NOW Group has teamed up with award winning Irish artist, Caroline Duffy, to launch its second limited-edition pottery collection, following a successful collaboration with artist Aly Harte in 2023 to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Combining unique designs with purpose, the new collection comprises of handcrafted and hand painted mugs and vases, with all proceeds re-invested into the NOW Group, the organisation behind Loaf Pottery, Loaf Catering and the JAM Card (Just A Minute), which supports people with intellectual disabilities and neurodivergence into sustainable employment across Ireland.
With art currently residing across Ireland, and as far away as New York, Sydney and London, Caroline Duffy has put her own stamp on the collection, which was hand painted at Loaf Pottery and café in Crawfordsburn, Co. Down.
Speaking about the collaboration, Maeve Monaghan, Chief Executive of the NOW Group said: “We’re delighted to collaborate with acclaimed Irish artist Caroline Duffy to launch our second ever exclusive limited-edition pottery collection.
“Through her art, Caroline’s bespoke pieces surround people with joy. Her brand values creativity, beauty, and people, focusing on quality over quantity and creating a kinder and more connected world, which is something the NOW Group strongly align with.
“The work of the NOW Group has made a significant impact on the lives of those living with intellectual disabilities and neurodivergence and their families. Over the last 25 years, the company has helped thousands of participants to reach their fullest potential in sustainable employment via our training academies and in turn, has boosted the wider business economy by providing a pool of employees who are fully equipped for the world of work.”
NOW Group has recently expanded its services into the Republic of Ireland with the opening of Loaf Café at Kilmainham, Dublin 8, and currently has 170,000 JAM (Just A Minute) card users across the country, which is a non-verbal method of communication for those with intellectual disabilities and neurodivergence to signal that they require a moment of patience when accessing public services.
Turning her attention to the collection, Maeve continued: “With Christmas just around the corner, I would encourage everyone to gift with a purpose this year, by purchasing a Caroline Duffy X Loaf Pottery set, you’ll be helping to make a huge difference to local families across Ireland.”
With years of experience in her field, Caroline added: “Having the ability to use my art to give back to others is something very close to my heart, so when the NOW Group reached out and asked me to collaborate on a special edition pottery collection, I jumped at the opportunity.
“Art has always been a huge part of my life, and I aim to use my creative outlet to spread joy and happiness to others. The NOW Group and I share a similar ethos in that we both acknowledge that every person, regardless of their background or condition, can achieve, make and thrive in all areas of life.
“I have loved working on this collection and I’m so proud that it will go a long way towards assisting those with autism and intellectual difficulties to secure their future.”
The Caroline Duffy X Loaf Pottery collection is currently on sale. Visit the website: www.loafcatering.com for more information or to purchase.
For more information on the NOW Group, visit: www.nowgroup.org.
