Keep Friday, September 16 free and join in the annual Culture Night celebrations across Westmeath. On September 16, Culture Night will be taking place throughout the country celebrating culture, creativity, and the arts. In Westmeath, it is an opportunity to explore the fantastic cultural venues available to us and to highlight the vibrant artistic community in existence in our midst.
Most of the events across the county are free so drop in and join the celebrations!
Athlone will play host to an array of events for art lovers on the evening. Abbey Road Studio will be hosting an art exhibition from local artists Tina Hayes, Lelia Henry, and Catherine Desmond from 6-8pm on Culture Night, and from 11-5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
The Athlone Art Group are holding an art exhibition called Pictures at an Exhibition in the Bastion Gallery, from 12-6pm on Friday and the show will continue until September 22.
The Shambles Art Studio, Aras an Bríd, Excise Street, Athlone will hold an open studio and pop-up gallery from 6-9pm. A number of artists will be displaying works including Mark Grehan, Lawrence O’Neill, Ann McGuinness, Catherine Rock, Lelsey Wingfield, Margo McNulty, and Veronica Nicholson.
Rosemarie Langtry will be exhibiting her works in The Orange Door Studio, 15 Custume Place, between 2-4pm.
In addition, Luan Gallery presents Lullaby featuring the work of celebrated Mullingar artist Patrick Graham, with the exhibition continuing until October 28.
Music lovers will also have the chance to hear the Athlone Schools Orchestra performing in the Civic Buildings, Athlone from 6-7pm.
Moate will also be busy on Culture Night. Drop into Dun na Sí where a Rambling House session will start at 8.30pm featuring music, song, and stories by the fireside like days of old; or visit Tuar Ard Arts Centre where Caroline Cunningham Expressions School of Speech & Drama will present a series of short plays and sketches from 6-7pm.
In Mullingar, the Atrium of Áras an Chontae will host an exhibition by Mullingar Camera Club. Take in some of our cultural heritage by visiting Belvedere House and Gardens, with a free guided tour of the park and follies from 4-5.30pm and a free guided tour of Belvedere House from 7-8:30pm.
Mullingar Town Band will perform in Market Square from 6-6.30pm, followed by Energy Plus Dance Studio from 6.30-7.30pm. Drama fans have the opportunity to see the Mullingar Student Players in action as they stage Grapes of Wrath at 8pm in Mullingar Arts Centre. Áras an Mhuillinn will also be presenting a night of music, song, dance, and storytelling from 8.30-10.30pm.
Explore Ballynacarrigy and drop into the Hazel Gallery for an open evening showcasing local artists starting from 6.15pm. Stay on and join in the fun with Ballynacargy CCE who will celebrate Culture Night with an evening of music, song, dance, and stories as well as 1916 centenary celebrations in Teach Ceol at 8pm.
In Castlepollard, start off the day by dropping into the library and checking out Ursula Meehan’s Portraits of Pollard People. Take advantage of Culture Night to visit local artist studios with Maeve Hickey, Collinstown and Teresa Doyle, Ranaghan both throwing open their doors.
Fore Abbey and village are holding a range of events kicking off at 4pm with storytelling and cartoon workshops, as well as ‘Explore Fore: Nocturnal Wanderings’ with heritage guide Bartle D’Arcy at 9pm.
For more information on Culture Night, please contact the arts office on [email protected] or www.facebook.com/westmeath arts. Visit www.culturenight.ie to confirm times and check the growing list of events taking place on September 16.
