Highlanes enjoying a big birthday

It has been a busy 10th Birthday year for Highlanes Gallery and all action is now focussed on this summer’s children’s workshops which take place in late July and early august.

Here is a taste of what’s on offer! On Wednesday 26 July from 11.30am - 1.00pm Observation Versus Abstract is led by artist and gallery invigilator Yvonne Byrne, where children attending this workshop will explore the difference between observational and abstract drawing and mark making. Inspired by the work of exhibiting artists Alice Maher, Cristina Bunello and Andrew Folan, and focusing on tone, light and shade, and mark making, children will make observational charcoal drawings of hair.

The second part of the workshop will involve investigating abstract mark making using feathers (hair) where children will be encouraged to use the materials in a free and creative manner.

While on Thursday 27 July from 11.30am - 1.00pm Brush and Bristle is led by artist Claire Halpin, where this exhibition tour and workshop will look at the elements of the brush and bristle in the exhibition Bristle: Hair and Hegemony including the work of Saidhbhín Gibson. Children will experiment with different materials to make their own paintbrushes - thick and thin, tall and long and try out different brushstrokes and mark making using different paints and painting surfaces.

On Friday 28 July from 11.30am - 1.00pm High Hairstyles; Powdered Poufs, Periwigs & Pastel Portraiture of the 18th Century is led by facilitator Julie Duhy, exploring ideas in the exhibition Bristle: Hair and Hegemony from its title; hair in relation to culture, society, identity, and ethnicity, and concepts of hairstyles, the history of Coiffure, from Marie Antoinette and Washington to Marge Simpson and Donald Trump to other artist’s work that depicted hair through the centuries. Children will work with soft pastel on their very own portraits, using cotton wool to achieve the huge hair! Mixed media will be introduced including diamonds and feathers to decorate the drawn pouffes!

All workshops are gallery based, with all materials supplied, and developed especially for children aged 5-13 years of age. They are priced at €6 per workshop For enquiries, contact Siobhan and Hilary at the gallery on 041 -9803311,

At the An Grianan garden party were Regina Donohoe, Eileen Dunne and Joan Canning.

At the An Grianan garden party were Ann Casey, Maureen Stewart, Majella Peelo, Janett Edgley, Joan Fahey and Mary Lucas.

The Louth Guild of the ICA at Friday’s garden pary in An Grianan