Final preparations are underway for a series of imaginative artworks to be installed in Swan Park, Buncrana, celebrating St Bridgid’s Day, Imbolc (1 February 2023) and the area’s rich cultural heritage.
All are welcome on Wednesday 1st February at 11:30am to the official opening with a walk through Swan Park by the artists who will introduce their work. This will be followed by free refreshments at the Anglers Centre in the park.
A much-loved public space since the Victorian times, Swan Park was bequeathed to the people of Buncrana and its visitors by Harry Swan, whose family ran a successful milling business in the town from 1868 until the early 1980s.
Catherine Greene – ‘Meridian’
The ‘Art in the Park II’ group exhibition – facilitated by Artlink and funded by the Arts Council of Ireland & Donegal County Council – will see the works of eight artists showcased this year in Swan Park.
The artists & their artworks selected from an open call in 2022 are Anna Stainsby (‘In Expectation’), Catherine Greene (‘Meridian’), Eileen Welch (‘Suile / The Eyes’), Fifi Smith (‘Lesser-spotted Tree Dragon’), Grainne McMenamin (‘Broinn / Womb’), Kevin Harkin (‘Walk On / Plough Horse’), Konrad Juscinski (‘Dark Matter’) and Paul Rosser (‘Take a Moment’).
Artlink Project Co-ordinator Martha McCulloch said: “The 1st of February is a very special date in the Irish calendar. For many it is the feast day of St Brigid (the ‘Mother Saint’ of Ireland) and marks ‘Imbolc’ (one of the older Celtic quarter days), while for others it simply announces the start of Spring.
Fifi Smith – ‘Lesser-spotted Tree Dragon’
“Here in Inishowen there is a strong connection to this day and the traditions associated with it. We are therefore delighted to be working with eight local & visiting artists to celebrate this day and present their imaginative & thought-provoking installations throughout Swan Park. For example, Kevin Harkin will be installing his new ‘Plough Horse / Walk On’ piece that recalls a time when man and horse worked in unison – coming together to ‘break the soil’ in the springtime for the planting of the crops.
“On 1st February, Swan Park and our wider rural landscape will be beginning to emerge from deep winter and this fantastic outdoor group event will quietly awaken our senses.
“Establishing itself as an annual showcase in Buncrana, ‘Art in the Park II’ promises to be even bigger and better this year (with double the amount of participating artists).
Anna Stainsby – ‘In Expectation’
“Importantly, it provides opportunities for artists to refresh and realise their creativity and invites imaginative, open-minded responses from the local community and visitors alike.
“We are also hoping to instil a special sense of pride for local people in their culture and heritage and encourage them ‘to get out and about’ as we emerge from winter – with the added positive mental health benefits of experiencing the amazing
Artlink Project Co-ordinator Rebecca Strain added: “All of our site specific artworks have been carefully chosen for the whole family to observe, interact with, learn from and enjoy.
“In particular, it was great last year to see the joy and excitement on the faces of children and their families who loved the interactive fairy village ‘Púca na Cranncha’. This year, children will be able to both search for and enjoy the story of a ‘Lesser-spotted Tree Dragon’, engage with exciting new interactive installations and much more!
Konrad Juscinski – ‘Dark Matter’
“We’re also urging people of all ages to take selfies with the artworks and share them on social media!
“Artlink would like to take this opportunity to encourage as many people as possible to visit and admire this year’s innovative and memorable artworks which will be on display throughout the month of February and sensitively woven into the beautiful landscape of Swan Park.”
The ‘Art in the Park II’ group exhibition will be showcased in Swan Park from 1-28 February 2023. For further information visit www.artlink.ie email in
