Frances  M  Donnan

Studied Pottery and Jewellery at Belfast College of art and Central School of Arts and Crafts.London.   A ‘Travel’ Scholarship enabled Frances to work as a Jeweller with a leading Goldsmith in Copenhagen.  On returning to Northern Ireland she set up her own workshop designing and making jewellery.  Taught Jewellery at College and worked as an Arts and Craft instructor with handicapped people.

In 1985-6 developed and ran her own successful ceramic business – Brena Ceramics- (Frances was known throughout the trade as ‘The Sheep Lady’) Selling all over Ireland. Gt. Britain, Europe and America.  A collection of small ceramic animals was contracted by The National Museums of Ireland.  She is a member of the Crafts Council of Ireland Ceramic works - Stoneware and Raku- have been exhibited with the RUA.

In the past 4 years Frances has concentrated only on commissions and exhibition work.

Her monogram is stamped on every ceramic item she makes

Now there is time to enjoy painting

With the use of sketch book and camera –essential tools - and inspiration from her life long love of nature--paintings are created in Oil- Watercolour and Acrylic. Pen and Ink and Compressed Charcoal are also used for strong tonal drawings.

Exhibits regularly with the           ASU  - Arts Society of Ulster  -  Full member.

                                                    USWA  - Ulster Society of Women Artists     Member

                                                   The Battletown Gallery.

                                                    Club exhibitions at WWT  Castle Espie.

                                                    St Patrick’s  Centre, Downpatrick, and The Old Post Office.Lisbane

For information on ‘Ceramic workshops’ and ‘Painting days’ please contact through Kilmood Art Club