The Croí-Art Exhibition has been birthed in the heart of Ennistymon – in the old Crosbie’s building on the corner of the central square, which now hosts the College of FET, Ennistymon Campus.
In its first year as a stand-alone campus in Ennistymon, two art courses have come together to celebrate a new era of creativity in the community. Here learners are currently working towards QQI levels 5 and 6 awards in this wonderfully creative space which has been created to develop skills and explore art through different mediums.
In the words of Daniel, one of the younger Ukranian learners “Art campus is a small world where a calm, creative, inspiring atmosphere always reigns. There I always want to create something, study and try something new. This is a world of endless art, crafting and design”
Course tutor, Maeve Collins said: “I think the QQI level 5and 6 courses are so valuable in the community. They provide so many functions apart from an actual training in the arts or as a place to make a portfolio for a degree or Masters -they also offer personal development. Learners have often used the course to process change and challenge in their lives and of course there is the social element of studying with like- minded people. I hope no one would be put off by a perceived age barrier as there is always a great mix of ages and cultures which adds an element of diversity and inclusion.”
We learners titled our exhibition ‘Croī-art’ to capture the essence of our work from the course. It puts the heart at the centre of the art created here, as indeed it is. Each piece of work in this exhibition is born from the imagination and heart of the maker, and crafted by the skills being honed in the areas of ceramics, painting, drawing, sculpture, and mixed media.
As we work on our various projects in different modules we can see and hear the life of the town through the windows that look out onto the street. Learners can be seen taking “inspiration breaks” to stroll through the streets looking into the windows of the array of art, craft and bookshops which are dotted though the town, forming Ennistymon Art Trail. Or we may wander in the grounds of the Falls to soak in nature’s gifts, and feel the history of earlier artistic times there when Augustus John and Bernard Shaw stayed there early last century. When new exhibitions come to the Courthouse Gallery we go as a group to see them to develop our art appreciation and can wander in and out during the days to see more. As we do , we learn how to curate and promote our own exhibition.
Over the years some learners have found work experience placements in the town with artists, potters, weavers and others who generously share their knowledge and skills.
As learners, we come from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, cultures and artistic and creative experience.
In Level 5 we get to try a variety of mediums – something of which we have previous experience in – and some we have never tried before.
The learners describe it best for themselves; “The atmosphere in the course is very supportive. We all learn from each other as we try out new mediums, techniques and ways of working whilst Maeve guides, nudges and supports us to try new things.” Christine
Catherine said: “Level 5 offers you a taste of everything you’ve ever wanted to explore in art; drawing, clay, paint, sculpture and more …
On this course you learn how to develop your strengths in an environment that fosters both independent thinking and supportive learning.”
A post leaving cert student said “This course has given me an opportunity get out of the house and expand my knowledge on something I’m interested in”
Daryl “It is excitement and freedom – with training wheels.”
Eva ” The course has been like opening my eyes and seeing colours for the first time or like wearing magic lenses that enhance and brighten all the vivid colours around me.”
Level 5 is a standalone course, but if you choose to go onto Level 6 you get to deepen your dive into different modules and to build on the skills learnt at level 5.
Gabs, a current level 6 Student’s experience is this “Level 5 was amazing. Especially for someone who has done little or no art in the past. Each month was like getting a new surprise as we tried drawing, painting, ceramics, and sculpture. Then in level 6 you realise as you practice new techniques that you can do things you never thought you would be able to do. I highly recommend it.”
As Linda, puts it clearly and simply “Wonderful course, great tutors – surprise yourself daily with what you can achieve with art, ceramics and sculpture.”
Each learner chooses a topic to explore at the beginning of the year and researches various aspects of it during the different modules that we follow throughout the year. This brings continuity and depth to the work, and encourages us to research the work of artists who inspire and influence us. Some of the themes learners have chosen this year are:
Movement
Sile na Gig
Heaven and Earth
Stories
The lives of street and house dogs
Creating through chaos
Weaving
A sense of home
Surf and turf
Spiritual communication
We hope that people in the Ennistymon area and beyond will come to see our exhibition in the Courthouse Gallery.
The exhibition will open on the 14th of March at 7pm and run until 23rd March. All are welcome.
We would also like to encourage people who are interested in doing the course next year but are not sure – to come into our workspace in Crosbie’s building on the 21th of March from 11am-12 noon for our open hour. Here you will be very welcome to meet us and see what we do and how we work. As well as those who have an artistic background, you are especially welcome if you are concerned that you are not “artistic” – as Sue says:
“The art course is a beautiful way of overcoming any inner critique that says ‘You are are not an artist’. A great encouraging space to play and learn new techniques and unleash your inner child.”
