
There is so much going on in Tuam on Culture Night (the 23rd September) – here are just some of the events by Tuam-based artists, in the town and further afield. We will also be hosting some events in the Town Hall – see the line-up on our events page.
History of Tuam for Children
Artist Rachel Varden will carry out 3 workshops in An Gaelscoil Iarfhlatha, Tuam with children, in conjunction with ‘The History of Tuam for Children by Patrica King-Callaghan. The finished works will then be displayed on shop fronts in Tuam as a children’s historical art trail throughout the week running up to Culture Night.
From 5pm to 7pm outdoor at King Rory O’Connor Park, local writer Patricia King-Callaghan will read her own original stories of ‘The History of Tuam for Children’ such as Saint Jarlath & The Broken Wheel, Saint Jarlath’s Holy Well, The High Cross of Tuam, Little Mill & The Miller’s House and King Rory O’Connor. There will also be music and lots of fun.
After the readings the children may take part in an art and craft workshop related to the theme of the evening. Read more here.
An Artful Brew at Ballyglulin Station
Ireland consumes 2.2kg of tea per person each year putting us second in the world for tea consumption per capita !Guest artist Pavithra Kannan will present her tea ceremony workshop ‘A Sip & Beyond’. Pavithra uses the international practice of drinking tea as a medium for conversations –creating interactions within our community while celebrating the art of conversations. Pavithra – a social engaged artist, living in Tuam, invites you to join her at the Station on Fri 23rd September from 6pm – 7pm.
This is a free workshop for anyone who is interested in our cultural consumption of tea & the magic of conversations that unfold while drinking it! Pavithra will share with attendees her own family recipe for Indian Masala Chai – it takes the irish cuppa to a whole new level!! Pavithra will also guide us through the process & there is even time to make some art with yes you’ve guessed it tea as a material!! Everyone is welcome to check out the exhibition on the grounds of the Station of An Curacha afterwards. Book your place on this enjoyable workshop here.
The Exhibition:
An Artful Brew also presents ‘Curacha’, an exhibition of hand painted traditional Irish curachs by top class professional artists from Kerry to Belfast. Each of the 6 foot currach creations, fabricated in metal & covered in canvas have been hand-painted by a wide variety of artists from some of the best known visual artists in Ireland to exciting emerging talents and people who live in small coastal communities or offshore Gaeltacht islands. These currachs were initially created to celebrate the 21st anniversary of Áras Éanna on Inis Oirr and were on display at the art centre and around the island. We are super excited that a dozen of these unique currachs will be exhibited outdoors at the Station from 6pm – 9pm only on Fri 23rd September.
Artists include :
- Jenifer Cunningham & Tim Acheson
- Breda Burns
- Alannah Robins
- Naoise Sheridan
- Seán O’Flaithearta
- Margo Quinn
- Dara McGee
- Aine Philips
- Ger Sweeney
- Daniel Colman
- Tom Meskel
- Jay Murphy
FUSE TRAD
FUSE Music Collective Present: Celebrating Irish Culture through Music Song and Dance
Live at the Abbey Bar Tuam, from 7pm
Walking in Ulysses
Walking in Ulysses brings you on a unique immersive audio journey into the heart of James Joyce’s Ulysses, combining music, words and sound art!
Using innovative locative audio technology, we have created an invisible sonic world in the Palace Grounds in Tuam, inspired by James Joyce’s literary masterpiece.You simply plug your headphones into your smartphone, click on the link, and walk! As you wander the paths of the Palace Grounds, you will encounter different sound zones, inspired by the episodes of Ulysses – from Stephen Dedalus’ morning fry-up in the Martello Tower, to Leopold Bloom’s carriage ride to Paddy Dignam’s funeral, and on… Linger in any sound zone for as long or as short as you like, or step into the middle of a swirling word fountain, and let Joyce’s words fly around you!
Walking in Ulysses is designed for anyone with a curiosity about Joyce’s literary masterpiece – whether you have actually read the book or not!
Experience Duration: 20 – 30 minutes (depending on lingering time!)
Walk Start Point: The Palace Grounds playground. Presented by Sinead Hayes
KALEIDOscope
An exhibition of beautiful shapes by Tuam-based textile artist Karena Ryan at SOLAS Art Gallery, Ballinamore, County Leitrim. This collection has been inspired by her memories of time spent in Mayo and Sligo with grandparents. The scent of home baking, turf fires, weeks on the bog, counting cattle and cycling on a high nelly are the soul of this highly tactile exhibition. Her memory drawings and sketches have been abstracted into small and larger scale textile artwork featuring found fabrics and hand dyed vintage Foxford woollen blankets, a nostalgic nod to the ones in her grandparents’ homes.