wordpress themes and best practise
• Adding Video and Audio

Please note this course will be delivered online via Zoom. Please ensure you have a suitable device and broadband speeds to take part.

The course facilitator will be in touch the day before the course starts to issue login details.

Access to Finance Workshop is designed to demystify the processes of raising finance for your business. The workshop is targeted at individuals who have a business and are interested in gaining valuable information about accessing finance for your business. Various types of financing will be discussed, information will be given on types of loan finance available from lenders such as MicroFinance Ireland, mainstream banks and credit unions.

Overview of Microfinance Ireland (MFI), private investment, business angels, bank/credit union loans, invoice discounting, leasing, government grants etc. Participants will be informed of how loans are assessed and will be provided with tangible examples of common reasons why loans are refused. General information on types of sources of finance available for small businesses.

Please note this course is fully online. Please ensure you have a suitable device with microphone and camera in order to take part. Laptops or Tablets are preferred, but a Smartphone will suffice. Broadband speeds of 2mb are recommended.

The course facilitator will be in touch the day before the course to issue login details

Digital Marketing is a minefield and a potential money pit of poorly selected & timed sponsored adds offering minimal return.
To maximise engagement with your customers and grow online sales a clearly defined and robust digital marketing strategy is key to success.
Run over 6 half-day sessions this programme will support you in developing a digital marketing strategy incorporating Customer Segmentation, Funnels, Google / SEO, Social Media and content creation utilising digital video and images.
On the sixth session, you will outline your strategy to the tutor who will provide guidance and invaluable feedback to ensure your strategy is maximised to grow your business.

Excel is the most commonly used and in-demand tool for making sense of data. When you can harness that power, you will be a sought after employee. If you run a business, being proficient in Excel can help you see your business in a completely different light.
The purpose of this course is the teach delegates the essential features of Excel. Accessing worksheets, entering data, core functions Referencing cells, formatting worksheets, headers & footers and printing are all covered. Extensive hands-on classroom training is provided throughout.

This half day online workshop will introduce participants to the business functions of Facebook and demonstrate how to use a business page as a sales tool.

This workshop is for participants who are already comfortable with the basics of Facebook.

This course will demonstrate

• The functions of Facebook Business Suite
• Setting up Facebook Business Manager
• Setting up a Facebook Catalogue
• Connecting Facebook to your Website Products
• Setting up Facebook Audiences
• Setting up Ad campaigns

This course will take place completely online. Please ensure you have a suitable device with which to take part.

The  course facilitator will be in touch the day before the course starts to issue login details.

Social Media for Food Businesses.

When sharing engaging content to social media it's a challenge enough in itself to understand the specifics of the different channels, dimensions, audiences and post times. What makes great content sing on social media? For food and drink businesses, Patrick and Russell of award-winning digital content creator brand GastroGays will guide you through the ins and outs of uploading, posting and sharing eye-catching and informative social media content.

This course will be delivered online via zoom.

Login details will be emailed to you the day before the course starts.

This is an initiative of Boyne Valley Flavours and is open to businesses from Meath and Louth.

With Minister Heather Humphreys recent announcement of extra supports available to businesses during the COVID-19 crisis, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme has become an essential source of support to businesses wanting to boost their online presence, and the good news for previous recipients is that a second voucher is available.

The scheme can offer up to €2500 or 50% of the cost of upgrading your web presence,  plus advice on making the most of  your online business.

This course goes through the details of the scheme, and helps you ensure you understand what is available for you from the grant

Please note, if you wish to apply for the voucher, you must attend a training workshop.

For more information about the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, click here

This course is fully online. Please ensure you have a suitable device to take part with microphone and camera. 

You will receive the login details to join the course the day beforehand from the course facilitator.

Social Media for Small Business - Beginners

A practical workshop on setting up & using social media for your business.  Tools covered include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram LinkedIn etc.

The course will go through:

• Overview of Social Media Platforms
• What platform to use and why
• Generating content
• Locating your Customers on Social Media
• Understanding Core Elements, Hashtags, Mentions, Media Types etc

By the end of this course participants should have a good understanding of the different social media platforms available for use by their business. They should
also understand the structure of content posting & the purpose & impact of engagement.

Excel is the most in commonly used and in demand tool for making sense of data. When you can harness that power, you will be a sought after employee. If you run a business, being proficient in Excel can help you see your business in a completely different light.

Filing your Income Tax Returns.

This programme brings delegates on a journey from initial tax registration, through registering for ROS, and has basic information about filling in a Form 11ROS Registration & use.

The programme explores the dates on which returns must be filled, and what happens if they are missed.

The session shows in detail how the income tax credits, cut offs, and progressive tax rates work in relation to income tax.

These are demonstrated by use of interactive examples and working demonstrations.

This  programme will be delivered completely online.

Please ensure you have a suitable device and broadband speeds.

You will receive the login code for the Zoom session the day before the course starts.

Digital Marketing Strategy

This practical course looks at digital marketing strategies for smaller businesses where budgets are lower and returns on monies invested must be tangible.

This workshop will cover

• An overview of Search Engine Optimisation
• Display Advertising – PPC / CPM
• Email  Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Analytics

At the end of the course, participants will understand how all these tools work together. Participants will be able to create a ,A Google My Business Profile,  and how to develop their Digital Marketing Strategy.

