ART: Older artists show at Customs House

Older artists show at Customs House


Áine Ryan

AN EXHIBITION of art works by members of the community of the MacBride Community Nursing Unit in Westport is set to open at the Customs House Studios on Thursday next, June 11, at 7.30pm. The exhibition will be formally opened by well-known artist Tom Meskell, who has a myriad of associations with various community art projects.
Both residents and day-care users of the MacBride CNU have contributed to the show, which is based on work created during weekly art sessions as part of a ‘Mentoring and Networking Programme’.
This programme was initiated by the Arts Office of Mayo County Council in association with Age and Opportunity, a national not-for-profit organisation promoting opportunities for greater participation by older people in society through partnerships and collaborative programmes. It is also supported by the Arts Council and the HSE West.
Since February 2004 five artists have been working in care settings in Achill, Ballina, Claremorris, Swinford and Westport.
Party native and acclaimed artist, Deirdre Walsh pioneered this initiative, which with the support of the Arts Office, led to the establishment of a residency programme in the Sacred Heart Hospital and St Anne’s Unit for Dementia in Castlebar.
Now the Custom House Studios exhibition reveals the positive impact of this programme whose principles are underpinned by the use of high-quality art materials in a safe and relaxed environment, free from expectations and judgments.
The ethos of the mentoring programme also encourages the expression of the innate creativity in each person.
The exhibition runs until July 5 next at the newly renovated and much-acclaimed Custom House Studios Gallery. It opens every day and is located at the The Quay, Westport.