Ballyshannon's Art Attack
by Sue Doherty
Young people in Ballyshannon have been taking part in a novel art project, recycling discarded bits and pieces into creative art sculptures.
The community arts programme is a joint initiative between the Neighbourhood Youth Project and Kilbarron Parish Pastoral Group, with the aim of helping children aged 10-13 years make new friends.
Valentia McGahern, who is chairperson of the pastoral group and a retired teacher of art and design, has undertaken the project as part of the Landmark Education Self Expression and Leadership programme.
She says: “This art project came from local residents after the community clean-up in the Lawne Park, Cluain Barron, Ernedale and surrounding areas. It seemed a natural follow on to recycle some of the waste materials generated into sculpture created by the young people and which they could take ownership of.”
Fr. Cathal Fearra P.P. and the pastoral committee offered practical support by providing funds to employ a professional artist for the project.
Dara Hand from the Cowshed in Pettigo, who has years of experience in working on community projects in Northern Ireland, came along to facilitate a number of workshops in the Marian Hall. The children learned how to fashion plaster and recycled materials into sculptures such as masks while also developing teamwork skills a sense of pride in the local community.
Dara was very impressed with all the participants. “The children are showing a very high level of enthusiasm, creativity and commitment. The creation of a community sculpture is a very real possibility.”
Ballyshannon/Bundoran NYP is a community based family support service working with young people aged 10 – 18 years and their families. The NYP is jointly managed by Foroige and the Health Service Executive. The project provides a range of programmes and activities which assist young people in their own development.
The roject works directly with young people at individual, group and family levels, providing specialised programmes for young people who are experiencing, or at risk of experiencing personal or social difficulties. They offer programmes weekly to 23 groups of young people living in the Ballyshannon/Bundoran areas. All of the groups are supported by 23 volunteers who work alongside the two youth workers.
Valentia McGahern and the pastoral group would like to thank the children and the parents of those who took part and all those whose input made the project possible, and the leaders of the NYP, especially Maura Gallagher who became the leader of the project.
An exhibition of the children’s work will be held shortly, details to be confirmed. Everyone is invited along and will be welcome.
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Thursday 17 May 2012
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