Ukrainian artists bring local history to life through new Athlone mural

A vibrant new mural on Patrick Street in Athlone has been created by four Ukrainian artists.

The art work, painted by Olexandra Lazorenko, Mariia Holdysh (Mutabor), Natalia Bobak and Valeriia Poliushko, is a celebration of local heritage, and brings together community storytelling, cultural exchange and public art in a striking visual tribute to the area's past.

Each of the artists involved in the mural have become active contributors to the cultural life of the Midlands through exhibitions, workshops, community arts projects and creative collaborations.

Their diverse artistic practices span watercolour, photography, embroidery, weaving, mixed media, printmaking and mural painting, reflecting a rich breadth of creative experience.

The project began in June and was completed in July, with the four artists working collaboratively to transform a prominent wall on the corner of Parnell Square and Patrick Street into a large-scale public artwork inspired by local memories and shared heritage.

The initiative was supported through the Athlone Family Resource Centre's Creative Hub Programme, which encourages community participation in the arts while supporting local artists in developing meaningful creative projects.

Central to the mural is "The Orchard", a scene inspired by stories shared by residents of both Patrick Street and Parnell Square who grew up in the area during the 1960s.

Residents recalled a passageway beside the old fisheries wall at the corner of Patrick Street that once led into an orchard situated on land that now forms part of the grounds of Aloysius College.

Many fondly remembered scaling the wall as children and racing back home with pockets full of apples.These childhood memories became the inspiration for the artwork.

Through their artistic interpretation, the four artists have preserved an important piece of local history, transforming recollections of childhood freedom, friendship and exploration into a permanent public artwork that celebrates the shared experiences of generations of families from Patrick Street and Parnell Square.

For the artists, the project offered an opportunity not only to create a significant public artwork but also to engage deeply with the stories and heritage of the town they now call home.

By bringing together their own artistic perspectives with local community memories, they have created a mural that bridges cultures and generations, highlighting the positive contribution of Ukrainian artists to Athlone's cultural landscape.

Paint for the mural was provided through the Dulux Let's Colour initiative, with support from Dooley's Paints on Connaught Street, whose contribution helped bring the project from concept to completion.

Employees from Woodies Ireland contributed their community support hours towards prepping the wall, along with students from Athlone Training Centre who volunteered their time to the FRC.

Athlone FRC have acknowledged Liam O’Connor from O’Connor Fabrications, for permission to use the wall.

The mural stands as an example of how partnerships between artists, local businesses and community organisations can enrich public spaces and foster a stronger sense of place.

Athlone Family Resource Centre has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local artists through its Creative Hub Programme and to facilitating future public art projects that contribute cultural value, celebrate community identity and recognise the rich heritage of Athlone.

Through initiatives such as this, the Centre aims to continue creating opportunities for artists and residents to work together in transforming local stories into creative works that can be shared and enjoyed by the wider community