This course is delivered by Verling .

This course is taking place online. You will receive your login details the day before the course starts.

Accessing Finance for your Business

Access to Finance Workshop is designed to demystify the processes of raising finance for your business. The workshop is targeted at individuals who have a business and are interested in gaining valuable information about accessing finance for your business. Various types of financing will be discussed, information will be given on types of loan finance available from lenders such as MicroFinance Ireland, mainstream banks and credit unions.

Overview of Microfinance Ireland (MFI), private investment, business angels, bank/credit union loans, invoice discounting, leasing, government grants etc. Participants will be informed of how loans are assessed and will be provided with tangible examples of common reasons why loans are refused. General information on types of sources of finance available for small businesses.

Please note this course is fully online. Please ensure you have a suitable device with microphone and camera in order to take part. Laptops or Tablets are preferred, but a Smartphone will suffice. Broadband speeds of 2mb are recommended.

The course facilitator will be in touch the day before the course to issue login details

Access to Finance Workshop is designed to demystify the processes of raising finance for your business. The workshop is targeted at individuals who have a business and are interested in gaining valuable information about accessing finance for your business. Various types of financing will be discussed, information will be given on types of loan finance available from lenders such as MicroFinance Ireland, mainstream banks and credit unions.

Overview of Microfinance Ireland (MFI), private investment, business angels, bank/credit union loans, invoice discounting, leasing, government grants etc. Participants will be informed of how loans are assessed and will be provided with tangible examples of common reasons why loans are refused. General information on types of sources of finance available for small businesses.

Please note this course is fully online. Please ensure you have a suitable device with microphone and camera in order to take part. Laptops or Tablets are preferred, but a Smartphone will suffice. Broadband speeds of 2mb are recommended.

The course facilitator will be in touch the day before the course to issue login details

This online course is a great entry level course for new businesses looking to grasp the basics of Book Keeping and finance.

The workshop covers:

• Cashflow Management
• Taxation
• Managing Finances
• Basic Book keeping

Using easy to follow templates and examples, participants will leave the course with the knowledge and confidence to manage their day to day business finances.

Please note this course will take place online to be delivered via Zoom.

Please ensure you have a suitable device with which to take part.

A link to the course will be emailed to you 2 days before the course is due to take place

The course participant will learn the basics of SEO required to improve their website ranking on this course. They will gain a good overview of what SEO is and how it affects their website.

Along with the tools to check their current website's SEO performance they will gain an insight into recommendations for Content and Technical improvements for their website.

Participants will learn:

• How Search Engines Work
• Content SEO
• Technical SEO
• Search Strategies
• Search trends
• SEO Skills
• Reviewing case studies

SEO can be a complex technical subject. This course is aimed at simplifying the topic for business owners to allow them to understand best practices going forward.

This course is delivered via Zoom, the online meeting platform.

You will receive the course login the day before the course starts.

Access to Finance Workshop is designed to demystify the processes of raising finance for your business. The workshop is targeted at individuals who have a business and are interested in gaining valuable information about accessing finance for your business. Various types of financing will be discussed, information will be given on types of loan finance available from lenders such as MicroFinance Ireland, mainstream banks and credit unions.

Overview of Microfinance Ireland (MFI), private investment, business angels, bank/credit union loans, invoice discounting, leasing, government grants etc. Participants will be informed of how loans are assessed and will be provided with tangible examples of common reasons why loans are refused. General information on types of sources of finance available for small businesses.

Please note this course is fully online. Please ensure you have a suitable device with microphone and camera in order to take part. Laptops or Tablets are preferred, but a Smartphone will suffice. Broadband speeds of 2mb are recommended.

The course facilitator will be in touch the day before the course to issue login details

This Interactive training course will help participants understand the importance of Branding and developing a Brand message for their business.

Using real life examples and exercises, to illustrate Branding in practise, participants will be able to build their brand from scratch, communicate their message  and avoid common mistakes.

This course will take place online.

Login details will be emailed to you the day before the course starts.

With Minister Heather Humphreys recent announcement of extra supports available to businesses during the COVID-19 crisis, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme has become an essential source of support to businesses wanting to boost their online presence, and the good news for previous recipients is that a second voucher is available.

The scheme can offer up to €2500 or 50% of the cost of upgrading your web presence,  plus advice on making the most of  your online business.

This course goes through the details of the scheme, and helps you ensure you understand what is available for you from the grant

Please note, if you wish to apply for the voucher, you must attend a training workshop.

For more information about the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, click here

This course is fully online. Please ensure you have a suitable device to take part with microphone and camera. 

You will receive the login details to join the course the day beforehand from the course facilitator.

This online workshop will help small business to clarify their unique selling point, identify their target markets and to communicate effectively with these markets.

This course is ideal for any business who wishes to understand the essentials of Marketing in an already crowded space, and gain the tools to help them set targets and develop marketing strategies for the future.

During the course participants will 

• Discover and understand their  Unique Selling Proposition
• Identify Target Markets
• Understand Customer Behaviour
• Review their Competitors
• Learn how to Market on a limited budget
• Review online and offline marketing tools.
• Examine how to retain and build on their market during and after Covid 19 Restrictions

This course is delivered by Boyne Communications.

