Kilanerin ICA unveils community tapestry
AFTER eleven months of enjoyable labour, the new Kilanerin community tapestry was finally unveiled at The Gap Arts Festival.
The tapestry was completed by a group of women from the Kilanerin ICA guild and contains scenes of the local landscape, buildings, and other historical features in and around Kilanerin, Ballyfad, Ballythomas, Annagh, and Hollyfort.
Speaking at the launch, Kilanerin ICA president Geraldine O’Connor explained that they wanted to create something reflective of all aspects of the community, from its earliest history to the present day.
Training and support in making the tapestry was provided by the Boolavogue Textile Studio and was funded by Wexford County Council’s artist in the community scheme, and the local community development association.
The group was also fortunate to have the assistance of local graphic designer Damien Nash.
‘What we have produced is something we hope all the community can identify with’ said Geraldine.
The tapestry has a backdrop of Annagh Hill and Croghan Mountain and features objects of local interest from the Bronze Age Annagh Urn to the recent windmills at Raheenleagh. The group spent over 1,200 hours on the project between training, design, and weaving. Geraldine said it was a very fulfilling experience for all concerned.
The ladies are now looking forward to applying their newly found skills to another project and a number of ideas are currently under consideration.
The tapestry will be the central part of an exhibition on the history of the Kilanerin-Ballyfad area and will be housed in the soon-to-be completed Community Centre in Kilanerin.