Inis Artists’ exhibition based on the Lesser Horseshoe Bat will be displayed in Shannon Library for Heritage Week from 16th – 24th August. It will then be featured in Kilrush; Kilkee and Scarriff libraries through the autumn months.
The exhibition was devised following an approach to the Clare based visual arts group from county Biodiversity Officer Barry O’Loughlin, and was initially displayed in the new DeValera library, Ennis during National Biodiversity Week in May. Following the success of the event and the level of public interest, the group sought further display opportunities within the county and are delighted to bring it to these additional four venues.
Eight members of Inis Artists initially came together to create a series of artworks based on the life of the bat, looking at roosting sites; feeding; echolocation and habitats. The artists taking part in the project are Denise Borge, Gerardine O’Leary Kelly, Margaret Ray, Rena Casey Lewis, Tomas O’Maoldomhnaigh, Alan Shoosmith, Dominic McNamara and the late Eileen Quin R.I.P. who sadly passed away in June.
The project was funded by Clare County Council’s Biodiversity Officer and Creative Ireland Clare. Inis Artists would also like to acknowledge the support of Dr Kate McAney of the Vincent Wildlife Trust who provided a wealth of research information about the Lesser Horseshoe Bat.
The group’s PRO, Alan Shoosmith, said “It was always our hope to bring this exhibition to a wider audience throughout county Clare and we are delighted with the support from library staff in Shannon, Kilrush, Kilkee and Scarriff for making this possible. There was a lot of hard work put in by all involved in the original exhibition and to allow so many more people to enjoy the exhibits and learn about this endangered species of bat makes it all so much more worthwhile.”
In addition to Heritage Week in Shannon, autumn dates for the exhibition are:
Kilrush Library 15th September – 6th October
Kilkee Library 6th – 28th October
Scarriff Library 3rd – 29th November.
Other Inis Artists’ exhibitions planned for this year include Cashel Arts Festival in September and Scarriff library gallery throughout November. Shannon Town Centre continues to feature a display of the members’ work which is updated seasonally, and the group also continue to hold smaller displays in Jilly & Joe’s, Bunratty; Le Cheile, Barefield; and The Briar Café, Tulla.
Founded over 20 years ago, the Clare based visual arts group currently comprises twelve talented local artists who meet together regularly to organise exhibitions and events throughout the west of Ireland and to highlight their members’ work. Their varied work represents a fusion of traditional and modern art in a wide range of media and original styles.
You can find out more about Inis Artists members and their work on their website or by following the group on their Facebook and Instagram social media pages.