Please note this course is completely online. Please ensure you have a suitable device and broadband speeds to participate.

The course facilitator will be in touch the day before with login details for the course.

Course Objective: Understanding what your business needs to do now to make a success of your website.

Course Content:

• Website Objectives/Goals
• Reviewing & Testing Your Website
• Measuring Your website - Traffic & Search Engine Ranking
• Planning Content
• Updating your Website:
• SEO
• Content Ideas
• Content Generation Tools
• 3 Party Tools:
• Shopping Cart Abandonment
• Online Chat
• Newsletter Facility
• Conclusion

This course will take place online via Zoom. Please ensure you have adequate broadband speeds to take part.

You will receive the login details for this course the day before the course starts.

In the world of social media, Instagram is fast becoming an essential marketing tool due to it's reach and heavily curated content.

This workshop will introduce the small business owner to the benefits of this platform. 

Suitable for beginners, this workshop will cover:

• Setting up an Instagram Business Profile
• Understanding Hashtags
• Understanding followers
• Creating, editing and adding media to a post
• Promoting posts

Participants will leave this course with the ability to integrate Instagram into their social media strategy.

This course course will take place completely online. Please ensure you have a suitable device with which to take part.

The course facilitator will be in touch the day before the course starts to issue login details.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, these classes will help you
master your chosen media or experiment with new ones. You will learn to mix
colour, use a palette knife, glaze, varnish and create your own compositions in a
relaxed creative environment. 

Ann Gribben works with a variety of painting materials and techniques including
watercolour and acrylic painting and has 27 years of teaching experience. Her
two-dimensional art lessons include, drawing scale and proportion, perspective
drawing, technical drawing, composition, landscape drawing, portrait drawing,
life figure drawing for human and animal figures.

10 Week Class 

NB A non-refundable deposit of €30 must be paid to secure your place on any course or workshop..

Tutor: Gráinne Murphy

This ten-week course is a great opportunity to learn the art of screen printing. Explore and learn screen printing, both paper and fabric printing.

Using your own drawings and images, discover how to transform your design into an edition of prints. You will learn all the tricks and skills you need to start screen printing independently at a high level.  You will experiment techniques, such us hand cut stencils, photo stencils and MRPVC hand drawn stencil.

This course is suitable for complete beginners and well as improvers.

Tutor: Petra Berntsson
Duration: 10 Weeks

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, these classes will help you master your chosen media or experiment with new ones. You will learn to mix colour, use a palette knife, glaze, varnish and create your own compositions in a relaxed creative environment; suitable for acrylics and oils.

Tutor: Etaoin O’Reilly
Duration: 10 weeks
Cost: €175 (inc. materials)

On your 10 week course, Etaoin will expertly guide you through some of the various techniques to get you started on your ceramic journey. From preparing the clay properly, pinch pots, coiling and slab work to clay decoration using slips and glazes you will work at a steady and relaxed pace to create some wonderful objects to be proud of.

Tutor Susan Farrelly
Duration: 10 Weeks

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, these classes will help you master your chosen media or experiment with new ones. You will learn to mix colour, use a palette knife, glaze, varnish and create your own compositions in a relaxed creative environment; suitable for acrylics and oils.

Tutor: Gráinne Murphy
Duration: 6 Weeks

This 6-week course is great for people who have completed a beginner’s course and want to focus on their own ideas/projects with the guidance of our Print Technician. It is also an opportunity to explore a printing technique in more detail or focus on a specific area of print. This course is not suitable for beginners.

Tutor: Sean McGuill
Duration: 1 day

Mainly used in the automotive industry, hydroprinting is a process which allows you to print a 2d image on to a 3 dimensional object – allowing for the combination of printmaking and sculpture. Firstly, an image can be screen-printed on to a plastic film, which is then put on the surface of a tank of water that the object is dipped in to transfer the design.

Tutor: John O’Connor

The object of the exercise is for participants to design and print a carborundum print to the edge of the paper which will have a deckle edge. Several plates can be used to print various colours. A step by step analysis of the technique will be shown from design stage, application of carborundum to plate, wiping, and finally, printing on an intaglio press using Fabriano paper.

Tutor: Tunde Toth

The workshop introduces contemporary techniques used in Silk Fibre Paper Making: a natural process where layers of raw, untreated silk are fused together to create ‘fabric-like’, lightweight and textured silk papers, dyed with fabric dyes in the process. Participants will make 4 or 5 unique works, including a sculptural piece. Finished silk papers can be used for various art mediums, writing, embroidery and stitching, collage works etc,and  they make striking interior decorations.

Tutor: Prof. Steve M. Potter
Duration: 5 Weeks

For beginners who are eager to learn modern woodworking techniques. Across five evenings, you will learn how to design your own decorative and useful objects with VcarvePro software, and carve them with the Handibot computer-controlled (CNC) portable router. Creative possibilities include designing and fabricating signs, decorations and 3D assemblies from both wood and acrylic sheets. See http://steveMpotter.tech for more information. You must bring your own PC laptop computer with Windows (or a Mac with a Windows virtual machine).

