The Kilkenny Arts Office is inviting children in Kilkenny to take part in creative workshops by June to celebrate Cruinniú na nÓg, National Creativity Day for Children.
The objective is to collect and create works of art and curious objects collected and made by children to display them in a cabinet of curiosities specially designed for this special day of June 11. Children’s creativity will inspire the wider community through this festive display.

Calendar of workshops at a glance

Rothe House, Parliament Street, Kilkenny
Sunday May 8 – Ceramic workshop with Maeve Sookram
Sunday May 15 – Mixed Media Workshop with Carrie Lynam
Sunday May 29 – Mixed Media Workshop with Carrie Lynam.

St Kevin’s Hall, Johnstown
Sunday. May 22 – Ceramic workshop with Maeve Sookram

Workshop details

Cabinet of Curiosity – Ceramic Workshop with Maeve Sookram

May, Sunday 8
11.30am-1pm (5-8 years old)
2-3:30 p.m. (9-12 years old)
Location: Rothe House & Garden, Parliament Street, Kilkenny City.
May, Sunday 22
11.30am-1pm (5-8 years old)
2-3:30 p.m. (9-12 years old)
Venue: St Kevin’s Hall, Johnstown, County Kilkenny.

Exploration and curiosity are part of our creative nature. Children are wonderful at exploring objects. This workshop encourages children from 5 to 12 years old to bring objects that they find curious.
The group will explore how objects work. What theyre doing? Their shape, texture and materials. Taking inspiration from the objects, children can make replicas, make a mold or design their own curiosity. The group will examine pattern, texture and color. This workshop will be fun filled. Children are invited to bring an object that they find curious.
Cabinet of Curiosity – Natural Wonders Workshop with Carrie Lynam

May, Sunday 15
11.30am-1pm (5-8 years old)
2-3:30 p.m. (9-12 years old)
Location: Rothe House & Garden, Parliament Street, Kilkenny City

This mixed media workshop will introduce children to the art of looking, really looking!
The group will study the roof garden of Rothe House and look for natural materials to inspire our works. Participants will be guided in finding shapes, colors and patterns in the natural world. Participants will use what we find as inspiration to create curious objects that showcase the wonders of nature.
The workshop will focus on honing participants’ observational skills and encouraging them to see wonder in the everyday. All curious objects or things related to the natural world are warmly welcomed in this workshop.
Cabinet of Curiosity – Fantastic Beasts Workshop with Carrie Lynam

May, Sunday 29
11.30am-1pm (5-8 years old)
2-3:30 p.m. (9-12 years old)
Location: Rothe House & Garden, Parliament Street, Kilkenny City.
Take a closer look at the birds, animals and insects we know and use them as inspiration to create curious objects. We will hone our observational skills by exploring color, shape, form and pattern, then from our observations we will create our own fantastic animals. This is a multimedia workshop that will encourage children to look closer and wonder more. All curious objects or objects related to animals, birds or insects are warmly welcomed in this workshop.
To book, email [email protected]
The deadline is May 6 and the cost is €7 per child and €10 for two children from the same family. Reduced rates are €5 per child €7 for two children from the same family.