Sketchingalocal sportinglegend

ST. Louis art students had an opportunity to paint a sporting legend, when Dudnalk F.C star Patrick Hoban sat for a portrait drawing last week.

The Art Department in St. Louis Secondary School had recently taken part in the very successful ‘ Artist in Residency’ programme.

The programme enabled students to draw on contemporary talent of the highest standard and take inspiration from the prestigious Bridge Street Studios in Dundalk.

Art Teacher, Mrs. Rogers commented: ‘We are very fortunate to have such a thriving and creative hub in our community and the inspirational practising Artists therein’.

‘St. Louis Art Department’s goal was to create a working relationship with the local community and local working artists.

‘An Artist in Residency Programme was established in collaboration with and facilitated by the Arts Officer in Louth County Council, to whom we are most grateful.’

The Artist of choice for St. Louis was Orlaith Cullinane from Bridge Street Studios.

Orlaith is a renowned local, national and international Portrait Artist who inspired and worked closely with the 6thYear Art Students.

Mrs. Rogers expained: ‘Orlaith guided them through a six week ‘Life–Sketching’ Drawing programme, enabling the students to grow in confidence.’

The programme also provided a hughely valuable skillset as students carry out preparations for their 2019 Life Sketching Exams.

The Art teacher added that to complete the masterpiece, St. Louis has forged another link - with Dundalk Football Club, looking outward again to the local community.

‘ To showcase the students’ drawing skills in addition to celebrating one of Dundalk’s 2018 local heroes winning football team, Patrick Hoban agreed to sit and have his portrait sketched by the students.

Students completed a variety of unusual and impressive portraits on the sporting legend, and he even had the opportunity to survey some of their work!

The Dundalk FC Player, was named as top goal scorer in Ireland, setting a new record for goals scored in a season.

Art teacher Mrs Rogers thanked Patrick Hoban for taking the time to allow students to complete the programme by sketching his portrait’

‘St Louis is very grateful to Orlaith in Bridge Street Studios, Catherine in Louth County Council and Patrick Hoban.’

‘We are indebted to all for collaborating with us and for their contribution and time.’

Patrick Hoban, Dundalk FC with a group of students in St. Louis Secondary School who each made a life drawing of Patrick as part of the School’s artist in residencey programme. Also included, Art Teacher, Paula Rogers, Orlaith Cullinane, Bridge Street Studios and Yvonne O’Brien, Louth County Council. Photo by Aidan Dullaghan/Newspics.

Patrick Hoban, Dundalk FC with a portrait created by student, Katarina Sidorova in St. Louis Secondary School.