ART Linenhall rolls and reimagines for inclusion

Linenhall rolls and reimagines for inclusion


Organisations and individuals throughout the world will mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2012 this Monday, December 3.
The Linenhall Arts Centre will be marking the day with an event that launches two exciting arts and disabilities projects: ‘Let it Roll’ and ‘Reimagined’. ‘Let it Roll’ is an exhibition of work created by Western Care service users and GMIT Castlebar Fine Art students under the guidance of the Linenhall Arts Centre Community Arts Team. The exhibition features work in a variety of media, including glass, felt and paint and will remain on show at the Linenhall until Saturday, January 5.
The ‘Let it Roll’ project involved three months of collaboration during which the participants came up with a theme and body of work for exhibition. The core ethos of the project was one of ownership of the process by the participants. The content of the creative sessions emerged through discussion and workshopping.
One participant was particularly taken with the group dynamic of the project: “I am a strong believer in the benefits of team work. Ideas are pooled, discussed, negotiated and agreements reached, all of which has the potential to lead to a richer experience and outcome than if working alone.”
The group of ten have been facilitated by the Linenhall’s Community Arts Team comprising Breda Burns, Jodi Coyne, Marian McHale and Patricia Halligan, who helped the participants in reach their individual artistic goals and guide them in working together to create a cohesive visual art show.
‘Reimagined’ is a visual art project exploring found-object sculpture by HSE Rural Training Centre service users under the guidance of artist Tom Meskell. Tom has for some time been absorbed by the potential of working in the environment with found materials.
He believes that working with found objects enables the artist to react to their surroundings in a deep and insightful way. Through his ongoing work with the Rural Training Centre and HSE, an opportunity arose to work with broken wheelchairs and walking aids. Over 30 hours of workshop time, Tom and ten HSE Rural Training Centre service users created nine figures using these materials.
“As an artist, I have specialised in cultivating creative environments that encourage, stimulate, challenge and inspire people,” Tom explains. “Through the medium of found object sculpture I engaged with this group on a creative journey, inspiring them to access their creativity.”
Andy Neary, a manager at the HSE Rural Training Centre, is enthusiastic about the results. “The creativity shown by the participant service users from the centre is amazing when you look at the exhibits and the materials used to make them. They deserve full credit for the work … The HSE Rural Training Centre provides day services for persons with ongoing mental health issues. Events like this help to promote social inclusion and raise public awareness on the disability issues.”

The launch of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2012 ‘Let it Roll’ and ‘Reimagined’ projects will take place at the Linenhall Arts Centre on Monday, December 3, at 3pm. All are welcome. For more information, visit www.thelinenhall.com.