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Senan Hogan, 8 Jul
Niamh Eldridge Barry, a remarkable 24-year-old artist hailing
from Rathmore, Nass, Co Kildare has overcome the challenges of
Dyspraxia to showcase her remarkable artwork on a national level. Niamh
is one of ten artists carefully selected from around the country as
part of the Connecting Artists 2023 programme, which culminates in an
exhibition of their art at the renowned Royal College of Surgeons
Ireland (RCSI) in Dublin, taking place from Sunday 16th to Tuesday 18th
of July.
Connecting Artists is a 10-week online programme designed
by Miriam Spollen, the founder of Connections Arts Centre, a social
enterprise dedicated to connecting the disability community through the
Arts. Miriam created this online programme for visual artists
nationwide with intellectual disabilities who wish to develop their
creative practice.
Diagnosed with Dyspraxia at the age of eight, Niamh has had an interest
in art since childhood. She entered an art competition for her primary
school's fashion show, showcasing her talent by painting a beautiful
rose with acrylic. Her artwork caught the attention of the 2005 Rose of
Tralee winner, Aoibhinn Nà Shúilleabháin, who walked the runway with
Niamh, holding her painting.
Since completing secondary school, she has attended various art
classes. In 2018, Niamh enrolled at the Newbridge Youth Training
Development Centre, where she learned pottery, experimented with
various techniques, and crafted 3D sculptures. During the 2020/2021
lockdown, she completed an online children's illustration course with
the London Art College and then joined The White Box Gallery, a small
art school in Naas, during the summer of 2021. Her preferred subjects
include landscapes and animals taking inspiration from her imagination
and referencing places she has visited.
Niamh says: "The Connecting Artists 2023 community gave me the
opportunity to connect with like-minded creatives. I liked
collaborating, exploring new ideas, and learning from my mentor Aya and
the other participants. This experience has increased my confidence.
The Connecting Artists 2023 programme understands the unique needs of
each participant and this understanding has been very important to
me."
Miriam of Connections Arts Centre emphasises this programme provides an
immersive, supportive, and interactive environment for artists with
intellectual disabilities, empowering them to develop their creative
practice and hone their natural talents. It provides a safe space for
artists to explore their art and techniques and learn from each other.
It also prepares them for exhibiting and selling their work.
Miriam says: "The programme would not be possible
without our ten wonderful mentors who volunteered their time to support
each artist, and the RCSI Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Unit,
for providing a platform to highlight the exceptional talents of these
ten artists.
We are thrilled for Niamh and all the participating artists of the 2023
programme and to see their fantastic artwork exhibiting at a national
level. The response from the general public, both business and
community has been brilliant. We are also delighted to know that the
exhibit will be showcasing in Belfast and no doubt in more counties
around the country during the year."
She adds, "Our aim is to continue the Connecting Artists programme for
years to come and to support a new cohort of artists every year. We are
always interested to explore partnership opportunities with
organisations that share our vision of promoting inclusivity and
empowering artists with intellectual disabilities. If there is interest
in supporting our Connecting Artists programme and making a meaningful
difference in the lives of these artists, we would be delighted to
discuss potential sponsorships or funding opportunities."
Do not miss the chance to visit the exhibit and see Niamh’s
artwork. Artwork will be available to purchase throughout the event and
online.
Entry is FREE, but booking is essential. Book your place now at the
following link, https://www. connectionsartscentre.ie/
connecting-artists-programme-1
For more information visit, www. connectionsartscentre.ie