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Latest Laois Event: Stradbally’s Laois Arthouse celebrates its tenth anniversary
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Latest Laois Event: Stradbally’s Laois Arthouse celebrates its tenth anniversary

Laois Arthouse celebrates its 10th anniversary with a new exhibition 

Laois Arthouse celebrates its 10th anniversary with a new exhibition 

Laois County Council is pleased to present In Trust. In Gratitude. In Hope. 10 Years at the Laois Arthouse, an exhibition featuring the work of over 60 artists who have been part of the Laois Arthouse programme since its establishment in 2011 by Laois County Council Arts Service.  This anniversary exhibition is a unique opportunity for the artists and Laois County Council to celebrate the achievement of 10 years of exhibition making, artist hosting and creative place making with the surrounding community of Stradbally, County Laois and beyond. 

The exhibition curated by Clonaslee native Monica Flynn was formally opened by Kevin Kavanagh of Kevin Kavanagh Gallery Dublin on 4th December, 2021 and is open to all members of the public, including groups and schools until Friday 27th May, 2022.  The exhibition is accompanied by a publication which is available free of charge at Laois Arthouse. 

Laois Arts Officer Muireann Ni Chonaill describes “The Window Seat “, a sculpture by Eileen Mc Donagh to 4th Class pupils, St. Colmans NS Stradbally, on their visit to Laois Arthouse 10th Anniversary Exhibition “In Trust, In Gratitude, In Hope”. Photo: Michael Scully.
Artist Rennie Buenting with her sculpture ” COP26 A Ray of Hope” and 4th Class pupils, St. Colmans NS Stradbally, on their visit to Laois Arthouse 10th Anniversary Exhibition “In Trust, In Gratitude, In Hope”. Photo: Michael Scully
Artist, Rennie Buenting and Laois Arts Officer – Muireann Ni Chonaill, with Teaching Staff and 4th Class pupuils, St. Colmans NS Stradbally, on their visit to Laois Arthouse 10th Anniversary Exhibition “In Trust, In Gratitude, In Hope”. Photo: Michael Scully
Boys from 4th Class, St. Colmans NS Stradbally, on their visit to Laois Arthouse 10th Anniversary Exhibition “In Trust, In Gratitude , In Hope”. Photo: Michael Scully.

Muireann Ní Chonaill, Arts Officer & Creative Ireland Coordinator, Laois County Council said:

“We are delighted to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Laois Arthouse.  We invite everyone to visit and enjoy the creativity of the artists from Laois and nationally who have contributed to this celebratory exhibition of artworks, inspired by a poem ‘The Window Seat’ by one of Ireland’s leading poets Pat Boran.  In Trust. In Gratitude. In Hope. has generated much public interest locally and nationally. Visitor numbers to the exhibition have been steady and our doors are wide open for schools and groups interested in coming to view it with a free guided tour available. Prior booking is essential at Laois County Council Arts Office and advance exhibition material can be provided.”

Pupils from 4th Class, St. Colmans NS Stradbally, on their visit to Laois Arthouse 10th Anniversary Exhibition “In Trust, In Gratitude, In Hope”. Photo: Michael Scully.

Recently children from St Colman’s N.S Stradbally visited the Laois Arthouse with a tour facilitated by one of the exhibition artists – Rennie Buenting.  The 4th class children responded very positively to the visit and Sarah said:

“Oh the art gallery! It was the very best. It saved us from our Friday test. I loved all the art and animations too. You should really go there!” 

Shareefa said:

“I loved the Arthouse. I never went to an exhibition before so it was really exciting. The art was really cool. 10/10.“

As part of the 10th anniversary celebration at the Laois Arthouse, a panel discussion entitled Till Something Moves…will take place on Saturday 12th March, 2pm – 5pm.  This event will explore how to create the optimum conditions for sustaining creative work as visual artists and writers, and what role do Studio Spaces and Residencies play in creating space and opportunity for focus?  A number of the exhibiting 64 artists will be in attendance. Prior booking will be essential with further details on Laois Arts social media channels and at Laois County Council Arts Office

A pupil from 4th Class, St. Colmans NS Stradbally, on her visit to Laois Arthouse 10th Anniversary Exhibition “In Trust, In Gratitude, In Hope” Exhibition. Photo: Michael Scully.
Artist Rennie Buenting describes her sculpture – COP26 A Ray of Hope – to 4th Class pupils from St. Colmans NS Stradbally, on their visit to Laois Arthouse 10th Anniversary Exhibition “In Trust, In Gratitude, In Hope”. Photo: Michael Scully.
Artist, Rennie Buenting and Laois Arts Officer – Muireann Ni Chonaill, with Teaching Staff and 4th Class pupils, St. Colmans NS Stradbally, on their visit to Laois Arthouse 10th. Anniversary Exhibition “In Trust, In Gratitude, In Hope”. Photo: Michael Scully.
Muireann Ni Chonaill ( Laois Arts Officer ) with pupils from 4th Class, St. Colmans NS Stradbally, on their visit to Laois Arthouse 10th Anniversary Exhibition “In Trust, In Gratitude, In Hope”. Photo: Michael Scully

Liz Mulhall, SNA at St Colmans’s N.S Stradbally said:

“I’d like to thank the staff at the Arthouse for welcoming myself, Mr. Brennan, Miss Fitzpatrick, Miss O’ Connor and all of the children in Mr. Brennan’s 4th class into this fantastic facility.  Stradbally is very lucky to have this gallery on its doorstep.  The exhibition In Trust, In Gratitude, In Hope. was amazing.  The children were intrigued and inspired by the art and the building.”

Due to the heightened local and national interest in this important exhibition In Trust. In Gratitude. In Hope. is now being extended until the end of May 2022.  The exhibition is open to the public from Tuesday – Friday, 1pm to 4pm.  Admission is free.  For more information on school and group tours and the Till Something Moves panel discussion event on Saturday 12th June, email artsoff@laoiscoco.ie and/or visit www.arthouse.ie.