Umha Aois is this year inviting past participants to take part in this year’s Umha Aois symposium:

Location: Glendarragha Studios near Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow
Dates: Monday July 10th - Saturday 15th 2023

Ómós do Cliodhna - Umha Aois - July 15th, 2023.

An informal 2 or 3 day workshop leading up to a casting day at the Glendarragh Studios on July 15th to celebrate Cliodhna Cussen (1932 - 2022) and her central role in Umha Aois.

Workshop space at Glendarragh Studios will be made available during the week for past Umha Aois members to create small moulds to cast on Friday and Saturday. We would like to cast and finish a number of objects on the Friday, so they can be displayed on the Saturday, and to have “ceremonial” moulds to cast on the Saturday for visitors to witness.

We are inviting members of Cliodhna’s family and past Umha Aois participants to the casting day event. Fiona will make the pizza oven available for a feast, pizza slaves will be much appreciated! Glendarragh Studios also has plenty of space for those who would like to camp.

We recommend looking at small crotals, which Cliodhna investigated during several Umha Aois projects. Any other suggestions regarding work inspired by Cliodhna for the event, especially things that can be used to produce music would be of interest and relevance.

Crotals are a technically difficult object to cast and finish, which is why we are asking people to start small (like an egg). We have a limited supply of bronze, we did not receive funding this year, and so any donations in regard to materials such as bronze, clay or sand will be much appreciated.

Those who cannot attend but would like to be involved can still do so in a number of ways. You can send small moulds ready to be burnt out, or pictures you have of Cliodhna on past Umha Aois projects, or any memories of Cliodhna you would like to share. Photos and text sent to umha.aois@gmail.com will be printed out for the Saturday, and packages can be sent to Glendarragh Studios, Glendarragh, Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow, Ireland

Please RSVP to let us know if you will be attending to umha.aois@gmail.com Also check out the group’s Facebook Page and PM us there.