An art class at St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge.

Young artists from St Joseph’s to exhibit work at Atrium

An exhibition of art, craft and design work created by aspiring young artists and designers from St Joseph’s Secondary School, Rochfortbridge opens on Thursday, February 8, at 5.30pm in The Atrium Gallery in Mullingar.

Showcasing the talents of students from junior and senior cycles and that of a number of past pupils working in or studying in the field of art, craft and design and accompanied by a number of music students on the opening night, it remains open to the public for the following fortnight.

Organised by art teachers Niamh Sweeney, Jen Gallagher and Katie Deegan, the exhibition is a rare chance to get to see work by young artists in a public setting. For many of the students it will be the first time they will have had their work exhibited outside of school, and as all three teachers noted, it is a confidence booster for the younger pupils in particular.

“It is fabulous for our students to get the opportunity to exhibit at such a young age in a public arena, and in particular one as light, bright and airy as this, we have to thank The Atrium Gallery and Geraldine Barden in particular for their support,” said Niamh.

Jen said they were delighted to be able to “showcase a little of the work of some of our past pupils, alongside that of our current artists – it offers us as teachers a rare opportunity to show our students what they can achieve in the art world through the wonderful example of students who we have taught in previous years”.

“As the newest member of the art department,” said Katie, “I am so excited to be involved in this exhibition, especially given that it is the first one the school has held here since Covid. We’re planning on making this public exhibition an annual event on our school calendar.”

The main display work is available to purchase; enquiries to Jen Gallagher, Katie Deegan or Niamh Sweeney in person on the opening night or through St Joseph’s Secondary School during the rest of the exhibition.

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