Inspecting and working on the new mural at the skatepark in Mullingar Town Park were Lucy Tormey (artist) Joe McCormack, Mullingar EYE, Cllr Peter Burke, Larry Murphy, Murty Hanly, Mullingar Municipal District, Ruth Maxwell and Greg Duggan, Environment Department, Westmeath County Council.

Warhol inspired art transforms skatepark walls

The youth group Mullingar EYE have transformed the fence at the skatepark in Mullingar, under the instruction of artist Lucy Tormey, into a piece of modern art.

Joan O’Connor, co-ordinator with Mullingar EYE, said “The group found the surrounding fence of the skatepark dull and unimaginative so have made it a youth friendly, space with the guidance of Lucy.”

Lucy said the group were “keeping me young! I’ve been really impressed with their dedication to the project.

“We had a workshop at the Mullingar EYE base in the old army barracks and we took our starting point from the pop art movement, researching some of the images of Roy Lichtenstein and Andy Warhol.

“We made group pieces based on a mock-up of the site and subsequently, I brought many of the group’s ideas together and merged them into the overall design for the mural.” Lucy said they have had positive comments from passers-by of all ages.”

“We are conscious that while the mural should fit with the skatepark as a concept, it should also sit well in the park as a whole and compliment what has grown into a superb amenity. We hope that we will have achieved that aim when the painting is completed.”

Cllr Peter Burke, cathaoirleach of Mullingar Municipal District, said: “This project showcases the valuable work that can be achieved through various bodies collaborating – the youth group, the artist, the council and the wider community who enjoy the park all benefit from this.”

“This is part of our environmental awareness programme to raise awareness of graffiti and the negative effects it can have on our environment and on our perception of an area,” said Ruth Maxwell of Westmeath County Council.

“The recent Tidy Towns results for Mullingar said the town park is a highlights and this project supports the continuous work to improve the area.”

Lucy Tormey facilitates art sessions at Mullingar Resource Centre on the Delvin Road and has worked with pupils in Presentation NS to create a mural for their playground.