Packed programme of artistic offerings in Athlone for Halloween midterm
A packed programme of artistic Halloween offerings is on the schedule at Luan Gallery and Abbey Road Artists’ Studios for the upcoming midterm break.
Luan Gallery will offer self-guided Drop-in Drawing Activities inspired by the artworks on display from Monday, October 26, to Sunday, November 1.
Young visitors will be invited to explore the gallery, look closely, get curious and respond through drawing, making and creative play.
Materials will be available throughout the midterm break, so families can take part at their own pace. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The activities are free and no booking is required.
Local artist and facilitator Mariia Holdysh will lead Curious Forms: Halloween Sculpture Workshops for children aged 6 to 12 on Wednesday, October 28, and Friday, October 30.
Inspired by Fiona Kelly’s exhibition Allow to Fallow, Allow to Fall Low, each workshop will begin with a short, child-friendly tour at Luan Gallery. Children will explore the shapes, forms, textures and materials in Kelly’s sculptural works before heading to Abbey Road Artists’ Studios to make their own.
Using modelling clay and sculpting tools, participants will experiment with shaping, building and texture to create an original sculpture inspired by their gallery visit.
The Curious Forms: Halloween Sculpture Workshops take place on Wednesday, October 28, and Friday, October 30, from 2pm to 4pm. Tickets are €10 plus booking fee per child, and advance booking is essential.
On Thursday, October 29, Taz Kelleher of The Useless Project will bring some monstrous making to Abbey Road Artists’ Studios with two Monster Makers: Halloween Upcycling Workshops.
Inspired by ideas of reuse, transformation and material change explored in Fiona Kelly’s exhibition, children will use recycled and repurposed materials to design and build their very own Halloween monster.
Guided by Taz, participants will experiment with shape, texture, colour and construction, combining unexpected materials to create a monster full of character and personality.
These playful workshops will encourage children to see everyday materials in a new way and discover how things destined for the bin can be transformed through creativity.
The Monster Makers: Halloween Upcycling Workshops take place on Thursday, October 29, from 1:30pm to 3pm and 3:30pm to 5pm. Tickets are €10 plus booking fee per child, and advance booking is essential.
No previous art experience is required and all materials will be provided. Children simply need to bring their imagination and Halloween spirit. To book your little monster into one of our spooky workshops, visit www.luangallery.ie/events-booking/.
These events are supported by funding from An Chomhairle Ealaíon / The Arts Council.
Further information can be found on Luan Gallery’s social channels: Instagram: @luangalleryathlone, Facebook: @luangallery.
Admission to the gallery is free for groups and individuals. Tours for schools and groups can be arranged by contacting the gallery in advance on 090 6442154. Luan Gallery is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 5pm, and Sundays from 12pm to 5pm.