Time to Fly Training Centre exhibition at Ballina Arts Centre
Ballina Arts Centre commissioned a research project in 2005 to identify special needs groups interested in the arts and in particular groups interested in working with the Arts centre. Ballina Training Centre participated in this project and was extremely enthusiastic and sourced the Westport-based artist Claire Griffin to work with them. The workshops with Claire took place over a two year period until June 2008.
The workshops were facilitated in a studio environment where the participants are worked with as artists with artist quality materials, the quality of the finished work certainly reflects this considering that many of the participants are first time artists. The work of 15 of the participants is reflected in this exhibition. Time to Fly will be officially opened by Cllr Michele Mulherin, Mayor of Ballina, on Wednesday March 4, 7pm. Free admission. All are welcome to attend, exhibition runs until March 28.
La Zona next screening
Ballina Film Club’s spring programme continues next week with La Zona, on Tuesday March 10 at 8pm. Directed by Rodrigo Plá, La Zona follows the adventures of three teenagers from the ‘wrong’ side of the tracks, as they enter the wealthy residential estate of Mexico City’s The Zone. They’re ill-prepared for what awaits them. For The Zone is a world unto itself, protected by high gates and private security guards who attempt to keep the poverty that surrounds the estate at bay. As their break-in goes badly wrong, the boys panic and suddenly there’s a dead body and a maid fleeing in fear. In the altercation that follows, two of the assailants are killed but the third, Miguel, is able to flee. What he soon learns is that the laws of the land don’t apply in The Zone, from which there is probably no escape.
Uruguayan-born director Rodrigo Plá’s terrific film is a taut social thriller and a remarkable study of two polarised Mexican communities that are mutually suspicious of each other. Plá offers a telling warning of the dangers of segregation in all its shapes and forms.
Textile art workshops for children
On Saturday March 7, 14, and 21, Ballina Arts Centre is presenting 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, creative 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-10 year olds. Ticket price €30 for three sessions. Pre-booking for all workshops is essential.
Ballina Arts Centre is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday, and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays. For information / booking, contact Ballina Arts Centre, Barrett St, Ballina, Co Mayo. Tel: 096 73593, e-mail: [email protected]. www.ballinaartscentre.com
