Black Sheep - Open Day Led by Artists Caroline Byrne and Sharon Wells

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

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

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

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