New shop promoting Mayo artisans' work for Christmas shoppers

Christmas shoppers can support local Mayo artists by purchasing a gift from a new Pop Up store in Castlebar.

That’s the message from arts facilitator Lisa Gonzales who just opened ‘Mostly Mayo 2024’ for the coming festive season.

The shop is located at 1 Newtown Street next door to the popular Olive Tree restaurant. Check out Instagram - mostlymayo2k24.

Lisa is an Irish American visual artist based in Castlebar for the past 20 years.

She is a Galway Mayo Institute of Technology graduate with a BA Hons degree in Contemporary Arts.

Lisa ran Mostly Mayo is Westport prior to this Mostly Mayo 2024. It's really about providing a platform for local artists, makers and crafts people to showcase their talents while creating a space for community to enjoy them.

“We have put together fantastic varieties of works by artists and crafters and makers from Lecanvey, Westport, Newport, Ballina and Castlebar,” she said.

Some of the artisan products include, specialty chocolates, candles, jewellery, paintings, cards, knitwear and more.

“As the shop name says, our artists are mostly from Mayo, though we also have some from Galway and Clare.”

Part Navajo herself, Lisa is inspired by multi cultures. Her paintings are also influenced by the natural environment, family and community.

“Painting is an intuitive process for me. My intention is to paint the feelings and emotions of a person, event or image.

“This process gives me freedom to experiment while allowing for unexpected things to happen. Ireland's rich landscape, heritage and folklore never cease to to inspire”.