A SCHOOLING IN ART

The award-winning artist and filmmaker Els Dietvorst officially opened the Living Arts Project exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre, featuring a selection of the work of young people who were guided by professional artists.

The artist-in-residence scheme organised by the Arts Department of Wexford County Council and the Arts centre, was established in primary schools six years ago to provide children with an understanding and appreciation of contemporary visual art and a chance to see their work presented in a professional gallery.

The artists who took part in this year’s scheme were Orla Bates who was assigned to work in Rathnure national school, Clare Breen at Murrintown national school, Caoimhe Dunne in St. Joseph’s national school, Kilmuckridge, and Oonagh Latchford in St. Joseph’s national school, Ballymitty.

Each artist brought their own artistic practice and experience to the 15-week programme with the pupils encouraged to respond to the artists’ work. They were introduced to filmmaking, mixed media sculpture, printmaking, painting and drawing processes.

Supported by the Creative Ireland Programme, artists Els Dietvorst and Frank Abruzzese also worked with second level pupils from Ramsgrange Community School for a second year.

The residency which was developed with art teacher, Aoife Power, included workshops on drawing, printmaking and photography and focused on the themes of climate change and sustainability, enabling the students to recognise the potential of art to be used as a tool for communication and learning.

The exhibition will run in the upper and lower galleries of Wexford Arts Centre until Saturday May 4. Schools interested in taking part in the Living Arts Project 2019/2020 should contact Visual Arts Manager Catherine Bowe on 053 9123764 or email catherine@wexfordartscentre.ie.

People Who 2018-19, by Leaving Cert students of Ramsgrange Community School whose facilitating artist was Frank Abruzzese.

At the exhibit, Unknown Treasures, by 5th and 6th class pupils of Scoil Náisiúnta Rath An Lubhair in Rathnure were: Elizabeth Whyte, Catherine Bowe, Cllr George Lawlor, Deputy Mayor, Lisa Byrne, Els Dietvorst, who opened the exhibition, Orla Bates, facilitating artist, and Clare Breen.

Capturing Shadows, by 4th and 5th classes at St Josephs National School, Kilmuckridge, whose facilitating artist was Caoimhe Dunn.

Liam Kielthy, James Brady, Evie Kielthy and Eli Stanners from Murrintown School.

Our Objects by 5th and 6th classes of Scoil Náisiúnta Rath An Lubhair, Rathnure whose facilitating artist was Órla Bates.

Jenna Ryan, Meadhbh Hegarty and Sophie Cashman from Murrintown NS.

Molly, Audrey and Keelin McCarthy from Ballymitty school.