Spotlight set to shine on local glass artist Eleanor-Jane McCartney as part of new Sky Arts programme

A talented local artisan who forms part of the exciting Causeway Craft Trail is set to feature on an upcoming Sky Arts travelogue series.

Eleanor-Jane McCartney, who has been supported by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council as part of the Go Succeed programme, is one of six talented local artists based at the Boat House Gallery and Studio at Bushmills, where she offers visitors the opportunity to take part in unique glass-making workshops.

She will showcase her talents as part of Painting Birds with Jim (Vic Reeves) and Nancy Moir, a light-hearted series which sees the duo journey across the UK looking at and painting regional birdlife.

The show, to air on Wednesday 22nd May at 9pm, will feature Eleanor-Jane working from her home studio in Ballymoney, producing stained glass puffins made from copper foiling and tiffany.

During their time together, Jim admired the blended colour glass that Eleanor-Jane experimented with, comparing it to the colour scheme found on watercolour paintings.

After six hours of filming, the pair travelled across to Rathlin Island to visit real puffins, before creating them in paint.

Eleanor-Jane said: “It was just great fun working with Jim and Nancy. Whilst keen to learn about glassmaking, they were also keen to enjoy the whole experience.

“I was delighted to be given this opportunity to showcase my work, as well as highlighting the amazing work that is being done by other very talented artisans here in Causeway Coast and Glens.”

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan expressed his excitement to watch the craftswoman display her talents, adding: “Having recently taken part in the launch of the Causeway Craft Trail, I am very impressed with the skills of our local artisans, such as Eleanor-Jane.

“Council is very proud to have supported her and watch her talents grow. I am looking forward to everyone getting the chance to see her fantastic work on the small screen.”

Later this month, the artist will also show her skills in Belfast’s Craft NI Gallery, which will showcase her glass designs in a unique exhibition of wearable glass on The Glass Runway.

The Council’s support for the budding glassmaker has also helped her to be selected to exhibit her craft next month at the ForM Sculpture Exhibition at Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden.

This event allows visitors to explore sculptures and artworks in a different context outside of a gallery setting.

Eleanor-Jane’s work is displayed and for sale in The Boat House Gallery at the Giant’s Causeway, where she delivers workshops on fusing glass and stained-glass procedures.

Her work can also be seen at the Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart.