Artists set up new studio
Four local artists have got together to set up a new studio in town, adding to Dundalk’s growing reputation for having an exciting visual arts scene.
Ceramic artists Etaoin O Reilly and Olivia Hill, sculptor Dave Callan and fashion Bláthnaid McClean have set up studio at a premises on Jocelyn Street near the Home Bakery.
It was Etaoin who came up with the idea of finding a premises when she was doing a residency at An Tain Arts Centre during the summer.
‘Basically I was having lunch with Dave, who works in An Tain, and we got chatting about setting up a studio. I then got in touch with Grainne Murphy in Creative Spark and asked her if she knew any other artists who would be interested in sharing a space with us.’
She is delighted that they have found a space where they can work and, when circumstances allow, invite the public in and hold classes.
‘We got space at the back of a premises - there’s a courtyard and big shed so we will be able to put a kiln in there for Olivia and myself.’
‘It’s a good space for four artists and it’s really exciting to be able to do this as it’s nice to be able to work alongside other artists,’ says Etaoin, who has been really impressed with the arts scene in Dundalk since moving here to do the residency during the summer.
‘ The residency was fantastic - I just loved it. I got to meet so many people, writers and dancers, when I was there, and Paul and all the staff in An Tain were so helpful.’
She was thrilled that got the opportunity to exhibit the work she created during the residency in The Basement Gallery just before this second lockdown.
‘I did a workshop for Culture Night which I really enjoyed and I would like to have people come in an see me throw and to teach classes when this is all over.’
In the meantime, she is busy getting ready for Christmas. Alongside her range of jugs, pots and planters, she is making beautiful decorations and burners.
‘All of the Christmas markets I go to have been cancelled so I’ve got an on-line shop and people can order them though my website.’
The other artists working alongside her are Bláthnaid McClean of BEEZTI designs. A fashion graduate of NCAD, Bláthnaid creates unique t-shirts designs on soft organic cotton. She is moving to the new studio from Creative Spark.
Ceramic artist Olivia Hill says that for many years she was unable to give ceramics and pottery the time required to make it a successful but ‘ having the chance to work in this new studio is an exciting opportunity for me to explore my full potential in this area of the arts.’
Dave Callan is mixed media artist who has recently returned to his hometown of Dundalk. He attended the GMIT CCAM in Galway city where he received his BA in Art & Design 2006 and remained there for the following years working as a practicing artist, curator and art
technician. He is a former director of 126, Artist-run Gallery, where he also had the opportunity to curate shows beyond the Galway gallery in Monstertruck Gallery, Dublin, E:vent, London and the RHA. He is a former member of the collectives Angry Hammers and
Expanded Draught and has worked as an art technician for various galleries and festivals around the country. Most recently he was an artist in residence at Creative Spark and worked on the committee of the inaugural Seek Festival of contemporary urban art in Dundalk. He has exhibited in Ireland, Finland and in the US.