'A celebration of youth creativity': Longford photographer launches vibrant new exhibition

The exhibition launch featured live performances from members of Féile na Sionnaine, the Athlone Youth Orchestra, and Moate-based choir Ubuntu Voices. The opening coincided with the first day of the Athlone River Festival and Féile na Sionainne, adding to the lively atmosphere in the town.

This exhibition is the culmination the Garden to Gallery Couture project, a creative collaboration between Athlone Castle and Luan Gallery for Cruinniú na nÓg – Ireland’s national day celebrating free creativity for children and young people.

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The Garden to Gallery Couture project began with a series of costume design workshops held through May this year at Abbey Road Artist Studios, led by resident artists Niamh Butler and Aoife Doolan. Local children and teens, with support from Transition Year students from Our Lady’s Bower (participants in the Junk Kouture programme), drew inspiration from wildflowers, native plants, and herbs in Athlone Castle’s historic garden. Using sustainable methods, they created imaginative,
nature-inspired couture.

These designs were then showcased in a fashion show at Athlone Castle on Saturday, June 7 for Cruinniú na nÓg, Ireland’s national day celebrating free creativity for children and young people. This lively event featured performances by young musicians from Comhaltas Áth Luain and Féile na Sionainne. John McGlynn, Manager of The Dean Crowe Theatre, acted as compere and master of ceremonies.

The Garden to Gallery Couture exhibition at Luan Gallery captures the creative journey through the lens of Chris Burke, documenting the workshops, the fashion show, and the artistry of the young participants. It stands as a celebration of youth creativity, collaboration, and sustainable arts practice.

Participants: Darren Berrigan, Amanda Bojarska, Jessica Bojarska, Sive O’Brien, Karina Domzalska, Ailbhe Dwyer, Elva Hegarty, Eimear Jeffries, Catherine Jeffries, Caoimhe Flynn Kelly, Glib Kuznetsov, Bláithín Mullally, Jade Nascimento Fonseca, Catherine Neary, Eleanor Neary, Olivia Vorobei, Aoibheann O'Rourke, Lily Pereira Miley, Nina Pereira Miley, Roman Rickard, Claire Nooney, Ruby Morrissey.

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This project was supported by Creative Ireland and Westmeath Arts Office.

Further information can be found on Luan Gallery’s social channels; Instagram:
@luangalleryathlone  Facebook: @luangallery.