Ballina Film Club’s Spring Programme continues this week with Nine Queens on Tuesday February 24 at 8pm. Directed by Fabián Bielinsky, Nine Queens follows Juan and Marcos, two small-time swindlers, who team up after meeting in a convenience store and become involved in a half million dollar deal. Juan is sceptical at first, but agrees to work with Marcos after he impresses him with a few sophisticated cons. A once-in-a-lifetime scheme then seemingly falls in their laps as an old time con-man enlists Juan and Marcos to sell a forged set of extremely valuable rare stamps, The Nine Queens. The tricky negotiations that ensue bring into the picture a cast of suspicious characters including Marcos' beautiful sister Valeria, their innocent younger brother Federico who idolises Marcos, and a slew of thieves, conmen, and pickpockets. As the deceptions and duplicity mount, it becomes more and more difficult to figure out who is conning whom, and we begin to ask ourselves, "Who isn't a thief?"
Last chance to see Light Shifts at Ballina Arts Centre
This week is the final opportunity to see Light Shifts, an exhibition of paintings by Crossmolina-based artist Bernie Garvey O’Mara. Bernie’s work is initially an inner response which materialises in different media. The medium she chooses to relate that response – be it oil or watercolour – is merely the vehicle which depicts the response most profoundly. Her work is influenced by light and colour. The moments in time when all seems to stand still, or a shaft of light that transforms the seemingly ordinary. These light shifts are at the core of her work and are the inspiration for this exhibition. The exhibition runs until February 28.
Textile art workshops for children
On Saturday March 7, 14, and 21, Ballina Arts Centre will present a series of textile art workshops for children. Facilitated by Clare Ballard, these workshops will explore a number of textile art techniques for children, including weaving, using felt, and creating art pieces from different textile materials. In a fun, creativ,e environment participants will be introduced to the many and various creative ways of using textiles and materials. Times: 10.30am to 12.30pm: five to seven-year-olds. 1.30pm to 3.30pm: eight to 10 year olds. Ticket price €30 for three sessions. Pre-booking for all workshops is essential.