Tutor: Grainne Murphy
Duration: 1 Day

How to make innovative books and paper structures. This one-day course will explore basic and more advanced book folding techniques including accordion, dos a dos and triangle books. Perfect for beginners or improvers. Participants will create a number of books and experiment with printmaking techniques to fill them (Mono-printing/dry point techniques).

Participant can also bring any drawings and prints they may have previously made that they would like to include.

Tutor: Alison Lowry

During this class we will create two open face casting moulds. We will fill one with glass frits and powders, which will allow us to use precise colour placement. The other we will fill with glass billet and you will have the option as to whether you would like to add some decals into this firing. Every step will be demo-ed, and we will discuss suitable firing schedules and the pros and cons of casting in this manner during the course. All materials will be supplied, but do dress for mess!

Experience with glass could be advantageous, but not essential

Tutor: Grainne Murphy
Duration: 1 Day
Cost: €40.00

This Cyanotype workshop will introduce you to how to make these famous blue photographs. We will start with an overview of the process and its history and then learn to coat paper. Mix the chemicals, expose the prints. The process involves making contact prints with light-sensitive paper, either using photographic negatives or other materials. The process is easy to learn, ideal for experimentation, and can be done at home using daylight.

Tutor: Prof. Steve M. Potter

This introductory workshop will take you from zero to proficient carver in one day. Computer-numeric controlled (CNC) carving, cutting and engraving of wood and acrylic sheets can be used to fabricate a wide range of beautiful and useful objects. You will learn aspects of image processing and computer-aided design (CAD) with Fusion360 and carve something on the Handibot, a portable smart power tool. By working on your own design, or material from the internet, you will learn the amazing capabilities and also the limitations of hobbyist-level computerized carving.

Tutor: Karen Lavelle

This workshop will introduce participants to the craft of blending fragrance and hand pouring soy wax candles. Beginning with an introduction to fragrance development and natural candle making ingredients we will move on to blend your apothecary inspired candles per participant. You will then label and gift wrap your candles to gift over the Holiday season.

Tutor: Gráinne Murphy

Create your own Christmas cards on our festive themed card printing workshop. You will learn to carve your own festive lino and learn how to use the inks, tools and equipment to make lino printed cards. Perfect to send your friends and family a unique handmade card this Christmas!

You will produce an edition of at least 10 hand printed Christmas cards and will take these away. You’ll also be able to take your carved lino piece away with you to continue printing with at home.

Tutor: Laurence McKeown and Zoe O’ Reilly
Duration: 10 weeks

For bookings please email:  laurence.p.mckeown@gmail.com

Tutor: Gráinne Murphy
Cost: €175 (inc. materials)
Duration: 10 weeks

This ten-week course will give you a taster of several different printmaking techniques. You will learn how to develop your artwork into a series of different editions. Perfect for beginners or people who want to explore more techniques.
Techniques covered include Monoprint, Drypoint, Collagraph, Woodcut and Screenprint.

Tutor: Roisin Gregory
Cost: €175 (inc. materials)
Duration: 10 weeks

On your 10 week course, Roisin will expertly guide you through some of the various techniques to get you started on your ceramic journey. From pinch pots, coiling and slab work to clay decoration using slips and glazes you will work at a steady and relaxed pace to create some wonderful objects to be proud of.

Tutor: Orla Barry
Cost: €100 (inc. materials)
Duration: 10 weeks

Learn how to paint with acrylics. Experiment with colour mixing, painting techniques, textures and mixed media. Have fun making masterpieces inspired by different artists and style.

Tutor: Susan Farrelly

Duration: 10 weeks

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, these classes will help you master your chosen media or experiment with new ones. You will learn to mix colour, use a palette knife, glaze, varnish and create your own compositions in a relaxed creative environment; suitable for acrylics and oils.

Tutor: Susan Farrelly
Duration: 10 weeks

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, these classes will help you master your chosen media or experiment with new ones. You will learn to mix colour, use a palette knife, glaze, varnish and create your own compositions in a relaxed creative environment; suitable for acrylics and oils.

Tutor: Gráinne Murphy
Cost: €175 (inc. materials)
Duration: 10 weeks

This ten-week course is a great opportunity to learn the art of screen printing. Explore and learn screen printing, both paper and fabric printing.
Using your own drawings and images, discover how to transform your design into an edition of prints. You will learn all the tricks and skills you need to start screen printing independently at a high level. You will experiment techniques, such us hand cut stencils, photo stencils and MRPVC hand drawn stencil.
This course is suitable for complete beginners and well as improvers.

Date: Wednesday 29th January
Time: 11.00-1.00pm
Tutor: Gráinne Murphy
Duration: 10 Weeks
Cost: €175 (inc. materials)

This ten-week course will give you a taster of several different printmaking techniques. You will learn how to develop your artwork into a series of different editions. Perfect for beginners or people who want to explore more techniques.

