Gort hosted its second annual Mural Art Jam last week, transforming the once neglected Kelly's (or Courtney’s ) Lane into a colourful public art space.
A group of local artists came together with Gort Tidy Towns to paint a series of murals on the garden walls of residences and businesses, injecting new life into an overlooked corner of the Co Galway town.
The artists were Paul McGuigan, Kept, Otto Stoneman, Bren McMahon, Claudia McMahon, Fernanda DeSouza, Nicole Miller Santana, Lorenna Rodrigues, Jim Ricks, and Brian Twomey.
Their works were inspired by the culture and heritage of Gort, with inspirations from traditional Irish music, dry stone walls, Georgian Architecture and WB Yeats. Other murals showcase more abstract, modern, and whimsical designs.
"The Mural Art Jam was a true community effort, bringing together artists, residents, and businesses to create a shared space that makes our town that little bit nicer to be in,” said a Tidy Towns spokesperson who thanked the property owners who allowed their walls to be painted.
The artists and Tidy Towns volunteers cleaned and primed the walls prior to painting, and removed all litter from the area.
Gort Tidy Towns is a community-based organisation dedicated to enhancing the environment and overall quality of life in Gort. Through initiatives such as the Mural Art Jam, the group says it aims to create a more vibrant and attractive town for residents and visitors.
