Two exhibitions at the Custom House
Running until July 7 at the Custom House Studios in Westport are two new exhibitions, one by Vida Pain and Amanda Rice. Vida Pain says of her exhibition: “Partial glimpses of familiar and overlooked images form the basis of my painting. Throughout everyday life and repetitive journeys I am confronted by anonymous structure vying for recognition against seemingly mundane backdrops. Misplaced architecture and abandoned mechanical objects are of particular interest to me, as is the contrast between old and new.”
Amanda Rice says of her work, which is a mixed media exhibition called A Spectacular Form of Amnesia: “It was filmed in the Alps of the Austrian and German border. Works encompasses site-specific photography, video, and large scale installation painting. Using these mediums I discuss landmass, both the natural and the unnatural in relation to the sublime and horror. This search for a supposed idealism has led me to begin the construction of my own landscape through the use of industrial materials forming an almost synthetic or pseudo-nature which speaks of a volatile future.”
Paddy Casey live next week in the Linenhall
For one very special night, one of Ireland's most popular singer/songwriters Paddy Casey performs at the Linenhall Arts Centre in Castlebar on Thursday June 27 at 8pm. Paddy Casey has been to the forefront of the Irish music scene since his debut album Amen (So Be It ) in 1999, while his second release Living became a massive seller in Ireland, out-selling even U2, and containing the hit singles “The Lucky One” and “Saints and Sinners”.
Now Paddy returns with his new album The Secret Life Of, recorded, produced, and mixed at home in Paddy’s kitchen by Paddy and Pat Donne. “It’s my first completely independent record,” confirms Paddy, “a throwback to a recording style I used to have before I signed a record deal.”
Summer solstice charity concert
A very special concert to celebrate the summer solstice will take place in the historic and atmospheric Ballintubber Abbey. Midsummer Melodies, a performance of light classical music by Mayo Concert Orchestra will take place tonight, Friday, at 9pm. It promises to be an uplifting experience for the longest day of the year. All proceeds from the concert will go to a little known charity, the William’s Syndrome Association of Ireland. One young man with the condition, Jarlath Tynan from Castlebar, will be the guest conductor for ‘The Radesky March’ that night. Don’t miss a great night.
Panto Collapsar exhibition opened in Ballina
A new exhibition of works by artist Mikala Dwyer presented in association with the Project Arts Centre, called Panto Collapsar, was opened last night in the Ballina Arts Centre. The official opening of the exhibition was carried out by Niamh O’Donnell, the general manager of the Project Arts Centre, and will run in the Ballina Arts Centre over the coming weeks.
Doohoma community weave launched
Mayo County Council Arts Office this week launched the Doohoma Community Weave, which is the culmination of a intergenerational project which took place over the month of May. The weave was launched on Wednesday last by Brendan Murray, artistic director of Áras Inis Gluaire in the centre. Over a period of five weeks the local community and schools worked together on the weave, with the school children encouraged to work and learn from older members of the community as part of the Bealtaine festival.
Claremorris players preparing for new show
Claremorris Players Performance Society is currently in rehearsals since March to put on a European premiere of Hats the musical. The society started in 2012 with a comedy play called Cupid Wore Skirts by Sam Cree, which went down really well in the town with Friday night’s show sold out. The show will run from Friday June 28 to Sunday June 30 in Claremorris Town Hall at 8pm. Tickets cost €15, €10 for OAP/students, and €5 for a family, a portion of the ticket sales will be donated to a suicide awareness charity. For more information e-mail; [email protected] or call 087 1368145, or you can purchase them from the Vivo petrol station on the Ballindine Road.