Techniques covered include Monoprint, Drypoint, Collagraph and Screenprint

Date: Tuesday 28 January
Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Tutor: Orla Barry
Duration: 10 Weeks
Cost: €100 (inc. materials)

Learn how to paint with acrylics. Experiment with colour mixing, painting techniques, textures and mixed media. Have fun making masterpieces inspired by different artists and style

Date: Wednesday 29 January 2020
Time: 11am – 1pm
Tutor: Susan Farrelly
Duration: 10 Weeks
Cost: €150

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced painter, these classes will help you master your chosen media or experiment with new ones. You will learn to mix colour, use a palette knife, glaze, varnish and create your own compositions in a relaxed creative environment; suitable for acrylics and oils.

Date: Fri Apr 24 2020
Time:   10:00am – 5pm
Venue: CreativeSpark, Dundalk

Visual Artists Ireland operates a wide range of professional development training and events throughout the yearincluding workshops, peer discussion groups, seminars, talks and our annual national day for the visual arts event ‘Get Together’.

Attending one of our events offers much more than learning as Visual Artists Ireland workshops combine with our other support services.  When making a decision of what workshop to attend, remember that VAI also provides follow up support, help desk, and advice after you have finished the workshop. Members of VAI receive not only a discount on workshop spaces, but also have free access to our news service, as well as the ability to have their profile listed in our Arts Directory. In many cases, for the cost of a standard ticket you could become a member of VAI and cover the cost of a Members’ Rate ticket.

VAI works in partnership with Local Authorities, visual arts venues and others, combining resources to support the professional development of visual artists at regional level.

Did you know that Creative Spark is involved in Cruinniú na n'Óg 2020?

Do you want to contribute to our community jigsaw?

Local artist Caoimhe McCarthy illustrated  a ‘big picture’ of her interpretation of Louth, representing the county with folklore stories about the region.

Get your piece of the big picture !

These pieces will then be available for you to download and colour in at home. Once finished you can send them back to us at Creative Spark where we will put them all back together to make our community jigsaw.

The closing date to send pieces back is on Saturday 20th June

To get involved email grainne@creativespark.ie

This 6-week course is a great opportunity to learn the art of screen printing. Using your own drawings and images, discover how to transform your design into an edition of prints. You will learn all the tricks and skills you need to start screen printing independently at a high level.  You will experiment techniques, such us hand cut stencils, photo stencils and MRPVC hand drawn stencil.

This course is suitable for complete beginners and well as improvers.

Over your ten week course, you will be expertly guided through some of the various techniques to get you started on your ceramic journey. From pinch pots, coiling and slab work to clay decoration using slips and glazes you will work at a steady and relaxed pace to create some wonderful objects to be proud of. 

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, these classes will help you master your chosen media or experiment with new ones. you will learn to mix colour, use a palette knife, glaze, varnish and create your own compositions in a relaxed creative environment; suitable for acrylics and oils. 

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced painter, these classes will help you master your chosen media or experiment with new ones. you will learn to mix colour, use a palette knife, glaze, varnish and create your own compositions in a relaxed creative environment; suitable for acrylics and oils. 

Learn how to paint with acrylics. Experiment with colour mixing, painting techniques, textures and mixed media. Have fun making masterpieces inspired by different artists and style.  

This great course will bring your sewing to the next level or refresh your skills. Learn new skills and techniques in a fun, creative atmosphere and meet like-minded people who are keen to do the same. You will get to design, make an take home some fun and quirky projects, or you can bring a special project to work on.

Please bring your own sewing machine (two class machines available for those without) 

Mokulito is a Japanese printmaking process based on the principles of lithography, but replaces the use of the traditional stone with a specially prepared plywood matrix. It avoids the use of harsh chemicals or the need for a special lithographic press. The innovation of Mokulito also allowed a blend of techniques such as lithography and woodcut, providing the availability of producing purely lithographic traces and sharp woodcut marks.

 you will learn this process from start to finish: how to prepare your wood plate for drawing, how to process your imagery, what tools are used for carving and printing along with tips and tricks for exploring this technique further. Participants will finish with a small edition of prints to take home. Suitable for beginners or printmakers with experience in other techniques. All materials included.

Drawing, printing, painting, paper crafts & more! This camp is for 8-12 year olds who are interested in drawing, t-shirt printing, illustration & all things creative. During the camp they will learn how to create artwork through printmaking techniques such as Monoprint and t-shirt printing. Learn how to draw & illustrate. Make handmade books, paper crafts & much much more.Please bring a packed lunch each day.

Create your own Christmas cards on our festive themed card printing workshop. You will learn to carve your own festive lino and learn how to use the inks, tools and equipment to make lino printed cards. Perfect to send your friends and family a unique handmade card this Christmas!

You will produce an edition of at least 10 hand printed Christmas cards and will take these away. You’ll also be able to take your carved lino piece away with you to continue printing with at home.

This Cyanotype workshop will introduce you to how to make these famous blue photographs. We will start with an overview of the process and its history and then learn to coat paper. Mix the chemicals, expose the prints. The process involves making contact prints with light-sensitive paper, either using photographic negatives or other materials. The process is easy to learn, ideal for experimentation, and can be done at home using daylight.

During this course you will learn to print, troubleshoot and experiment with colour, registration and printing techniques – as well as the ink curing process and leave with your very own bespoke T-shirts & Tote bags! Our Screen Print Beginner Workshop is perfect for people who have little or no previous screen printing experience. Also suitable for people who need a recap of screen print basics.

