Batik artist Bernadette Madden's annual Christmas present exhibition is always a bit of a landmark event; not only because you can usually get most of your Christmas presents in one fell swoop, but because she kicks it off with a drinks party and invitation-cum-Christmas cards that are as diverse as they are hilarious. This year was no exception, and guests at last weekend's party were sent a missive telling the little known story of "St Bernadette of Bethlehem" who heard her cousin was about to give birth in a stable - "new age people, you know" - so she set about making batik to brighten up the place.
Needless to say, the present Bernadette Madden is a direct descendant of that martyred saint of Bethlehem and she is continuing the family tradition by holding a fine Christmassy drinks bash to boot. Last week's party was attended by the usual crew of saints and sinners including Patrick Mason of the Abbey Theatre; Joe Brennan from the Department of Foreign Affairs; Ann Fuller, director of the Guardian Dublin International Piano Competition; designer Richard Lewis and his partner Jim Greely (the brains behind the Christmas cards if the truth be known); music critic Ian Fox; set designer Jim Harkins; young pianist Finghin Collins; and poet Micheal O'Siadhail. If you're still on the lookout for Christmas presents it's worth remembering that Bernadette's studio on Haddington Road is open until December 23rd.