Monday 23rd July 2012 - Living up to its reputation as an arts festival which punches above its weight, this year’s Terryglass Arts Festival will feature a number of visual art exhibitions from Wednesday 15th- Sunday19th August.
Sure to capture the imagination of locals and visitors a commission by Belgian born international street artist Julian Beever. Entitled “Beneath the Surface”, Julian will create a special 3 dimensional work of pavement art representing a fantasy world beneath Lough Derg inspired by folklore and local culture. This temporary work in Terryglass Square will unfold over the course of the festival enthralling young and old alike.
Evoking memories of school days past and present is St. Columba’s Poetry Corner, an interactive installation on Terryglass Quay created by Swedish born artist Veronica Forsgren. Comprising of a number of school desks facing a teachers blackboard on the lawn in the harbour area, the installation honours the legacy of St. Columba who founded the the Tir Dha Ghlas Monastery in 549 AD.
Up in Terryglass School, Mary Wycherly’s three-screen HD video “The Dance of Making” explores the human processes which lie at the heart of living culture. With music by Jürgen Simpson this unique work focuses on the act of creation in traditional handcrafts and activities such as uilleann pipemaking, hand weaving and dry stonewalling.
A photographic study of sheep shearing on an Irish farm by Anna Frins takes place in Una’s Tearooms in the Riverrun Cottages. This striking exhibition by the Berlin born photographer throws the spotlight on the oft forgotten hard physical work faced by today’s farmer.
Commenting on the forthcoming exhibitions Festival chairperson Valerie Cotter said that this year’s Festival will celebrate a range of visual arts practices and commission responding to the local area.
“Our visual artists will draw inspiration from our local heritage and culture and explore these themes through the visual art form, “said Valerie.
“From emerging artist Veronica Forsgren’s response to the monastic heritage of Terryglass to international street art exploring Beneath the Surface of Lough Derg, these exhibitions will highlight the historical and cultural heritage of Terryglass. Engaging with times place, Mary Wycherly’s Dance of Making looks the act of creation by human hands and Anna Frin’s study of sheep shearing focuses on traditional practices on Irish farms, “concluded Valerie.
Entrance to all visual art exhibitions is free of charge. Tickets for all other events can be booked by calling The Festival Box Office on 087-2181663 or online at www.terryglassartsfestival.ie
