Plan unveiled to create 'colossal' St Brigid's Day artwork in Athlone
The Athlone Family Resource Centre (AFRC) has launched an ambitious community arts initiative titled "Reclaim the Flame", which aims to produce a 103-metre Brigid's Cloak.
This colossal textile tapestry is designed to span the full width of the River Shannon on Saturday, January 31, over the St Brigid's Day weekend.
The project leaders, community artist and facilitator Kara Richards and Delores Crerar, are calling for public participation, reaching out to locals with a knack for arts and crafts, to contribute to the creation of the piece by producing one-meter square pieces for the final artwork.
The core idea of this project is about sustainability, and all contributions must be made predominantly from recycled, repurposed, or reclaimed materials. The goal is to transform old textiles into a new symbol of Irish renewal and environmental consciousness.
"By unfolding Brigid’s Cloak, 103 metres of community-made art, across the Shannon, we are performing a powerful act of unity," said Kara Richards. "'Reclaim the Flame' is about giving new life not just to tradition, but to our materials, honouring Brigid's legacy of spring and sustainability."
This ambitious project follows the tremendous success of previous AFRC-led initiatives, demonstrating the power of collective creation. The Mythical Ireland Parade, a community event that saw over 150 people involved in creating puppets and costumes for a parade through Athlone.
The Uisneach Fire Cloak contributed pieces to a massive crochet tapestry receiving national recognition after being used for a stunning Herstory Brigid’s Day photoshoot. The AFRC Community Wellness Blanket (2021) was another phenomenal lockdown project that fostered connection by creating five colourful blankets from hundreds of contributed squares.
The cloak will be collaboratively sewn together at weekly Saturday get-togethers in January.
To contribute a metre to the Brigid's Cloak and "Reclaim the Flame," please contact Kara Richards, Athlone Family Resource Centre, by email at beanfeasa23@mail.com