Artist in Residence
During the 1997/'98 school year we were fortunate to receive a grant from THE ARTS COUNCIL which enabled us to employ an artist under their Artist in Residence Scheme. Aine Phillips Varley, who was born in Dublin and now lives in Crusheen, was our Artist in Residence. While Aine was with us she involved all the various classes in designing and making a mural and a panel of mosaics.
Unveiled by Sile De Velera, T.D. Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands on the 22 June, '98, the work represents different aspects of a child's life at school. The mosaics are situated at the entrance to the school and are made from broken tiles and crockery, mirror and glass. Each child in the school collected found objects and materials for the panels during Easter holidays. These collections were then prepared by the artist for use (i.e. all broken glass slumped in a kiln. Tiles and crockery broken and sanded etc.)
The three older classes (4th, 5th, 6th,) then participated in gluing and grouting the mosaic pieces onto boards which were then mounted to the wall site. The panels were then secured and plastered. Alan Grassie provided the expertise when it came to mounting and plastering the panels.
A 50ft mural was painted in the playground shelter, also. The entire project took six months from planning to unveiling and every child in the school had the opportunity to make his/her mark.