Local woman Lesley Wingfield has been announced as the first artist in residence at the new Abbey Road Artists’ Studios which will open their doors on Friday September 16. She will be joined by two more artists in the coming weeks.
Managed by Miriam Mulrennan, the studios, which include four dedicated places for artists in residence as well as a gallery are part of Athlone Art and Heritage Ltd which is run by the council.
Speaking ahead of the opening Miriam said, “It’s great to reach the point where the planning stops and activity takes over, where policies and concepts become reality, where ready or not - you go ‘live’. Fantastic work has been done by Athlone Town Council to convert this building (old fire station, and originally a workhouse ) sympathetically into a modern facility meeting the very real needs of art practitioners. It will be the presence of the artists moving in - right now that will give this building its new energy, and in many ways mark the next chapter in the story of the building itself.”
The building is aimed at creating as much community involvment as possible. “Community engagement with the process of art-making was a key consideration in the provision of this space,” explained Miriam. “As with all processes there can be a mystery surrounding how art is made. Abbey Road Studios can address this in a really positive way.”
“Having a selection of artists who work in variety of mediums, drawing, print, multimedia, and installation provides Athlone Art and Heritage with a wonderful palate from which to develop a meaty programme. One of the first collaborations will be between Athlone Art & Heritage and the individual artists, as we come together to look at open days, workshops, panel discussions, demonstrations…and hopefully a few surprises,” she added.
Aritist Lesley Wingfield will be one of the first artists in residence at the studios. Born in London, Lesley moved to the Midlands in 1974. Her work has featured in numerous exhibitions around Ireland and France including solo exhibitions in Galway Town Hall. Lesley has been awarded numerous bursaries, residences, and project funding from Westmeath County Council, she also has work included in the Tullamore Hospital permanent collection.
The studios will be officially opened on Friday September 16 with the first exhibition, “The Case of the Exquisite Corpse” by CoLab going on display on Friday September 23 as part of culture night.
