It is often said that a recession forces resourcefulness upon us. This is certainly true for Galway’s latest artist-led enterprise, GroundWorks Studios.
This energetic group of artists has put together a vibrant mix of textile, ceramic and mixed media artwork in an unoccupied retail space at 8, Abbeygate Street, Galway. City-centre visitors will be treated to a visual feast with “Random Shuffle”, the group’s second exhibition. This was made possible with the support of O’Donnellan and Joyce Auctioneers and Kayanne Horgan, solicitor, and as a result, an empty retail space has been transformed into a wonderful showcase of Galway-based design.
The exhibition was launched on Friday, 23rd July by Galway Arts Officer, James Harrold and will remain in place until Sunday, 8th August. “Random Shuffle” includes Monika Laskowska’s ceramics which revolve around aspects of identity and a sense of belonging; intricate, necklaces created by Vivienne Martin, a finalist in this year’s Fashion Innovation Awards, Rosín McAuley’s figurative paintings which focus on the isolated figure’s physical and emotional presence, contemporary textiles based on the changing lifestyle of an American woman’s 1940s journey from domestic housewife to professional Navy official, by Serena O’Neill and Lisa Ryder’s collection of printed fabrics displaying her love of pattern.
The exhibition also features the work of Patrick Bracken, Betsy Carreyette, Ester Kiely, Frances Kilcommins, Kieran Lyons, Reidín O’Meara, Rachel Webb and more.
GroundWorks Studios was launched at the Lyrr Building, Mervue Business Park in December 2010 with the aim of providing facilities for artists in a collective environment, creating a contemporary, innovative and vibrant surroundings.
The group aims to build on these successes by creating exciting new work for exhibition, collaborating with clients on commissions, offering a range of creative workshops to the public and contributing positively to the rich cultural life of Galway.
GroundWorks Studios have hit the ground running showing artistic flair and entrepreneurship and making this group one to watch. Further information on GroundWorks Studios can be obtained at www.groundworksstudios.com and www.groundworksstudios.blogspot.com and on Facebook.
