Vibrant insect artwork creating a buzz at Mayo's National Museum
A vibrant new children’s art installation, celebrating insects and biodiversity at the National Museum of Ireland, is creating quite a buzz in Turlough Park, Castlebar.
Some 450 primary school children and their teachers from 16 schools across counties Mayo, Sligo and Galway were involved in a 10-month project to create SWARM - a moving, overhead artwork at the museum.
The art project saw children visiting The Murmur of Bees exhibition at Turlough Park to learn all about Ireland’s bees. They were then tasked with creating their own colourful cardboard insects, guided by artist Cas McCarthy, in response to the themes of the exhibition.
The insect artworks have now been combined and brought to life in a carousel of colour, movement and shadows in the Courtyard Gallery art space. Frank O’Reilly Design, Westport, provided the concept and design of the carousel with installation by Ruairi McConnell, Ballintubber.
The project was developed as part of a public events and educational programme in association with The Murmur of Bees. The popular exhibition explores Ireland’s diverse bee species, their crucial role in our ecosystems and the deep cultural bond we share.
The participating schools were: Attymass National School, Banada National School, Ballyvary National School, Behy National School, Belcarra National School, Cloonliffen NS, Coláiste Muire, Tuar Mhic Éadaigh, Craggagh National School, Culmore National School, Derrywash National School, Educate Together Castlebar, Knock National School, Myna National School, Scoil Mhuire, Ros Muc, St. Brendan's National School, and Sylane National School.
Welcoming the installation of the artwork, Martina Burke Lavin, education assistant at the National Museum of Ireland, said: “It has been incredibly rewarding to welcome students to the museum, introduce them to The Murmur of Bees exhibition and then watch them bring their creativity to life by transforming simple cardboard pieces into vibrant colourful insects.
“This project not only introduced them to the wonders of the museum and our collection, but it also encouraged hands-on learning, teamwork, and artistic expression. Watching their excitement at having their artwork displayed in the museum and their imagination coming to life in this project has been a highlight of this experience.”
Artist and facilitator Cas McCarthy also welcomed the launch: “SWARM is the result of a 10-month collaboration and it has been a really engaging process for all of the participants, working with children and teachers to bring this highly colourful and playful art installation to life. The young students and their teachers responded enthusiastically to the brief. Their colourful contributions have combined with lighting and movement to result in a unique, multi-layered project and artwork.”
Liam Scanlon, teacher and project participant from Castlebar Educate Together NS, said: “We were delighted to be involved in the creation of SWARM. Our students learned about Ireland’s bees, exploring ecology, biodiversity and the wonders of the natural world. The project provided both a learning experience and a creative opportunity and the children are very proud to have their work on display in the National Museum at Turlough Park.”
Frank O’Reilly of Frank O’Reilly Design, Westport, provided some insight on the innovative carousel design: “Combining constant motorised movement with the added visual impact of light and shadow, SWARM is intended to not only dazzle but also remind the viewer of the dynamic visual energy that uniquely happens when young community groups work in concert to a unique theme. It was my privilege to play a part in that lively community.”
SWARM is on display now in the Courtyard Gallery (next to the café) at the National Museum of Ireland, Turlough Park.