Opening Night of Finscéal – The legend of St. Brigid in words and images
Exhibition consists of collection of artworks and performances from local, national, and international artists
The official opening ceremony for Finscéal – The legend of St. Brigid in words and images which brings together a collection of artworks and performances from local, national, and international artists, was very well attended, at the Laois Arthouse & Library on Monday the 4th November.
The event consisted of the exhibition opening by Cllr Pádraig Fleming, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council followed by a performance of spoken word, poetry and stories, on the theme of St Brigid.
Angela McEvoy, Director of Planning, Arts & Heritage spoke on the night as well as Orla Mc Donagh, Curator of the exhibition. The event was hosted by Muireann Ní Chonaill, Arts Officer and Manager of the Laois Arthouse.
This special event came about because of an approach by Orla Mc Donagh to the Arts Office, to consider an exhibition of St. Brigid themed work, as this year is the 1500 celebration of St. Brigid.
A callout resulted in a cross generational response, and work in visual art, poetry and spoken word became part of the event.
Orla Mc Donagh is a contemporary figurative artist and educator in a multidisciplinary practice based in Abbeyleix.
Orla was longlisted in 2022 for the R.D.S. visual arts award, Orla holds a degree in art history and contemporary art practice from Atlantic University, Mayo.
Orla has worked closely with the Arts Office, for many years, across arts in education and community groups.
They Arts Office were delighted to appoint Orla as Curator on this special event.
The exhibition consists of a selection of paintings and sculpture by the members of the Stradbally art class, which Orla instructed. The classes were funded by the LOETB and they took place weekly in the Stradbally Library. The artists exhibiting from the class include Veronie Naughton and Jim Kehoe, Siobhan Wheatley, Maureen O Leary, Marie Croke, Margaret Devoy, Kathleen Devoy and Mary Murphy and Maurice Murphy.
Also exhibiting are Laois artists Julie Scully and and Oksana Rohovska, Cork based artist Pauline Conroy and Tipperary based artist Aisling Hassett.
The children of Ballyfin National School completed an artist-in-schools project on the theme of St Brigid with Laois born poet Ann Egan. The results of the residency are on display in the exhibition, comprising of three handmade books of poems, and a billboard of poems by the 6th Class children of Ballyfin school.
Lia Laimbock, a studio artist in the Laois Arthouse is displaying her painting of Brigid alongside the Dutch artist Lady Catherine Lenssinck’s magnificent ‘Brigid inspired’ cloak . These two artworks were loaned by the Solas Centre in Co Kildare, where they are on permanent display.
The exhibition is a mixture of painting, sculpture, wall hanging, stained glass, and books, all inspired by the theme of St Brigid.
Following the exhibition opening, the audience moved to the Library for a feast of poetry and storytelling around the theme of St Brigid.
The audience were treated to performances and readings by Michelle Quirke, Julie Scully, Denise Curtin and Ann Egan. Also Liam Hogan, Cillian Thompsonm Senan Conlon and Fin Toomey, four children from Ballyfin National School read their poems.
The exhibition is on view until 29th November. Schools and groups are welcome to attend this very interesting exhibiton.
The exhibition runs from November 4th to 29th with opening hours as follows.
Tuesday – Friday: 1pm – 4pm entry through Laois Arthouse
Tuesday & Thursday: 5.30pm – 8pm (entry through Library)
Saturday: 10am – 1pm (entry through Library)
Sunday: 17th Nov 11.30am -1.30pm (entry through Laois Arthouse)
For more details: T: 057 833 4033 | E: arts@laoiscoco.ie | www.arthouse.ie or www.laois.ie
