Following a long and intense process involving interviews, presentations and working on projects WEA  learner Suzanne Harbinson from Rathfriland has been named as the TG4 Craftsperson of the Year.

Suzanne, who took part in the Creativity Thirst programme provided by the WEA in partnership with Belfast City Council and BSP, specialises in metalsmithing and jewellery and is a graduate of the University of Ulster.

The competition was run by television company TG4 in conjunction with Sterling Productions, Craft NI and the Crafts Council of Ireland.  Entrants had to specialise in one of five areas: glass, jewellery, furniture, ceramics or textiles.  Two artists from each discipline were selected to go into the next round of the competition.

The ten finalists then each embarked on a four week project to design a piece based on a brief that wasn’t disclosed until they started.  They presented their pieces to a panel of international experts with five artists being selected to go through to the final.

Suzanne emerged as the winner and was named ‘TG4 Craftsperson of the Year’.  As well as the title and trophy Suzanne was awarded 10,000 Euro to help further her career as a contemporary jeweller.

Thrilled with her win Suzanne commented, “When I was selected for the interviewing stage I was delighted and all I really wanted was to take part in the project – I never dreamt that I would actually win it!  Since winning I have set up my own workshop where I design and make my jewellery.  Winning the prize money gave me the chance to buy expensive equipment that I wouldn’t have been able to purchase so soon after University.”

WEA Development Officer Carole Kane congratulated Suzanne on her achievement. “The WEA applauds Suzanne on her success.  This is evidence of the level of skill that she brought to the ‘Creativity Thirst’ project and it is an example of the calibre of students who have come onto the programme.  Having already gained her craft to this level before commencing the project and now having a firm understanding of the requirements of self employment, Suzanne is well prepared and in a strong position to know if this is a direction that she would like to move in.”