Lu’s Lanterns exhibition set to launch in Dundalk's Downtown Hub
Lu’s Lanterns: Photovoice Illuminations of County Louth exhibition launch will take place on Thursday, 5 November at 11 am at Creative Spark Downtown Hub, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk.
Creative Spark said it is delighted to invite people to the launch of Lu’s Lanterns: Photovoice Illuminations of County Louth, an exhibition celebrating the people, places and stories of County Louth through photography and handmade sculptural lanterns.
The exhibition launch will take place on Thursday, 5 November at 11 am at Creative Spark Downtown Hub, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk. All are welcome to attend.
Developed over six months of workshops at Creative Spark Downtown Hub, the exhibition showcases work created by participants from Turas under the guidance of artist Julie Corcoran.
Using 35mm black-and-white film photography and traditional willow weaving techniques, participants documented aspects of their daily lives before transforming their images into illuminated lantern artworks inspired by ancient standing stones.
The project used the Photovoice method, which combines photography and discussion to explore communities through the perspectives of the people who live within them.
Participants were encouraged to capture images of places and people that are important to them, alongside aspects of their local environment they would like to see improved.
The resulting photographs offer a rich and personal portrait of County Louth, featuring locations such as Gyles Quay, Cú Chulainn’s Castle and local community spaces, while also highlighting everyday issues and concerns within the community.
Throughout the workshops, photography became a starting point for meaningful conversations, creating a welcoming environment where participants could share experiences, build connections and reflect on their surroundings.
Sustainability and resourcefulness were central to the project. Photographic film was developed using used coffee grounds in Creative Spark’s darkroom facilities, while willow was used to create the hand-crafted lantern structures that now display the participants’ images.
By bringing together analogue photography, storytelling and sculptural making, Lu’s Lanterns shines a light on the places, relationships and everyday experiences that matter most to those who call County Louth home.
This project is funded by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through the Creative Ireland Programme and is facilitated by Louth County Council.