Art from New Quay school set for Kinvara exhibition

ARTWORKS created by pupils from New Quay National School in the Burren will go on display early next month at the Courthouse Gallery in Kinvara. 

An exhibition entitled ‘Creative Mapping’, will run from June 3 to 12 at the gallery which is the base of Kinvara Area Visual Arts (KAVA). The show is the culmination of initiatives support by The Arts Council, Clare Arts Office and The Department of Education. 

School Principal Mary Reidy said the show will combine pieces from two art projects which children have participated in.

“As a recipient of a Creative School grant award in 2020 New Quay National School is certainly busy these days,” she said.

“An after-school art appreciation programme has been re-established since Easter, this is offered as a free programme to children from First Class upwards and will continue up into the early part of June.

This is facilitated by local parents Ellie Farrell and Cate King. With the help of Creative Schools funding and guidance given by Ceara Conway, East Clare artist Ruth Wood has taken the entire school through another visual process.

Both projects are focusing on ‘Mapping’ and especially look at the children’s journeys to school. The combined art works from school will form an exhibition to be shown in the Courthouse in Kinvara from June 3 until June 12. There will be an opening reception on Friday, June 3 at 7pm and all are welcome.”

Artist Ruth Wood was the lead artist mentoring the children. Originally from Killaloe, she is now based in West Clare and is resident artist at Kilbaha Gallery, Loop Head

“As a landscape painter I use line, colour and light to capture the unique qualities of the physical world of my locality,” Ruth said.

“As an Art Educator I share my skills and experience to make a space for a diverse range of people to explore and communicate their visual expression. The balance of aesthetic value and creative expression underpins my facilitation style.

“I have received numerous residency awards from Clare Arts Office and the Department of Education. These include Teacher and Artist Partnerships, Artist in School Schemes and Blast projects (Clare Education Centre).