Home is Where the ART is a collaborative arts project with primary schools in Newbridge, Co Kildare. I was one of 4 artists commissioned by the Riverbank Arts Centre to work creatively with selected schools in preparation for an exhibition for JuneFest 2017. A total of 358 students were involved – 14 classes, 8 schools, 4 artists, 1 arts centre, all curated by Aleksandra Rosiak.
Printmaking, Celtic Mandala.
The young children’s preparation and work for Home is Where the ART is can be viewed in the Children’s Gallery, Riverbank Arts Centre. This project is a celebration of creativity, community and children and will be exhibited during the month of June for the June Fest in Newbridge. I spent a day in Scoil Mhuire NS with two groups of 2nd Class pupils and a day in Gaelscoil Cill Dara, Green Road, The Curragh with 2 groups of 5th Class pupils.
Natural mandala, as introduced by Breda Marron.
The sessions in Scoil Mhuire and Gaelscoil Cill Dara were based on the Celtic Mandala and each pupil designed and developed their own mandala. They selected an element to represent themselves as ‘centre’ and worked outwards in a circular pattern from the centre. The drawings and patterns were based on all the wonderful experiences the pupils had encountered during the last year both inside and outside school. They incorporated elements and designs to represent their school, family, friends and the wider community who support them in a variety of ways. A personal intention and wish was also included for the coming year.
Each class was invited view the artworks at a special individual launch event on Thursday 1st June. They attended with their respective teacher and artist on launch day and they can visit again as often as they wish with their family members and friends through the month of June for JuneFest 2017. I wish to extend a great big thank you to Aleksandra in the Riverbank for her curation and commitment to this exciting project, to the teachers and to the schools who generously gave of their time and support and a very special thanks to the wonderful energetic and creative pupils. I was very privileged to have the pleasure of working with 2nd classes and 5th classes boys and girls. Their energy, excitement and creativity is so special and infectious. I learn so much from these creative sessions – always!
Home is Where the ART can be viewed during the month of June 2017.
Inking up process