In Pictures: Wonderful exhibition of school creations at Laois Arthouse

A wonderful exhibition of artworks titled ‘We Are Artists’ were presented by Junior and Senior infant students in St Colman’s NS took place in February at the Laois Arthouse, Stradbally.

The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council Cllr Thomasina Connell officially opened the exhibition Thursday, February 8. To see more pictures taken by Denis Byrne on the night tap NEXT or ARROW. To read more about the project see below the picture.

Through the Arts-in-Education BLAST Residency Programme, the pupils got the opportunity to work with local professional artist Orla McDonagh. The pupils created beautiful creations inspired by their woodland walk at Cosby Estate.

The Cathaoirleach was welcomed by Ms Anne Marie Kirrane, A/Administrative Officer, Community Department, Laois County Council, Ms Orla McDonagh, Artist, St Colman's NS Principal, Mr Bryan Lynch, St Colman’s NS teacher Ms Sarah Meally & Catherine Doolan, Director of Laois Education Centre.

Ms Anne Marie Kirrane, A/Administrative Officer, Community Department, Laois County Council and MC for the evening welcomed everyone.

“Laois County Council is delighted to exhibit here at the Arthouse in Stradbally, the wonderful Art work created by the Junior and Senior Infants from St Colman’s National School, who took part in the BLAST Arts in Education Residency Programme. This programme gave the students an amazing opportunity to work alongside a professional Artist- Ms Orla Mc Donagh,” she said.

Laois County Council's Cathaoirleach, Cllr Thomasina Connell, also spoke.

“The arts education project “We Are Artists” undertaken by the staff and pupils of St. Colman’s National School is a great example of how younger children can engage in the exploration of art. Given the opportunity, these students produced beautiful drawings and paintings inspired by walking through the Cosby Estate and appreciating the nature and environment around them.

“Engagement in these types of projects and the opportunity to work with a real artist, Orla McDonagh, builds confidence and supports the development of self-esteem and creativity within each child.

“I was delighted to open the Art Exhibition at Stradbally Arthouse and look forward to more events and projects like this, which embrace children’s art,” she said.

Ms Orla McDonagh is a contemporary figurative artist, her work is multidisciplinary, and she often moves between drawing, paint, ceramics, textiles and upcycled materials.

Orla McDonagh spoke about working with the children.

“I found the children very engaged in the process, they experimented with materials and trusted the process. They worked together finding new ways to express ideas, the project was very rewarding and l would welcome a chance to work with the children again,” she said.

St Colman's NS were delighted to be accepted on the BLAST programme. The Principal, Mr Bryan Lynch spoke about being involved.

“We were particularly excited about the programme being directed at the younger children in our school. We endeavour to promote the Arts in St Colman's and to allow the creativity of the children to flourish at any given opportunity.

“Being accepted onto the BLAST programme gave another outlet via a professional artist for the children to explore their creative sides and to express it through a variety of mediums.

“Basing the project around the natural surroundings of Stradbally allowed the children to interact with their locality in a different way and to creatively reflect their local environment.

“We are indebted to BLAST for affording us such a rich and engaging opportunity and for celebrating the creativity of the children by hosting an art exhibition in the Art House Stradbally.

“Go raibh maith agat as an deis, as an tacaíocht agus as an deis cruthaitheacht na bpáistí a chur chun cinn. (Thank you for the opportunity, the support and the chance to highlight the children's creativity),” he said.

St Colman’s NS teacher Ms Sarah Meally who applied for the programme talked about the experience.

"We had the pleasure of seeing how, with careful facilitation and exposure to the beauty of our natural surroundings here in Stradbally, the children expressed their creativity and individualism with no inhibitions. Having the Laois Arthouse as an exhibition space was the icing on the cake for the students as they saw how valued their unique expressions were in our local community."

The Arts-in-Education BLAST Residency Programme was administrated by Laois Education Centre.
Catherine Doolan is the Director of Laois Education Centre.

“Laois Education Support Centre administers the Arts-in-Education BLAST Residency Programme in our catchment area. This programme has enabled 25 new Arts-in-Education residencies in our local schools this year alone.

“This gives students the opportunity to work with a professional artist on unique projects planned and developed between the artist, the teacher and the school under the co-ordination of the Education Support Centre. This initiative supports key skills like the ability to connect and collaborate with others, engage in creative and critical thinking and practice inclusivity at every level. It includes drama, dance, music, visual art and many more creative projects.

"I was delighted to attend this exhibition and see the wonderful work being carried out through this residency and I congratulate all involved for such a fantastic showcase on the night,” said Ms Doolan.

The exhibition had a great attendance from the pupils of St.Colman’s school, friends, family and members of the public. The pupils thoroughly enjoyed creating their artwork and seeing their creations displayed at Laois Arthouse, Stradbally.

For further information about the exhibition and Laois Arthouse, please visit http://www.arthouse.ie/