Come and experience how to create imagery on glass, using screen printed enamels and digitally printed decals. During this one day class you will create lots of samples and two final pieces, one of which will be created using your own imagery. All materials will be provided and no experience in screen print or glass is necessary!

Over the last years, Creative Spark has held an event every January in the context of the First Fortnight mental health awareness campaign, at which artists, writers, musicians or just anybody who felt like it was invited to present their creative practices or talk about what it means to them to be creative. Alongside this, practical arts activities were provided, many by AAEX (Art as Exchange).

Unfortunately, this can’t happen this year, but Creative Spark and AAEX have teamed up to provide a shorter online event, at which AAEX artists and members of the Creative Spark Print Studio present, how they managed to navigate 2020 from a creative perspective. And yes there will also be a practical activity anybody can join in, so have some drawing tools or paint and brushes at the ready!

Date: Wednesday 20^th January 2021, 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87045303938?pwd=SWZZQkl1cmM2a3A2SksyczdTcTEwQT09

Meeting ID: 870 4530 3938

Passcode: 084465

We also invite you to view our online exhibition of works by the artists in our virtual Gallery.

Exhibition will be open January 20th- February 20^th 2021.

https://artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibition/4240985/staying-creative-in-times-of-covid

The importance of managing your wellbeing and mental health has never been as important as in the past year, in light of the challenges that have faced all of us. Artists and creatives are dealing with loss of income, connection and even confidence as the Covid-19 pandemic impacted hugely on careers. Recognising the importance of resilience and coping skills, this webinar will present some strategies to assist maintain positive mental health and wellbeing.

Areas that will be focused on in this webinar will include insights and techniques for people to gain and feel more in control; more in control of their thoughts and emotions so as they may learn to reduce stress and anxiety. The webinar will be looking at the power of belief systems and how to develop more powerful beliefs about yourself and your life, along with actionable techniques on how to boost and maintain your self-esteem.

‘We want to pack this webinar with info to help you take the power back for you

In such unprecedented and unpredictable times, and is aimed at supporting professional artists in Louth from all genres’. Barry Kieran, Thrive Programme Coach.

This is a free online event for professional artists and creatives in Louth, supported by the Arts Office of Louth County Council in conjunction with Creative Spark, Dundalk.

THIS WEBINAR IS PRE RECORDED AND CAN BE ACCESSED BETWEEN 30/01/2021 - 31/01/2021

A link to access the webinar will be sent to you in advance.

Here at Creative Spark we are excited to run our new Creative Kids Classes. An online resource for participants to get creative and learn new skills. From ceramics to painting, every Friday you can join in and have some fun. We will also be running an ongoing virtual exhibition gallery of your work so make sure to send us your images afterwards! Classes will be available to watch for one week at your own convenience.

Piggy pots: Through the technique of coiling, Etaoin will show the kids how to make a piggy pot. Learn to use hand building and coiling techniques in this fun 20 minute class. Then use different materials to learn how to decorate your piggy pot, like pencils  to draw on the piggys face. They can also make other animals such as a bear, cow or frog.

Materials list for piggy pots workshop:

● Scarva Earthstone ES10 White Earthenware Clay, available on www.scarva.com

● A fork

● Empty container, with a bit of water

● Paint brush

● Butter knife

● Pencil

● A circular glass, or cookie cutter, anything to make a circle impression on the clay.

Alternative materials you can use if you don't have clay:

● Fimo Professional, available on any art supply website, or available in Don Keatings

● Air-drying clay, available in Mister Price.

● Another alternative is Air drying modeling dough, the recipe is

- 2 cups of baking soda

- 1 cup of cornstarch

- 1 ¼ cup of water

Put all the ingredients into a saucepan, put the saucepan on a medium heat

and just keep stirring until the mixture thickens and comes together. Then you

take off the heat, roll in a ball when the mixture is safe to touch. Then wrap the

mixture in a damp tea towel for 15mins and you are good to go. I have

attached a link to the website below.

https://mamapapabubba.com/2016/02/16/homemade-air-dry-modelling-clay-aka-baking-soda-clay/

Links to tutorials will be emailed out to participants shortly before the event.

Creative Spark are delighted to offer a new series of Online Taster Classes for suitable for Adults and Teens. Learn a new skill with our expert tutors. A relaxing and fun way to get creative.  Artists will also run a short follow up zoom with participants with tips tricks and advice. Classes will be available to watch for one week at your own convenience.

Lettering with Illustration

 Hand drawn lettering - look at styles, structure of lettering and spacing

• How to gather resources to illustrate, using found objects - such as leaves and flowers or online

• How to draw loosely, looking at pattern and shape

• Using basic drawing tools, such as pen, ink and pencil, but exploring the lines that can be created with different drawing tools

• How to combine both to create a poster / postcard / wall art.

The class will allow the student to explore techniques in mark making and basic insight into creating an illustration with lettering. There will also be a follow up Zoom session with artist Meilynn for advise, tips and tricks.

Materials: pencil, rubber, ruler, fine liner pen 0.5 / 0.3 (any fine black pen will do) Paper

Optional materials; trace paper ,coloured pencil

Links to tutorials will be emailed out to participants shortly before the event.

