RAIN gives us rainbows is the positive message of a brand new colourful addition to St Anne’s School in Ennis.

The school recently unveiled a new mural created by its Oak, Rowan and Willow classes along with local artist Rachel Macmanus. The project was facilitated by the Clare Artists in School Scheme 2021/2022.

Principal of St Anne’s Rose-Marie Flanagan explains that before designing the mural Rachel visited them and spent time with the three classes to discuss ideas.

“We discussed together what should be included in the design and why. The pupils chose to highlight the nature they see in and around their school, such as birds and animals, and we also discussed the weather we get here in Ennis, a lot of rain! But rain gives us rainbows, which became a central theme for the mural. 

“We also focused on the geography of St Anne’s School, which is situated in the centre of Ennis town, and the activities and sports which happen in the school. As we talked, the pupils made drawings to illustrate these themes. Another very important theme which came up was the friendships and relationships the pupils have made at St Anne’s School.”

Rachel took the drawings the children made and enlarged them and drafted them onto the wall and she and the pupils then all painted it together. 

Ms Flanagan thanked Rachel and Clare Arts Office for giving pupils an opportunity to create what she describes as a “magnificent mural which will be part of the pupil’s legacy here in the school”.

“This collaborative artwork has given pupils an opportunity to demonstrate their gifts and strengths while providing a beautiful mural that the wider school community can enjoy,” she adds.

Rachel paid tribute to the hardworking and talented pupils of St Anne’s School and their great teachers and support staff, and Ms Flanagan for initializing the project, and to Clare Arts Office for facilitating this project through the Artist in Schools Scheme.