Arts

After a hugely successful 6th Annual Open Call in 2022 where The Presentation Arts Centre gallery hosted 139 artists from all backgrounds and levels of expertise, the 7th Annual Open Call Exhibition is returning in 2023 running from March 6th to May 1st. In what has been described as a staple of the arts and culture calendar in the south east, this show is open to any artist to take part. It doesn't matter what your technique is, or how professional or beginner you are, you are invited to showcase your work in the Enniscorthy gallery space. According to the Centre: “Animations, burnished prints, ceramics? Yes please. Drawings, encaustic wax, fashion? Absolutely. Glasswork, hatchwork, installations? We love it. Whatever your style is, we'll celebrate it.” Artwork Drop Off Days: February 20th & February 21st, 10am - 7pm. Official Opening & Awards Ceremony: Saturday March 11th 6pm - 8pm. Artwork Collection Days May 8th to May 12th, 10am - 7pm: Submission forms are now available to download on www.presentationcentre.ie or to collect in-person at the box office. n

Living Arts in Wexford’s schools

The Arts Department of Wexford County Council and Wexford Arts Centre are continuing their Living Arts Project in 2023 working with Wexford artists and primary schools throughout the county. The aim of the Living Arts Project is to provide children with an understanding and appreciation of contemporary visual art. Selected primary schools have the opportunity to host an artist in residence during the school year. Early in 2022, an open call took place for interested artists and schools to submit expressions of interest to participate in the project. The artists and schools selected are: Deirdre MeehanButtimer and Fernanda Ferrari with Castledockrell NS (Enniscorthy), Kate Murphy and Brid Colloton with St. Edan’s NS (Ferns, Enniscorthy), Jeni Roddy and Lynn Haughton with Scoil Mhuire (Rosslare), and Sonya Weston and Deirdre Travers with St. Patrick’s NS (Crossabeg). A mentorship programme runs alongside each residency and each artist nominates an independent artist or curator they feel is relevant to their professional practice. This mentorship helps to ensure the effectiveness of the project on an ongoing basis, while also providing a positive critique for the resident artist. In addition, the programme helps to refine methods of engaging with the students throughout each residency. All residencies began last Autumn and will culminate in an exhibition at Wexford Arts Centre in late Spring 2023. Pupils participating in the project have the benefit of detailed guidance from the artist over the period of the residency and the opportunity to see their work in an end-of-residency exhibition. n

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ARTS CENTRES

Wexford Arts Centre: 053-9123764. The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy: 053-9233000 The Courthouse Arts Centre, Tinahely: (0402) 38529

Enniscorthy Library news...

On the third Thursday of every month the Adult Book Club meets in Enniscorthy Library at 7pm. New Members are always welcome, if you are interested in going along please contact Enniscorthy library on 053 9236055. n

On the second Thursday of every month the Slaney Writers Group meets in Enniscorthy Library at 6:30pm. New members are always welcome, if you are interested in going along please contact Enniscorthy library on 053 9236055. n

Dr Noel Culleton

Stories and Music

by Female Composers with Dr Noel Culleton

Since his retirement as Chief Executive of Johnstown Castle in 2012, Noel Culleton has successfully published three books on classical music. The first, They Made Great Music, was published in 2018. The second book, Classical Connections, was published in 2019. The third book, Classical Women, was published in July last year. Dr Culleton’s upcoming recital in Wexford library will concentrate on the third book, Classical Women. For centuries, women’s role in society was extremely curtailed. Career pathways for women were rare.

Society stifled female ambition, and being a woman composer was seen as a questionable or even immoral profession. Thankfully, some exceptionally brave women defied society norms and wrote great music. This recital will tell the stories of some of these women and attendees will listen to short snippets of their music.

Thursday 26th January at 7pm at Wexford Library. Booking is essential, click: https://wexfordcoco.libcal.com/event/ 3987129 or call 053 9196760 or email at wexfordlib@wexfordcoco.ie n

Enniscorthy Book Club

Check out the club’s Facebook page for full information and details on when the club meets up. https://www.facebook.com/enniscorthybookclub

Wexford Co. Council’s art collection

Check out Wexford County Council’s impressive art collection on: http://wexfordcountycouncilartcollection.com

The Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy

Check out www.presentationcentre.ie for all upcoming events n