Art on the Streets: Ennistymon's Legacy Revisited
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of street art and muralism with "Ennistymon '84: A Legacy Revisited" on Thursday, July 18, 2024. This event marks the beginning of a series dedicated to building a community of artists and enthusiasts passionate about transforming public spaces through art.
In 1984, Ennistymon became the focal point of a visionary community arts initiative sponsored by An Chomhairle Ealaíon/The Arts Council and administered by Mid-West Arts. This project, known as "Ennistymon '84," transformed the town into a dynamic canvas of creativity. It utilized unused spaces for art exhibitions, created murals, established a sculpture park, and facilitated workshops, redefining the role of the arts in community development and well-being. This year-long experiment in community engagement and cultural innovation demonstrated that the arts could be a powerful catalyst for change, bringing together people from all walks of life.
Event Highlights
Visual Tour and Presentation:
Explore the vibrant history of Ennistymon's artistic journey through captivating images. Experience the transformation of our town and discover the roots of our cultural renaissance. Immerse yourself in the rich visual stories that highlight significant sites and moments from Ennistymons rich artistic past.
Collaborative Art Workshop:
Led by renowned street artist Marcus O'Connor and facilitated by Éanna Byrt, curator at the Courthouse Gallery, this hands-on workshop is designed for novices and experienced artists alike. Dive into a variety of street art techniques starting with drawing and including stencilling, large-scale lettering, mural design and the art of transferring large drawings. Participants are encouraged to bring their own sketchbooks and drawing materials to develop and share their creative ideas, although materials will also be provided.
Heritage and Modern Inspiration:
Draw inspiration from Ennistymon's rich artistic heritage, including the town's shopfront tradition. This historical context will serve as a springboard for new artistic expressions, blending the old with the new.
Community Building:
This event is just the beginning. We aim to foster a community of artists passionate about street art and muralism in Ennistymon. Stay connected through our online forum and social media platforms to share your progress and collaborate on future projects.
Join us in celebrating our town's vibrant artistic legacy and contribute to its colorful future. Whether you're a novice or an experienced artist, your participation will help shape the next chapter of Ennistymon's cultural journey.
Event Breakdown
- Introduction and Welcome
- Brief overview by Éanna Byrt
- Visual Tour and Presentation
- Images and videos of the original Ennistymon '84 project
- Collaborative Art Workshop
- Hands-on activities led by Marcus O'Connor
- Development of themes and ideas
- Community Building and Wrap-Up
- Sharing of sketches and ideas
- Information on future events and online forum sign-up