Creative Spark are delighted to offer a new series of Online Taster Classes for suitable for Adults and Teens. Learn a new skill with our expert tutors. A relaxing and fun way to get creative.  Artists will also run a short follow up zoom with participants with tips tricks and advice. Classes will be available to watch for one week at your own convenience

This tutorial all about getting creative no matter your skill level. I think we have so much to gain by investing in our lives in a creative and artistic way. So let's paint some abstract, loose and lovely watercolor flowers, make a birthday card for a friend, art for your home and doodle in our journals like we're kids! Creativity is play, anyone can do it!

Materials:

For this class, I recommend you invest in a good quality brush, watercolour paper and some watercolour paints:

1 x size 6 round brush, or the nearest to it.

1 x pan of watercolours (or tubes of watercolours)

1 x A3 pad of watercolour paper

Click on the links below for suggested materials, or you can use your own watercolour materials if you have them already.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BMC4F4Y/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_fabc_BWK24YK11

Winsor & Newton 390640 Water Colour Paint, 12 x Half Pan Sketchers' Pocket Box: Amazon.co.uk: Kitchen & Home

Daler Rowney Aquafine aquarelle artists watercolour SMOOTH pad A3 hot pressed: Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

We’re blasting into 2021 with this colourful rocket painting.  Draw/Paint/Sculpt your own rocket. What other space themed items can you draw? Let's share our ideas together ! This tutorial shows you a step by step how to create a rocket that is out of this world !!!

Here at Creative Spark we are excited to run our new Creative Kids Classes. An online resource for participants to get creative and learn new skills. From ceramics to painting, every Friday you can join in and have some fun. We will also be running an ongoing virtual exhibition gallery of your work so make sure to send us your images afterwards! Classes will be available to watch for one week at your own convenience.

Materials

pencils, eraser, paint/coloured pencils/markers whatever you have to hand.

Links to tutorials will be emailed out to participants shortly before the event.

Emperor Penguin and Chick Tutorial.

Join in this fun step by step draw along tutorial of an emperor penguin and chick with Caoimhe O'Dwyer. For this tutorial you will need a blank sheet of white paper or card, a pencil, rubber and colouring pencils. (You can use any type of materials crayons, paint, pastels or chalk too, whatever you have at home.) I have used water colour pencils that you can blend after colouring in. 

Here at Creative Spark we are excited to run our new Creative Kids Classes. An online resource for participants to get creative and learn new skills. From ceramics to painting, every Friday you can join in and have some fun. We will also be running an ongoing virtual exhibition gallery of your work so make sure to send us your images afterwards! Classes will be available to watch for one week at your own convenience.

Links to tutorials will be emailed out to participants shortly before the event.

It's Friday ... It's cold lets get drawing cats in jumpers with artists Orla Barry. Why not match your drawn cat with a matching jumper in this step by step guide.

Materials ; Pencils, erasers, coloured pencil or whatever you have to hand.

Here at Creative Spark we are excited to run our new Creative Kids Classes. An online resource for participants to get creative and learn new skills. From ceramics to painting every Friday you can join in and have some fun. We will also be running an ongoing virtual exhibition of your work so make sure to send us your images afterwards! Classes will be available to watch for one week at your own convenience.

Links to tutorials will be emailed out to participants shortly before the event.

Creative Spark are delighted to offer a new series of Online Taster Classes for suitable for Adults and Teens. Learn a new skill with our expert tutors. A relaxing and fun way to get creative.  Artists will also run a short follow up zoom with participants with tips tricks and advice. Classes will be available to watch for one week at your own convenience.

This class will be about all the different steps of ceramics for beginners. I will be going through how to attach clay together. How to make up slip for attaching clay together. How to prep the clay so it is ready to work with. Slab work, rolling out slabs and showing when they are at the right stage to work with. Coiling, how to do a pinch pot and how you can build onto a piece through the coiling technique, also using different household items, to create different textures on the surface of your pieces. Rolling out coils and then plating them together and then attaching them to build up different textures. I will also be showing different fabrics that can be used to roll onto slabs, which will give lovely texture to the outside of your piece.

Materials list for piggy pots workshop:

● Scarva Earthstone ES10 White Earthenware Clay, available on www.scarva.com

● A fork

● Empty container, with a bit of water

● Paint brush

● Butter knife

● Pencil

● A circular glass, or cookie cutter, anything to make a circle impression on the clay.

Alternative materials you can use if you don't have clay:

● Fimo Professional, available on any art supply website, or available in Don Keatings

● Air-drying clay, available in Mister Price.

● Another alternative is Air drying modeling dough, the recipe is

- 2 cups of baking soda

- 1 cup of cornstarch

- 1 ¼ cup of water

Put all the ingredients into a saucepan, put the saucepan on a medium heat

and just keep stirring until the mixture thickens and comes together. Then you

take off the heat, roll in a ball when the mixture is safe to touch. Then wrap the

mixture in a damp tea towel for 15mins and you are good to go. I have

attached a link to the website below.

https://mamapapabubba.com/2016/02/16/homemade-air-dry-modelling-clay-aka-baking-soda-clay/

Links to tutorials will be emailed out to participants shortly before the event.

