Secondary school students host art exhibition in Athenry Mart

On Wednesday 8 May, students from Clarin College Athenry held an art exhibition in their local mart, with pieces on display centred around agriculture.

The theme of the art department throughout the 2023-24 academic year was agriculture.

According to art teacher Serena Joyce, this was inspired by students looking out the windows of the school to see and hear the comings and goings of Athenry Mart three days a week.

In September, the students embarked on photography research, recording the infrastructure, people, animals and machinery.

They then studied the work of local artist Aideen Monaghan, who took part in the 2015 exhibition 'The Martists'.

“Inspired by their show, the students began working on developing their photography into agricultural-themed ceramics, prints, paintings and sculpture,” says Serena.

Mart exhibition

The end-of-year art exhibition was held in ring one as first, second, third and fifth year students ferried artwork from the school to the mart, setting up their displays.

'Athenry Agri' was attended by hundreds of people, who were treated to music played by first years.

“Mart manager Padraig Fahy ensured the area was dung-free and microphones were ready.

"The IFA sponsored the photography competition that had three winners. The exhibition was officially opened by artist Aideen Monaghan, who spoke highly of the work produced by the students from first, second, third and fifth years,” says Serena.

Winning pieces

The winning pieces selected by Aideen were first year Gabija Alminait's tractor painting for the junior art award and Evie Dillion's 'Sheep' for the senior art award.

Principal Daniel Hyland commended the high standard of artwork on display, as he selected Katlyn Clasby's ‘Man and Horse’ painting for an award.

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