Creative Clusters & BLAST Ballyvary, Parke & Manulla National Schools

The Linenhall Arts Centre is delighted to showcase a collaborative exhibition featuring the work of pupils from Ballyvary, Parke and Manulla National Schools.

This project celebrates the creative journey of the three schools over the past year as part of Creative Clusters. This is an initiative by the Department of Education and Youth, led by and in partnership with the Education Support Centres Ireland (ESCI).

Each school worked with Westport based artist, Nicky Dowd designing a large scale, enchanting triptych based on the well-known legend, The Children of Lir. The children explored pattern, colour, texture and creativity to bring the story to life in art form. The colourful triptych is on display in the Linenhall Arts Centre until 18 June before the panels are returned to their permanent home in each school.

The pupils and teachers from each school came together on 8 May to celebrate their achievements in the Linenhall. The gathering was the culmination of year one of a two-year project. It provided an amazing opportunity for the pupils to meet and appreciate their art on display in the gallery. Children also had the opportunity to engage in a visual art workshop with the Linenhall facilitators and a story-telling workshop with creative practitioner, Wayne O’Connor.

In addition to Creative Clusters, pupils in 1st and 2nd class took part in BLAST, another Department of Education initiative fostering creativity and critical thinking. This involved a six-week residency with local artist, Cas Mc Carthy. Pupils explored a variety of art forms and processes including 3D construction, drawing, collage and book making based around the theme of “Belonging in Nature”. A selection of the children’s art can also be seen as part of the current exhibition in the Linenhall.