Here at Creative Spark we are excited to run our new Creative Kids Classes. An online resource for participants to get creative and learn new skills. From ceramics to painting, every Friday you can join in and have some fun. We will also be running an ongoing virtual exhibition gallery of your work so make sure to send us your images afterwards! Classes will be available to watch for one week at your own convenience.

 Create your own amazing personal poster to include lettering and illustration. This will include:

• Gathering resources around the house to draw in a fun way

• how the objects can become something else, such as creating them as characters, bringing them to life.

• a drawing exercise to explore shapes but also to use the imagination to create doodles

• Basic lettering exercise to create fun lettering shapes

• Making the poster about ourselves or as a gift to others based on favourite things

The class will allow the student to create a personal poster based on their favourite things, but giving the exercise of how to draw through doodling.

Links to tutorials will be emailed out to participants shortly before the event.

Creative Spark are delighted to offer a new series of Online Taster Classes for suitable for Adults and Teens. Learn a new skill with our expert tutors. A relaxing and fun way to get creative.  Artists will also run a short follow up zoom with participants with tips tricks and advice. Classes will be available to watch for one week at your own convenience.

Paintings come to life when we include figures. Situating a figure in a landscape shows scale and tells a story. Learn to create a variety of figures to enhance your painting skills 3 x Videos (totalling 30 mins) that will outline and cover the following: Sketch and practise the shapes required to create a little figure. Finding inspiration in newspapers and magazines. Painting little figures in context - creating a painting with little figures in it.

Materials: Paintbrushes and Paint (watercolour or any other paint you may have)

Links to tutorials will be emailed out to participants shortly before the event.

Join Artist Orla Barry  a painting lesson and tutorial in step by step format to help you learn to paint in acrylics. 

One easy stroke at a time you will learn how to paint different flowers, birds and scenes. Stress free and in your own time. 

Materials: Pencil, eraser, paint (acrylic or any paint you have to hand)

Creative Spark are delighted to offer a new series of Online Taster Classes for suitable for Adults and Teens. Learn a new skill with our expert tutors. A relaxing and fun way to get creative.  Artists will also run a short follow up zoom with participants with tips tricks and advice. Classes will be available to watch for one week at your own convenience.

Links to tutorials will be emailed out to participants shortly before the event.

What does a peer critique session look like? 
Having somebody to talk to; removing the sense of being in it on your own; getting constructive advice and feedback that goes beyond friends telling you “It’s great” helps you to push your work further. VAI Peer Reviews are designed to do just that! To allow you to talk with a wider audience in a friendly atmosphere, have a good conversation about it, and gain advice from leading curators/artists from around the world.

What can I expect?

This two-part peer critique will take place on two Thursdays with four artists presenting in each session. Across the two sessions, eight artists in total will share their work with the rest of the group. Participants would need to be available for both sessions to allow for presentation and critique. This is a platform for artists to receive feedback and the chance to generate a discussion around your work.

Session one: Thursday 4th March, 10am-12pm

Session two: Thursday 11th March, 10am-12pm

This event will be facilitated by Laura McCafferty, Public Programmes Curator at CCA Derry~Londonderry. 

This Event is FREE for Louth based artists only. A small fee will be charged for those outside of Louth

Webinar: Digital Marketing for Artists  

Social Media is full of creative opportunities: networking, sales, and developing new audiences. Promoting work online can be done effectively when the message is right. In this one hour webinar communications specialist, Emma Dwyer talks about digital marketing for creative practices. The basic tools of how to best communicate your practice to your audiences through social media and other online platforms will be covered.

Included in the webinar are three key areas:

• Identifying your brand

• Reaching your audience 

• Social media dos and don’ts

BIOGRAPHY 

Emma Dwyer is all about arts and culture. She promotes creatives, artists and small businesses and shows her clients how to make the most of their online presence. Alongside a healthy obsession with the internet, Emma loves writing and is regularly published in magazines and arts publications. 

She has held roles in Dublin Contemporary 2011, mother’s tankstation, Irish Architecture Foundation, Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre and most recently as Communications Manager with EVA International. Emma is a regular contributor to Image Interiors and Living Magazine and has recently contributed to Paper Visual Art, ‘One Here Now: The Brian O’Doherty / Patrick Ireland Project, Architecture Ireland, and Response to a Request. Emma has in the past edited various independent art publications and a community newspaper.

WEBINARS and ONLINE EVENTS: We use Zoom to host our online events. The following text should be followed and tested before registering for a Cafe or Help Desk Event. Zoom has an excellent Help Desk service if you are experiencing problems.

You will be emailed a link to the event in the confirmation email you receive after you have registered.

 This Webinar is presented in association with Louth County Council via Creative Spark

Suitable for ages 8-12 years

10am-2pm

Drawing, printing, painting, paper crafts & more! This camp is for 8-12 year olds who are interested in drawing, t-shirt printing, illustration & all things creative. During the camp they will learn how to create artwork through printmaking techniques such as Monoprint and t-shirt printing. Learn how to draw & illustrate. Make handmade books, paper crafts & much much more. Please bring a packed lunch each day.