Carrick-on-Suir's Tudor Artisan Hub revitalises its arts collective and creative enterprise

Pictured above: Tudor Artisan Hub founder Linda Fahy with Fiona O’Donohoe of Away with Nature skincare and wellbeing products in Fethard, who demonstrated her craft at one of the Hub's Meet the Makers workshops. They are holding the new Carrick-on-Suir Eco Soy scented candle the Hub has launched in collaboration with Fiona. The candle captures the beautiful scents of wildflowers along the Suir Blueway and Suir Valley and its label, created by TUS Clonmel graphic design student Daria Kravtsova, features the traditional Carrick-on-Suir fishing knot.

The gorgeous creations of the artists, crafts people and designers of Carrick-on-Suir’s Tudor Artisan Hub will be showcased at the town’s Tractors & Tudors Christmas Festival craft market this weekend but also in the Hub’s gallery, arts centre and shop that re-opened to the delight of many in the town nearly five months ago after a brief closure.

The Tudor Artisan Hub at 42 Main Street is an Aladdin’s cave of artworks, crafts, jewellery, leather goods and even skin care, all handmade and created by the Hub’s collective of more than 100 artists, crafts people and designers based primary in Carrick-on-Suir and the Lingaun Valley Region.

Its founder, Linda Fahy, is forging ahead with several innovations to ensure the physical shop and gallery continues to be the shop window for the unique creations of the local arts community.

“Whether you’re searching for an unique gift or a personal treasure, you’ll find something special that embodies the spirit of handmade artistry and innovation in the Hub,” she told The Nationalist.

“Each visit is an opportunity to discover new creations and support our wonderful thriving community of local artisans in Carrick-on-Suir.”

The year that began as very challenging for the creative enterprise founded 10 years ago is concluding on a positive trajectory.

Linda took the difficult decision to close the Hub shop and gallery in early June and move the business online due to high overhead costs impacting many high street businesses since the start of the Ukraine War.

She planned to continue with promoting and selling the creations of the Tudor Artisan Hub’s artists, crafts makers and designers online with some physical pop-up markets, exhibitions and workshops.

But a surprise tribute night hosted by the Hub’s members in Linda’s honour at Brewery Lane Theatre on June 8, the day the shop and gallery closed, prompted a change of mind.

Local musicians, singers and writers performed at the event and the theatre’s auditorium was filled to capacity with well-wishers.

Linda was presented with an art book of paintings by the Hub’s visual artists and framed portrait of herself by photographer Noreen Duggan. The Writing Changes Lives group of creative writers presented her with a booklet called Letters to Linda, a compilation of poems, letters and messages of support and gratitude.

Carrick-on-Suir Lions Club also presented Linda with the International Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, in recognition of her unstinting and imaginative contributions to the community.

Linda was deeply moved by the show of support and realised she had to re-open the physical shop and gallery. She now regards the tribute night as the Hub’s 10th birthday celebration.

“It was so inspirational and lovely. My memory of the day was that event rather than closing the door of the Hub.”

In consultation with the Hub’s members, Linda reformed the commission structure for members and re-opened 42 Main Street on July 26.

The Hub is open the same hours as previously but Linda has increased the pop-up craft fairs, markets and exhibitions where the Hub’s members works are sold. The Tractors & Tudors Christmas Festival market is one example.

She has developed the Meet the Maker virtual portfolio website that showcases the works of the Hub’s members.

It’s particularly important as a virtual portfolio and shop window for Hub artists and crafters who don’t have their own websites and social media accounts.

“The site which is largely funded by our artists, features detailed profiles of each artist, allowing users to learn about the diverse talents and inspirations behind the works on display,” Linda explains.

“We hope this personal connection enhances appreciation for the artist’s work and also fosters a sense of community and belonging among customers and creators alike.

In addition to showcasing the artists, this website provides up-to-date information on what is currently on display in the Hub.

It also highlights additional services offered by the creators, such as custom commissions, workshops and exhibitions.

The Meet The Hub Maker pop-up art demonstrations at the Hub is another innovation Linda has introduced.

The two-hour long free Saturday morning workshops that ran from October 19 to December 7 involved a member of the Hub arts collective demonstrating their craft as a way to increase engagement with their customers.

Linda said during the sessions visitors had the opportunity to not only watch the artist at work but talk to them about their inspirations and the stories behind their creations and also place orders for bespoke pieces for Christmas gifts.

Linda said the artists and crafts people who hosted the demonstrations all enjoyed the experience and would like to deliver more demonstrations next year.

Painter Tony Oakey from Piltown is one of the Hub’s longest standing members and is delighted the physical shop, gallery and arts centre have re-opened. It’s a view echoed by his fellow members of the arts collective.

“It’s great to have an outlet for your work and the Hub has been great for me as it’s located in my local area. Normally all my arts sales would be through exhibitions in different towns and places.”

He points out the Hub’s members also have access to space at the Hub if they want to use it as part of their work and it’s an important focal point for artists to meet and interact with each other.

Looking to the future, Linda said the Hub plans running pilot programmes for artists early in 2025 to gain them more experience hosting workshops with a view to offering pop-up demonstrations to the local community and visitors to Carrick.

She is investigating ways of sourcing funding and grant aid to assist her with continuing the Tudor Artisan Hub as a physical arts centre and shop.

She believes the Hub’s business model as a shop window and support for artists and crafts people is very valuable for arts communities throughout the country and should be supported by State funding.

Meanwhile, Linda has been offered a place in the 2025 EU Just Transition: Tourism Learning Network Programme with Fáilte Ireland. Through this initiative, the Hub is partnering with local hospitality businesses to encourage visitors to spend more time in Carrick and its hinterland by exploring its arts and crafts.

She believes Carrick and its hinterland with its rich natural landscapes, cultural heritage and commitment to wellness and sustainability is poised to become a leading destination for eco-conscious travellers seeking enriching and immersive experiences.

Linda thanked the members of the Hub’s arts collective and their customer for joining her in this exciting new chapter for the creative enterprise she founded a decade ago.

Pictured below: Carrick-on-Suir artist Stephen Power working on a painting at one of the Tudor Artisan Hub’s Meet The Makers Saturday demonstrations