Cluainín Community Co-op re-opens in Manorhamilton

The Cluainín Community-Co-op is an artist-run co-operative located on Main St, Manorhamilton in the McKenna house in Leitrim Sculpture Centre. 

The shop has just re-opened after extensive refurbishment, and thanks to the staff at Leitrim Sculpture Centre, the venue is looking wonderful.

The shop was set up a few years ago by a community of artists and designers as a platform for artists, designers, creative practitioners and makers of all kinds, at all stages of career and working across the North West making artworks by hand.  

The aim of the shop is to support artists and to showcase their important works.  

The place is non-profit with just a small commission which goes towards up-keep and maintenance.

Currently it stocks works by over 60 artists - a reflection on how engagement in arts practices is thriving in the West of Ireland - including items by glass artists, writers, ceramic collectives and individuals, metal workers, sculptors, wood turners, jewellery designers, knitters, fabric and textile artists, weavers, illustrators, painters and print makers.  

All works are for sale at a variety of price points from small items for less than five euro to more expensive investment pieces for a few hundred euro.  No overheads or wages are added on to this cost.  

The shop is run by artists, for artists, on a volunteer basis and are always looking out for new volunteers. 

There is a strong community element connecting and engaging with the shop which is very well supported by the local community, by other artistic types and by visitors and tourists to the area.  

Items purchased from the shop have made their way to the Americas, Austria, Germany, France, the UK and further afield.

Drop in for a browse and a chat and to view their video of artists at work next time you are in town looking for that special hand crafted, locally created gift, card, homewares or artwork.

Some stockists have chosen to donate the monies generated from their works to a charity of their choice, so, by investing in their artworks you will be helping charities too, including Tuam Babies, Feral Cats Leitrim, Crann – Trees for Ireland, and the Irish Red Cross.

Apart from the small commission for up-keep, all earnings return directly to the artist (or charity). Current working hours are Wednesdays to Saturdays 11am – 4pm. 

Looking forward to seeing you in Manorhamilton soon!

cluainincommunitycoop@gmail.com

@cluainincoopshop