Midlands photographer's work to go on display in Athlone exhibition

An exhibition of work captured by Midlands photographer Chris Burke during the Cruinniú na nÓg children's festival in Athlone in June will go on display in the Luan Gallery today (August 1).

'Garden to Gallery Couture' is the title of the photo exhibition which is being officially launched at 4.30pm on Friday, August 1.

The exhibition is opening on the first day of the Athlone River Festival and the Féile na Sionainne festival, and the launch event will feature performances by members of Athlone Youth Orchestra and Féile na Sionnaine.

Chris Burke, who lives in Longford, previously had spells working part-time in the Luan Gallery and Athlone Castle.

The Castle and Luan Gallery 'Garden to Gallery Couture' project originated with Cruinniú na nÓg, the National Day of free creativity for children, which was held on June 7.

Children and young people were invited to take part in an exciting creative experience that blended fashion, sustainability, and art.

The project offered participants the opportunity to design and make their own costume, model it in a fashion show at Athlone Castle, and have their work professionally photographed for this Luan Gallery exhibition.

The project started with costume-making workshops for local children, which focused on sustainability and recycling.

The costumes were inspired by wildflowers, native plants, and herbs found in the historical garden in the upper battlements of Athlone Castle.

Abbey Road Artist Studios’ resident artists, Niamh Butler and Aoife Doolan, facilitated these workshops, with assistance from Transition Year students from Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone, who were involved in Junk Kouture.

The children who participated in the workshops then showcased their designs during the Cruinniú na nÓg fashion show on Saturday, June 7, in the Athlone Castle courtyard.

The event also featured live performances by talented local youth musicians from Féile na Sionainne. John McGlynn, Manager of The Deane Crowe Theatre, served as Compere and Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon’s festivities.

‘Garden to Gallery Couture’ is a Cruinniú na nÓg collaboration between Athlone Castle and Luan Gallery and is presented with support from Creative Ireland and Westmeath County Council.

All are welcome to attend the launch event on Friday afternoon. The exhibition will then remain on display in the Luan Gallery until Sunday, August 10.