In Pictures: Of.Hands Festival launches on Abbeyleix Bog – a vibrant celebration of art and nature

A new creative festival, ‘Of.Hands’, described as “a vibrant celebration of art and nature,” was launched over the weekend on Abbeyleix Bog.

The festival got underway on Saturday and Sunday, July 6 and 7, and will resume this coming weekend, July 13 and 14.

This unique festival inspires creativity through immersive events, with a variety of hands-on workshops set against the stunning backdrop of Abbeyleix Bog.

Saturday’s events saw painters take to Abbeyleix Bog to create wonderful works of art while children gathered at the Of.Hands HQ tent for a Plant Printing Workshop with Annie Holland.

Children learned how to roll out their printing ink onto leaves, ferns and grasses to create beautiful pieces of art to take home

This coming weekend will feature many creative workshops led by artists and craftspeople in, on and around the bog. Some of the events include:

• Wire Sculpting with Glenn Gibson,
• Pen Drawing with Alison McEvoy,
• Botanical Drawing with Jacinta Hughes,
• Textile Art with Jo Howard,
• Spoon Carving with Richard Reid,
• Collage with Dee Stoppa,
• Yoga on the Boardwalk with Eilish of Blackhill Woods.

Each workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn new skills and techniques from expert instructors, all while enjoying the serene and inspiring setting of Abbeyleix Bog.

Many of these events are outdoors and some begin with a walk before heading inside to Abbeyleix Manor Hotel. So be prepared for any weather.

“I am excited to bring together artists and nature enthusiasts for this one-of-a-kind hands on festival,” said Alison McEvoy, Festival Curator.

“Abbeyleix Bog provides a perfect canvas for creativity, and we look forward to seeing the amazing works that will be produced during these events.

“Abbeyleix Bog features regularly in my own work as I does many artists locally so we hope to share this gem with as many people as possible.

“Don’t miss this chance to be part of an extraordinary celebration of art and nature.”

For tickets and more information, click here.

SEE ALSO – From the Archives – John F Headen: The history behind the great Laois song ‘The Skies O’er Ballyroan’