Creative kids exhibit works

THE FIFTH annual Living Arts exhibition will run at Wexford Arts Centre until May 5 and features works from four primary schools and two secondary schools.

The exhibition was officially opened by artist Arno Kramer recently.

This year saw Orla Bates paired with Scoil Mhuire, Horeswood; David Begley teaming up with St Senan’s National School, Enniscorthy; Clare Breen with St Ibar’s National School, Castlebridge; and John Busher working with St Mary’s National School, Ballygarrett.

Over the course of a 15-week programme, each artist brought their own unique styles, talents and disciplines to the participating schools, encouraging them to think beyond the classroom and respond visually to the world around them. The project challenged both pupils and teachers through the medium of film-making, mixed media sculpture, print-making, painting and drawing processes.

In addition to the primary school works, this year also saw artists taking up residencies in Ramsgrange Community School and Selskar College, supported by the Creative Ireland programme. The students enjoyed a ten-week programme, developed by artists Oonagh Latchford and Els Dievorst, which focused on promoting artistic and interpersonal skills, and integrating cross curricular subjects.

The Living Arts Project was established in 2013, as a long term visual arts education scheme, aiming to provide kids with an understanding and appreciation of contemporary visual art, as well as offering pupils the chance to see their work in a professional gallery. The programme is coordinated by the Arts Department of Wexford County Council and Wexford Arts Centre.

The exhibition runs at Wexford Arts Centre until Saturday, May 5.

Matthew Howlett, Stephen Power, Gearóid Howlett, John Power, Philip Corish and teacher Orla Bates from Horeswood NS.

At the launch at Wexford Library: Denis Collins, who launched the book, authors Rosemary Palmeria and Deirdre McGarry, and Alice McIntyre, who supplied some music for the event.

Anna Delaney and Katie Hillis from Castlebridge NS.

Hollie and Chloe Hayes from Horeswood NS.