Laois County Council recently presented ‘In Trust. In Gratitude. In Hope.’ to celebrate 10 Years at the Laois Arthouse in Stradbally.
An exhibition featuring the work of over 60 artists who have been part of the Laois Arthouse programme since its establishment in 2011 by Laois County Council Arts Service.
This anniversary exhibition is a unique opportunity for the artists and Laois County Council to celebrate the achievement of 10 years of exhibition making, artist hosting and creative place making with the surrounding community of Stradbally, County Laois and beyond.
The exhibition curated by Clonaslee native Monica Flynn was formally opened by Kevin Kavanagh of Kevin Kavanagh Gallery Dublin on December 4, 2021, and is open to all members of the public, including groups and schools until Friday May 27.
The exhibition is accompanied by a publication which is available free of charge at Laois Arthouse.
Muireann Ní Chonaill, Arts Officer & Creative Ireland Coordinator, Laois County Council said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Laois Arthouse.
“We invite everyone to visit and enjoy the creativity of the artists from Laois and nationally who have contributed to this celebratory exhibition of artworks, inspired by a poem ‘The Window Seat’ by one of Ireland’s leading poets Pat Boran. In Trust. In Gratitude. In Hope. has generated much public interest locally and nationally.
“Visitor numbers to the exhibition have been steady and our doors are wide open for schools and groups interested in coming to view it with a free guided tour available.
“Prior booking is essential at Laois County Council Arts Office and advance exhibition material can be provided.”
Recently children from St Colman’s N.S Stradbally visited the Laois Arthouse with a tour facilitated by one of the exhibition artists – Rennie Buenting.
As part of the 10th anniversary celebration at the Laois Arthouse, a panel discussion entitled Till Something Moves…will take place on Saturday March 12, 2pm – 5pm.
This event will explore how to create the optimum conditions for sustaining creative work as visual artists and writers, and what role do Studio Spaces and Residencies play in creating space and opportunity for focus?
A number of the exhibiting 64 artists will be in attendance. Prior booking will be essential with further details on Laois Arts social media channels and at Laois County Council Arts Office
Liz Mulhall, SNA at St Colmans’s N.S Stradbally said: “I’d like to thank the staff at the Arthouse for welcoming myself, Mr. Brennan, Miss Fitzpatrick, Miss O’ Connor and all of the children in Mr. Brennan’s 4th class into this fantastic facility.
“Stradbally is very lucky to have this gallery on its doorstep. The exhibition In Trust, In Gratitude, In Hope. was amazing. The children were intrigued and inspired by the art and the building.”
Check out some great pictures from Michael Scully below:
