Over a thousand people gathered on Saturday in the beautiful surroundings of Ballyconnell House in Falcarragh to experience “Art in the Park”.
Art in the Park was the first ‘in person’ event by newly established Cloich Cheann Fhaola based arts collective ‘Turas Úr’.
Art in the Park provided a multi-sensory experience for participants, with large scale sculptures, hands on workshops, multi-media presentations and live music.
The Turas Úr artists (Leanne McLaughlin, Ewan Berry, Máire Nic Fhearraigh, Mickey McFadden, Cathal McGinley,Laura Nic Dhuibhir and Ed Devane) created beautiful sculptures from diverse materials including wood, willow, rope and paper that explored themes of nature, sense of place and our relationship to the world. People also took part in workshops to create their own paper sculptures and sound installation.
The event featured a movie tent – showing an extraordinary film piece created by the Turas Úr artists. Music was provided by local talent Conor Mangan, Ella Fitzgerald, Carol Wilson and Sinead Gallagher.
The headline act was the foot stomping ska/reggae/folk fusion Bréag, from Belfast.
Turas Úr manager, Leanne McLaughlin said “It is our goal as a group to widen participation in the arts and to give the community an opportunity to experience visual art and performance in a family friendly environment. We were delighted with the huge numbers who turned out on the day and extremely grateful to all the volunteers and helpers that made the day possible.”
Local resident Carmel McGill said “It just wonderful. The art, the sculptures, the music. Getting to see people and meet in such a fantastic environment”
Turas Úr wish to thank all the volunteers who made the event possible; Kevin Barrett and Falcarragh C.E. scheme, Udaras na Gaeltacht, Falcarragh Park Run, CLG Cloich Cheann Fhaola, all the stewards and helpers.
“We are extremely grateful to our funders Ealaín na Gaeltacht (and Danielle Nic Phaidín for their guidance) and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media and Donegal County Council.”
