LEINSTER MIDLANDS
Core subjects of science, technology, engineering, art and maths makeup Faithful’ s plans, writes Celine Naughton
Getting artsy with science, technology and maths in Offaly
WITH a population of less than 800 it may be one of the smallest villages in Offaly, but when it comes engaging with young people, Daingean punches way above its weight.
For Cruinniú na nÓg, art teacher Connie Walton is helping 11 local primary school students to combine their artistic and crafting talents with the area’s rich history and landscape to create a unique ceramic heritage map of the townland.
Made up of 36 individually painted and glazed tiles, this handmade artwork features the children’s own drawings of local landmarks such as the Grand Canal, nearby bogs and woodlands, Daingean’s town hall and library, and various monuments — all painstakingly researched by the students. The work is based on a map designed by local man Garrett Curley, and the children choose the monument or heritage site they want to paint at strategic points on the map.
“Daingean is a small town with a great heritage,” says Connie. “Each week the children spend two hours in the library looking at photographs and documents, which is a very tactile and engaging experience for them. I’ve always had a grá for local history and I’m heartened to see the children engage with it too.”
As the village library is closed on the day of Cruinniú na nÓg, the map will be officially launched Wednesday, June 20, when it will go on permanent display in the library, complete with a brass plaque engraved with the names of all the children involved in its creation.
“Their names will live on, and that gives them and their families a sense of pride in their achievement,” says Connie. “More importantly still, I hope all those involved will draw on the creativity they’ve discovered within themselves during this experience and apply it in other areas of their lives. I believe it’s hugely important to develop creativity in children so that they can grow up to become fulfilled and productive adult members of society.”
For 11-year-old Lauren Kavanagh, the project is an exciting, fun way to explore where she lives.
“I’ve learned about the places around us, and how to use clay to make ceramic tiles,” she says. “Each of us gets a little card showing a building and we have to draw and paint it. I really like arts and crafts, and when we meet each Wednesday evening, all my friends are there, so it’s great fun.
“We have everything we need in the library to do our research, and if we’re talking about things and we’re missing a bit of information, one of us can say, ‘I’ll go and get a book,’ and we find out what we need to know.”
Her mum Alix says the local library is a fantastic resource for families living in the village.
“The librarian always has something going on for the kids of the area, like painting, or arts and crafts, and Lauren loves reading anyway. And the local national school actively helps students engage with their heritage, not just in the classroom, but by taking them out for walks along the canal, to the old graveyard and other places. It’s a small community, and it’s great to see this creative community spirit encouraged at an early age.”
Elsewhere in the county, Offaly’s rich scientific heritage is reflected in many of the 23 or more events planned for Cruinniú na nÓg, according to County Librarian Martina Needham.
Ferbane and Clara libraries will be screening a documentary about Mary Ward, a naturalist, astronomer, microscopist, author and artist from Ferbane. Based on workshops held in local schools by nature photographer Tina Claffey and artist Caroline Conway, it’s for all ages, with audiences encouraged to interact with what they see through dance, art or any other creative response they feel.
Using a projection of Tina’s stunning close-up photography of the flora and fauna of the bog, Caroline created an animation with music, and the artists took the production to Hullaballoo Offaly Children’s Arts Festival.
“The children connected with Mary Ward’s wonder at the natural world, and made a dance about it,” says Caroline. “It was amazing to see them lose their inhibitions and become so free in their movements.
“We’ve been to local schools and filmed students dressed in crinoline skirts. Along with their drawings of insects, petals, pollen and flowers, this footage was inserted into a specially made video, so they’ve become part of the project. The finished documentary will be shown in the Ferbane and Clara libraries, and afterwards we’ll have workshops in making sun-catchers and other fun stuff.
“The project crosses over among so many areas — science, art, local history, heritage, women in science, music and dance — it gives kids a natural introduction to subjects they mightn’t otherwise be exposed to. And it’s great for autistic children too.”
In Birr, once known as the ‘cradle of modern astronomy’, thanks to the telescope built there by the third Earl of Ross in 1845, Deirdre Kelleghan will be giving workshops on art and astronomy for eight to 12-yearolds. Winning entries from an art exhibition on the theme of stars and astronomy will be exhibited and prizes awarded on the day.
Tullamore is the main branch of the libraries in Offaly, and a highlight here is photographer Paul Moore’s workshop for teenagers on how to create stories with pictures taken on their smartphones.
“People take snapshots of things without thinking,” he says. “I want to show young people how to use composition and visual effects to create a narrative. There’s a perception that mobile phones are not for serious photographs, but cameras are becoming more advanced all the time, and young people can learn how to use the technology to create their own extraordinary work. They don’t have to limit themselves, they can create art and tell the stories they want to tell, simply with their own devices.”
Also in Tullamore, a Lego LearnIt workshop offers an interactive lesson in assembling and programming a robot. Designed for eight to 12-yearolds, it gets kids excited about the STEAM subjects — science, technology, engineering, art and maths — in a modern, creative way, combining the age-old fun of building block toys with junior robotics.
It also helps children to develop communication skills, work as a team and solve problems creatively. It’s an example of how enabling the creative potential in every child is not just about producing more artists, it’s developing innovation, fresh ideas and creative collaboration.
In response to consultations with children and young people on the type of events they want to see, there’ll bes a make-up workshop for 14 to 18-yearolds, where beautician Catriona McMorris will show how to apply false tan, look after skin, and apply makeup, creating as much dramatic effect as they want for special occasions.
Deirdre Sarsfield will give sewing workshops in which teams of two will bring an old shirt and upcycle it into a dress. Each workshop concludes with a mini fashion show to showcase the participants’ work.
In the morning, there’ll be face-painting and Jeca the Clown for younger kids, while in the afternoon author Gary Ward will read from his book, Under the Bed Monsters for under-sevens.
NOTE: Workshops require advance booking. For further information contact your local library or creative. ireland.ie/cruinniu
Daingean is a small community, and it’s great to see this creative spirit encouraged at an early age