Luan Gallery celebrates children's creativity with 'Garden to Gallery Couture'
Luan Gallery has launched a new exhibition titled 'Garden to Gallery Couture'.
The exhibition, which launched on Friday, August 1, features vibrant photography by Chris Burke.
It comes as the culmination of the Garden to Gallery Couture project, a creative collaboration between Athlone Castle and Luan Gallery for Cruinniú na nÓg, Ireland’s national day celebrating free creativity for children and young people.
The Garden to Gallery Couture project began with a series of costume design workshops held through May this year at Abbey Road Artist Studios, led by resident artists Niamh Butler and Aoife Doolan.
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Eleanor Neary with her photo at the launch of Garden to Gallery Couture at Luan Gallery.Image 2 of 6
Catherine Neary with her photo at the launch of Garden to Gallery Couture at Luan Gallery.Image 3 of 6
Chris Burke's photography on display in Luan Gallery.Image 4 of 6
Chris Burke's photography on display in Luan Gallery.Image 5 of 6
Carmel Duffy, Manager, Luan Gallery, speaking at the launch of Garden to Gallery Couture at Luan Gallery.Image 6 of 6
Féile na Sionnaine musicians performing at the launch of Garden to Gallery Couture at Luan GalleryLocal children and teens, with support from Transition Year students from Our Lady’s Bower (participants in the Junk Kouture programme), drew inspiration from wildflowers, native plants, and herbs in Athlone Castle’s historic garden. Using sustainable methods, they created imaginative, nature-inspired couture.
These designs were then showcased in a fashion show at Athlone Castle on Saturday, June 7.
This lively event featured performances by young musicians from Comhaltas Áth Luain and Féile na Sionainne. John McGlynn, Manager of The Dean Crowe Theatre, acted as compere and master of ceremonies.
The Garden to Gallery Couture exhibition at Luan Gallery captures the creative journey through the lens of Chris Burke, documenting the workshops, the fashion show, and the artistry of the young participants. It stands as a celebration of youth creativity, collaboration, and sustainable arts practice.