Pupils’ fabulous creations on display

ART students from Scoil Mhuire in Ennistymon will exhibit craftwork at the National Conference of Principals and Deputy Principals in Galway this week.

Fifth-year art students of Scoil Mhuire, Ennistymon exhibited their Fabulous Felt Creations at National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Dublin earlier this month. Now the group has been invited to showcase their work at the national conference on Thursday and Friday.

The project, which consisted of hand-made and hand-dyed felted scarves, cushions and flowers, was warmly commended by Minister for the Arts, Jimmy Deenihan at the opening reception in the national museum.

This prestigious exhibition was a culmination of the work of more than 70 secondary schools nationwide, who were awarded a bursary for projects of artistic merit from the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals ‘Creative Engagement’ fund. Twenty-five schools were represented at the event.

Scoil Mhuire art teacher Mary Fahy invited textile artist Kate Ramsay to speak to the pupils about her work and subsequently run workshops on her felt-making techniques.

Twenty-eight pupils took part in the project in April and May and were represented in Dublin by three of their classmates, Ciara O’Connell, Éimhín King and Rachel Sulley.

The pupils supervised their exhibition stand at the museum throughout the day, where they had the opportunity to explain their work to the general public. as well as to the various dignitaries in attendance, including the chief examiner for the Department of Education Harold Hislop, the president  and committee members of the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals and Raghnall O’Floinn, director of the National Museum of Ireland.

The girls displayed individual samples of their craft work, along with a digital media presentation of the processes used in their production. They also met representatives of the participating schools from around Ireland and discussed their artwork with them.

According to Ms Fahy, “It was a hugely valuable educational experience for all and although numerous requests were made to purchase their craftwork, the students refused to part with their unique creations.

“Sincere credit to principal Seosaimhín Ní Dhomhnalláin, Scoil Mhuire, for part-funding the project and to Mary Hanly, Dermot Carney and all the Creative Engagement committee for their tremendous support. Art projects of this standard would not be possible without NAPD Creative Engagement and their very generous patronage of the arts in schools,” Ms Fahy added.

Ella Barrett, Róisín Canavan, Sophia Clair, Amy Commane, Clara Cosgrove, Laura Crowe, Niamh Davies, Marie Fitzgerald, Aoife Kearney, Emerald Kenny, Aimee Greene, Eva Bierbroth, Eimhín King, Sarah Leigh, Róisín Long, Deirbhile Malone, Sonia Mazurek, Holly McCabe, Ellie McGlennon, Ciara O’Connell, Khiva O’Dwyer, Rachel Sulley, Aisling Talty, Keeva Vaughan, Laura McGann, Gráinne McCormack, Eva O’Dea and Lynn O’Doherty all participated in the programme.

Sara Foust, Daire Spillane, Ann Waters and Maeve Collins volunteered on the project.