'Tools of the Trade' is a cross-curricular, multidisciplinary collaborative art project designed by artists Leah Murphy and Susan Walsh.

Have you ever wondered what interesting things happen behind the scenes of workplaces in the City? This is exactly what children who take part in the 'Tools of the Trade' art project have the opportunity to explore.

About the Art Project

In the ‘Tools of the Trade’ Art Project, our aim as artists is to introduce the children taking part to the idea of a creative line of enquiry. How to research and develop an idea is central to the practice of art- but also in science and other creative disciplines.

We collaborate with art and cultural institutions, educational facilities and many other interesting places of work.

By introducing the children to our project partners through the tools they use everyday, followed by a site visit- the children have a unique behind the scenes experience. Drawing inspiration from these specific places we then design a series of creative workshops.

The resulting art pieces the children create are carefully presented and curated and displayed in a public exhibition. The collaborative pieces are then returned to the school involved for permanent display.

Our Exhibitions

Tools of the trade Expo 2023: Through the looking glass

Exhibition 2023: Through the Looking Glass

Have an illuminating adventure with CCAD Glass department, see through the microscope at MTU's Chemical and Biopharmaceutical Engineering ...

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Tools of the trade Expo 2022

Exhibition 2022: Irish wildlife and Biodiversity

Pupils from 5th Class in St. Mary’s on the Hill N.S Knocknaheeny were introduced to this years project partners- the National Sculpture Factory (NSF) on ...

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Tools of the trade Expo 2021: A Maritime Journey

Exhibition 2021: A Maritime Journey

This years Project the Pupils from 5th Class at St. Mary’s on the Hill N.S, Harbour View Road, Have embarked on a Maritime journey with 'Tools of the Trade' ...

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Tools of the trade Expo 2019: The River to Open Seas

Exhibition 2019: The River to Open Seas

Pupils from Greenmount NS. Green Street and Bunscoil Chríost Rí, Turners Cross go on board with Meitheal Mara Community Boatyard ...

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Tools of the trade Expo 2018: Art, Architecture and Archaeology

Exhibition 2018: Art, Architecture and Archaeology

Children from St.Maries of the Isle Primary School and Sundays Well Girls and Boys National School. In collaboration with Cork Public Museum ...

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Tools of the trade Expo 2017

Exhibition 2017: The connection between Science and Art

In this project school children explored the connection that exists between the creative and inquisitive processes of both science and art ...

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Who we are

Tools of the Trade - Susan Walsh: Project Coordinator

Susie Walsh

Project Coordinator

I have been working as an artist in a community setting since graduating from the Crawford College of Art and Design in 1999. I believe in empowering young people through the development of their creativity and group skills.

I hold a certificate in Principles and Theory in Art Therapy and also in Arts in Group Facilitation. I have been an art tutor with Cork ETB and work in Foróige Youth Projects throughout Cork City since 2000.

In 2019 I graduated with a diploma in Youth and Community Work in UCC. I am a member of Cork Printmakers and maintain my own art practice while teaching.

Tools of the Trade - Leah Murphy: Project Coordinator

Leah Murphy

Project Coordinator

As a practicing visual artist my work is mainly studio based, with painting as a prefered medium. I also have broad experience of working in other mediums and related areas such as illustration, photography and large scale wall paintings.

In recent years collaboration and facilitation have become an integral part of my practice.

I have designed and delivered large scale collaborative projects through the facilitation of workshops and the coordination of community based projects with large group involvement.

Other Projects



"Fossil Freaks" Exhibition at the Gluxman Gallery 2022


Upcoming events



Cruinniú na nÓg 2024


Upcoming events - Cruinniú na nÓg banner 2024

More info to come...



'Tools of the Trade' 2024


Other projects - Tools of the Trade 2024

More info to come...



Fossil Freaks 2024


Other projects - Fossil Freaks 2024

More info to come...






Supported by the Creative Ireland Programme

'Tools of the Trade' is supported by Cork City Councils Creative Ireland Programme, an all-of-government five-year initiative, from 2017-2022, which places creativity at the centre of public policy.

Made possible with

Creative Ireland logo


Arts Office Cork logo

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