This article is from page 32 of the 2008-06-24 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 32 JPG
A NEW page in the long history of the Ennistymon Courthouse was turned last week with the appoint- ment of the gallery’s first ever pro- fessional co-ordinator.
The historic building, which came within a whisker of being demolished a number of years ago, now boasts one of Clare’s most dramatic exhibi- tion spaces as well as top quality loft studios for artists in residence
With a rich background in art and art administration, Maria Kerin from Bellharbour has been appointed as the gallery’s first professional coor- dinator.
“It’s a very interesting set-up here
because the whole thing is voluntar- ily run. This building was saved by the historical society in Ennistymon and then a number of artists moved in and gave it an artistic presence,” said Maria.
“Bit by bit they got help from Clare County Council and put together the building that we have in Ennistymon today. The amazing thing about it is that all of this has been achieved al- most totally by volunteers.”
Up until last week the day-to-day running of the gallery has been man- aged by volunteers like Catherine Comber from the historical society.
“We want this gallery to be open to all and to be an inclusive space for the whole of the locality,” continued
Maria.
‘We aim to run all of our events to he highest quality standards. There has been a wonderful sense of pro- fessionalism and respect in the way that the gallery has been run up to now. It’s very important to keep that going.
‘“Ennistymon is changing and this street is changing so we really want to get people up here. We want this space to be an integral part of En- nistymon and the community of north Clare.
“It’s not visual art, we are hoping to attract more people in to do poetry recitals and small musical events. We are looking at putting more workshops together and organising
more outreach projects with the lo- cal primary schools and secondary schools.
“We really want it to be opened up to the community. I’ve been asking local people as I meet them what they would like from their gallery space. Anyone who has any idea should re- ally feel free to get in contact – we are open to any ideas that people migfht have.”
To learn more or to get involved contact the Courthouse Gallery at 065-7071630.