Artists Answer Call to Design a Christmas Card

Earlier this year our Card Department sent out a “Call to Design a Christmas Card”, inviting submissions from artists for designs which we might include in our 2018 range of Glencairn Abbey Christmas cards.  There was a lot of interest in the idea, and from the many submissions received, we have chosen to use seven.

Here is a list of the artists (in alphabetical order, by surname):

Gillian Brady is an architect based in Dublin, with a strong interest in contemporary art and design. When she isn’t drawing buildings for her job, she can be found making cards for friends and family. Collage and ink are favoured mediums.

Ken Buggy, who lives close to Glencairn, worked in the hotel and catering business until his retirement. He has many artistic gifts; his Christmas card design for us is worked in oils.

Margaret Byrne is a nurse in Cork University Hospital. To relax and be creative she uses her graphic design skills to make cards for family and friends.

Alina Cojocaru is a pupil in Our Lady of Mercy Primary School, Cahir, Co. Tipperary. In response to our call several students created and submitted designs through their class teacher, Fidelma Nugent.

Clodagh Creedon is a Creative Media student at Dundalk IT; she hopes to turn her creativity and love of art into a career in the field of graphic design. Her card was designed using water colour and acrylics.

Nodlaig Ryan Donegan lives in Newtownshandrum, Co. Cork, and manages a preschool; her love of children is reflected in her design. Her preferred medium is oils.

Hélène Garetta is one of several overseas respondents to our call. She is an artist living in France, and has visited Glencairn Abbey.

Another card in this year’s range will feature a photo by Valerie O’Sullivan, whose superb photos have made the book A Year in the Life: Glencairn Abbey such a success.

There will also be three designs by sisters of the community, as well as a reprint of one of the classic cards by the late Sr Paula Kiersey, whose work began the Glencairn Abbey card production.

We look forward to revealing the actual designs shortly. They include a wonderful variety of themes and styles. Most of the designs will be available in an Irish language version as well as in English.  The cards will be available at the monastery, through our online shop (under construction), and in selected shops around the country.

We thank everyone who submitted designs, as well as all who helped to spread the word about this initiative and the many people who generously gave their time and energy to the project.