School art project to be launched

THIS YEAR’S Living Arts Project in Wexford Arts Centre will be officially launched by artist, Arno Kramer, on Saturday, April 14, at 2 p.m.

Established in 2013, the initiative is a visual arts education scheme aimed at providing primary school children around the county to explore their creative side and enhance their inherent artistic abilities.

The scheme also works at giving children an understanding and appreciation of contemporary visual art. The annual exhibition is a major part of the scheme and it gives children an opportunity to showcase their work to the public in Wexford Arts Centre. Having their work presented in a professional gallery setting can be hugely beneficial to the participants in terms of boosting their confidence and belief in their creative talent.

Through the project selected artists work with the participating schools and tutor the children as they prepare for the exhibition.

This year’s artists and schools included Orla Bates (Scoil Mhuire, Horeswood),New Ross, David Begley (St. Senan’s National School, Enniscorthy), Clare Breen (St. Ibar’s National School, Castlebridge) and John Busher (St. Mary’s National School, Ballygarret).

This year marked an expanded programme for the scheme as it also included Ramsgrange Community School and Selskar College, supported by the Creative Ireland programme.

As part of the scheme a 10-week residency was developed for each school by artists, Oonagh Latchford and Els Dievorst, which focused attention on interpersonal skills through cross-curricular subjects.