Mayo County Council Arts Service will launch amphitheatre for introverts (and others ), a public art commission by writer – artist Alice Lyons, at the new Castlebar Pool and Leisure Complex on Wednesday, October 30 at 11am.
The artwork will be officially launched by Michael Kilcoyne, Cathaoirleach of Castlebar MD, followed by a poetry reading by Alice Lyons and music. All are welcome and refreshments will be provided. The amphitheatre is located at the rear of the swimming pool building on the shores of Lough Lannagh.
Alice Lyons is a writer and visual artist. This is one of a number of public art commissions she has completed. The amphitheatre’s terraces are made of Kilkenny limestone and the lines from one of Alice’s poems is sandblasted into the limestone.
It is designed as a public space for quiet, lakeside contemplation, as a compliment to the high-energy physical activity that will take place inside the new pool complex. People can enjoy the surrounding views of the lake and Croagh Patrick on a clear day. It is also anticipated to be used as a space for performances, gigs and readings by the local community.
Mayo County Council advertised an open call for proposals for a site-specific artwork that responded to and considered the new Castlebar pool and complex, local residents and visitors. Alice Lyon’s proposal was successful and designed specifically for the site.
Alice describes the concept behind her proposal: "My vision was to create a quiet yet significant intervention in the landscape, one that could hold a poem and a civic space that was in keeping with the overall atmosphere of tranquility of the place."
To coincide with the launch there will be a programme of events on Tuesday, October 29 and Wednesday, October 30. On the Tuesday there will be a family workshop: Drawing from Nature with artist Cas McCarthy from 11.30am to 12.30pm which is suitable for three to 12 year olds. In the afternoon, a workshop: Focusing on the Creative Process for creative professionals with Alice Lyons will take place at 2pm.
On Wednesday there will be a morning meditation with Derval Dunford at 10am. In the afternoon there will be a drawing session for adults with artists Alice Lyons and Hazel Walker from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Booking required for all events, contact Mayo Art Service.
The project was commissioned by Mayo County Council and funded through the Percent for Art Scheme by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport. Alice worked with Punch Engineers, Galway/Limerick; Padraic McTigue Contractors, Castlebar and Granstone, Crossmolina, to create this public art commission. Alice also worked with Mayo County Council staff; former Public Art Coordinator, Gaynor Seville and Castlebar Swimming pool complex architect, Robbie Maguire. This high-quality contemporary artwork is the latest addition to the ongoing programme of public artwork in the county.
