Open 10:30–5:00, Tuesday – Saturday
We are delighted to present an innovative and exciting exhibition initiated by disABILITY Louth. Funded by Louth County Council through the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund, disABILITY Louth undertook a visual art programme which prompted the exhibition, to promote equal opportunities, inclusion and awareness of the disabled community.
The theme inspiring the title ‘Breaking the Mould’ refers to breaking from Covid-19 – those feelings of being alone, isolated & anxious; breaking out of confinement, returning to a new norm, away from restrictions & lockdowns, & tearing down barriers, to include people with disabilities into an active and inclusive society.
‘Breaking the Mould’ began as a 16 week visual art programme with four groups across county Louth – ROC Services, Drogheda, Irish Wheelchair Association, Ardee, The Hub/St. John of God, Blackrock & Rehab Care, Quayside Dundalk, and began last September; the programme completing just before Christmas. The programme was welcomed & enjoyed by all the members/service-users, 34 people in all, who worked closely with four artists, Caoimhe O’Dwyer, Goda Sirutyte, Maureen Finn & Nicola Crowe, to create individual & group artwork using different ideas, materials, & techniques. At the launch, the audience heard personal reflections from the artist/tutors & service members’ users on the overall experience & their enjoyment & pride of now having their artwork on display for family, friends & the wider community to see.
Speaking to artist Goda Sirutyte, John Moore said “the overall experience was very relaxing & I could use my hands more, and it was very therapeutic”, while Mairead O’Hare spoke to artist Caoimhe O’Dwyer ‘my favourite colour is red & my painting is of a red poppy’, which was inspired by their wild flower border in Blackrock. Artist, Nicola Crowe spoke about adapting process & techniques to suit the different interests of the group while Susan Cunningham spoke with artist Maureen Finn, reflecting on what the programme meant to her, her words resonating with each of the service members’.
