Exhibition of artworks by Ballinrobe NS pupils
A WONDERFUL exhibition of artworks titled ‘Spring’ was presented to parents by the three senior infant classes in St. Joseph’s Primary School, Ballinrobe.
Over the past seven weeks, the pupils have created their artworks with the guidance of artist-in-residence Cas McCarthy and teachers Paula May (arts coordinator), Nicola Gavin and Mareece Kenny.
The residency was funded by the Department of Education under the BLAST initiative, which funds up to 400 artists annually across the country to work in schools. The programme is managed by local education centres and this residency was supported by Mayo Education Centre, Castlebar.
Arts coordinator Ms. May said: "This residency was a very enjoyable and educational experience for our children, who loved working alongside artist Cas McCarthy. Over seven weeks they rolled up their sleeves and joyfully engaged in creative, sensory, imaginative, and often very messy play!
"There was a real sense of fun and learning as they explored the arrival of Spring with the various exciting art materials."
The exhibition contains 60 exquisite small still life paintings of daffodils, where the children engaged in a process of drawing and colour mixing before making these final works. There are also three large scale group pieces that are bursting with colour and magnificent drawings.
There’s also a multitude of three-dimensional pieces in clay and Jovi plasticine, and a variety of natural materials.
School caretaker Martin Vahey installed the exhibition.
Principal Dymphna Culhane added: "We are very proud of our talented young artists. As a school we are always looking for ways to promote creative and critical thinking. Having a professional artist work with our pupils towards this aim makes a welcome contribution to our work."
Speaking at the exhibition opening, Mayo Education Centre director Michael McKenzie said: "I commend all those involved in this project, Cas McCarthy who is such a talent and an inspiration to all those working with her, the teachers in St. Joseph’s who undertook this project, and the school principal for encouraging this kind of collaboration and innovation amongst her staff members.
"Mayo Education Centre is delighted to be supporting projects such as this one right throughout Mayo and it’s a privilege to share in celebrating the fruits of all the hard work completed here in St. Joseph’s. Most importantly, I want to commend all the children who worked so well and produced such wonderful pieces of work."
Artist Cas McCarthy was delighted with the high level of engagement by St. Joseph’s and said the residency had been a great experience for all involved. She commended the BLAST residency programme which allows for quality art education projects to take place in schools.
Photographs of the artwork can be viewed on the school website, stjosephsballinrobe.net.