Recognition of senior members in society continues this month as the Bealtaine festival celebrating creativity in older age gets into full swing. Bealtaine is co-ordinated by Age & Opportunity and works with local, regional and national organisations to encourage participation in the arts by older people.
One lovely project taking place throughout the month is Reflecting Colours, a poster exhibition which celebrates the work of older people involved in Mayo County Council Artists’ Mentoring and Networking Programme. Samples of works will be on show in the windows of premises along Bridge Street, Westport throughout May.
The second phase of an innovative project, bringing art to older people who are isolated geographically or for other reasons, will be officially launched on May 20 in Ballina Arts Centre. Entitled Hearth – Art for Older People at Home, this project runs from Ross in Castlebar and entails an artist travelling to the home of an older person to facilitate a weekly one-to-one workshop. The project started in June 2009 and it is hoped to have 50 people on board in three years’ time. For further information on this project contact Breda Mayock/Deirdre Walsh on 087 785 0344/087 677 7784.
Linenhall Arts Centre is also a great supporter of the Bealtaine festival and once again offers a wide range of activities this year. These include a variety concert at 8pm on May 19 next at at which Castlebar Active Retired Group will be staging their own concert with music, songs, dance, poems and storytelling. In Vintage plus One on May 22 from 11.30pm-1pm there will be a creative movement and dance workshop for grandparents and grandchildren led by dance artist Catherine Donnelly. For further information contact Orla Henihan on 094 902 3733.
James Reddiough and the Age Action Getting Started Group of Age Action West will be connecting with their heritage with Mary Skelly in courses which use their newly developed computer skills to explore local history, place names and family histories. For details contact James Reddiough Tel: 087 207 3262.
In association with Access Cinema, there will be screenings of Dean Spanley, a wonderful small film from the UK starring Peter O’Toole, Achill Film Club, Achill Island at 7pm May 20, and at the Linenhall Arts Centre at 3pm on May 18. For further information please contact 01 6794 420.
To get involved in Bealtaine 2010 please see www.bealtaine.com
