Mayo art students bring 'Dawn Chorus' to Foxford Woollen Mills

Fifth Year art students from Mount St. Michael, Claremorris, have worked with local artist Bernadette Ruddy and their art teacher Sinéad Collins, on a project which went on display yesterday in the Foxford Cafe at Foxford Woollen Mills.

This textile art project, Dawn Chorus, used remnants of fabric from the Mill to create a piece that was heavily influenced by birdsong and the art of Kandinsky, while reflecting the history of the mills in its materials.

The students visited the mill with their art teacher, and Ms. Ruddy, to see their artwork on display and were provided a rare opportunity to meet with the head designer Helen McAlinden, for a very insightful Q&A.

Also in attendance were Patricia Carney, centre administrator at Mayo Education Centre, and Áine McAlpine, chairperson of the board of management at Mayo Education Centre.

An integral part of the success of this project was the kind support of Joe Queenan and his team at Foxford Woollen Mills.

The artwork is currently on display in the Foxford Cafe at the Woollen Mills, alongside their research project which can be accessed by scanning a displayed QR code.

Funding for the project was awarded by the Arts-In-Education BLAST Residency Programme.

The aim of this programme is to give students, in schools all over the country, the opportunity to work with a professional artist on unique projects to be planned and developed between the artist, the teacher and the school, and managed by the local education centre.

PHOTOS: CONOR MCKEOWN