TV artist Dermot Cavanagh joins the line-up at An Creagán Arts Programme

Talented TV Artist Dermot Cavanagh joins the list of illustrious artists who will be relaying their talents through the Arts Programme at An Creagan this Autumn.

Dermot Cavanagh is a name that is fast becoming synonymous with watercolours not only in this part of the world but across Europe. His BBC series ‘Awash with Colour’ brought in huge viewer-ships wherever it travelled and launched him unto the international stage.

Dermot will be taking an 8 week course in Watercolours at An Creagán. For further information and bookings phone 028 8076 1112. Early booking is advised as Dermot has become one of the most sought after tutors in Ireland.

Download our Autumn Arts Brochure

Our new arts brochure with information on upcoming workshops is now available for download by clicking the link below.

Autumn Arts Brochure pdf (Filesize 396kb)

Upcoming workshops in Animation, Ceramics, Textiles, Breakdance and Papercraft

Another round of Arts workshops begins at An Creagán in September with the introduction of five new programmes.

The centre has achieved a reputation as one of the premier Arts facilitators in Northern Ireland and once again has lived up to that reputation with workshops in Claymation Animation, Textiles, Ceramics, Breakdance and Papercraft.

Canadian animator Mike Bass, who has previously taken animation workshops at the Art Gallery of Ontario, will take up residence at An Creagan to offer a weekend course in Claymation ‘Plastercine’ Animation. Mike is a classically trained animator with 20 years experience in animated television series’ such as; The Raccoons, Max & Ruby, Little Bear, Franklin and BraceFace. The course will run over two full days in which the group will try out the techniques and processes involved in animation, create characters using plastercine, make props and sets and work towards creating a short animated film. These workshops will allow an insight into the magical world of Claymation animation, and is a rare opportunity that is not to be missed!

The much-respected local artist, Deirdre Lagan-Eastwood makes a welcome return to An Creagán to hold a 6-week workshop on Ceramics. Deirdre, who was the overall winner of the coveted ‘Index Award for Best New Product’ at Dublin’s Showcase International Trade Fair, turned her ‘obsession with clay’ into a thriving business and her established range of ceramics is distributed throughout Ireland, USA and parts of the UK. Deirdre will hold a relaxed and enjoyable workshop for people of all abilities. Fellow respected artist, Louise O’Boyle, will hold an 8 week workshop in Textiles. This workshop will cover all aspects of textiles and a variety of techniques and skills will be explored. Participants can enjoy creating their own textile pieces in a friendly and relaxed environment.

Other courses available at the centre include Breakdancing by Skill2Style Cru Belfast. Skill2Style are a full breakdance crew and have been involved in the Belfast breakdance scene for 20 years. The course will run over eight weeks in a series of Saturday workshops for participants aged 15+ and will culminate in a public performance. Steven McFall (coach of the All-Ireland Breaking Champions 2006), David Moore and Matthew McFall have experience in various dance styles to show you. Learn moves such as upracks, applejacks, lofting, moonwalk, headspins and popping as well as more advanced moves. This course is workshop-based, pacing you according to your individual needs and no dance experience is required. These workshops are rarely available outside Belfast and places are limited to 10 participants so book early.

Also on the bill is a Cardmaking and Scrapbooking workshops just in time for Christmas! Participants will learn how to create their own unique arty greetings cards and scrapbooks (otherwise known as memory albums) for all occasions with practical hands on workshops running for 8 weeks.

Anyone interested in enrolling can contact the Arts Officer on 028 8076 1112 for more information or to request a brochure.

Forest

A short film created by participants of the ‘Filmmaking for Beginners’ workshop in association with the Mid Ulster Film Festival. Workshop facilitated by filmmaker Stephen Mullan.

Wonderland

A video diary of our animation workshops that were facilitated by the Nerve Centre. Includes the short film ‘Wonderland’ created by participants of the workshops.

Songwriting Public Performance

The Songwriting class performed a selection of self penned songs as well as songs they discussed on the course.

Juliet Turner in Concert

Back by request and popular demand. 20th June. Admission £15.

Ever evolving, ever watchful of the human condition, one of Ireland’s most intriguing female song writers, Juliet Turner, returns to the stage with a new batch of songs to accompany her classic material. The new material is thoughtful and less acerbic than some of her previous writing and the narrative lines running through the album are sympathetic and full of warmth. Her new album ‘People Have Names’ is released on 6th June.

Juliet’s Concert at An Creagán will provide a unique and intimate setting where her audience can experience what promises to be a truly inspirational performance.

Juliet will be supported on tour by Gentry Morris.

To book tickets please contact: 028 8076 1112

www.julietturner.com
www.gentrymorris.com

Three exciting courses launch the Summer Arts Programme.

Whether you are a musician interested in recording and performing on stage, a budding costume designer or have wanted the opportunity to write, produce and perform your own play, then the Arts Programme at An Creagán has the course for you!

Song Writing and Recording, Design and Fashion and Creative Writing and Drama are all offered in innovative and original eight session workshops, commencing 10th June. These high quality courses will allow participants to be visually and artistically expressive through the design and production of a finished art piece, with the final products of all classes being performed, displayed or showcased in a public performance or exhibition. Participants will be encouraged to draw inspiration from not only their own imaginations but from their locality, culture and traditions.

The Arts Programme is a new approach to community art in this region and is totally inclusive of all people. The courses cater to the needs and abilities of all members of the community. Groups will be given the opportunity to work with both a facilitator to explore their feelings and an artist to help bring their ideas to fruition.

Cormac Fee, the lead singer and lyricist/song writer with Tyrone four piece ‘Pocket Promise, will lead a group through the process of Song Writing and Recording, covering everything from styles of music to emotion, timing and rhythm. His band ‘Pocket Promise’ are currently enjoying critical acclaim with their EP release and, after recording with highly respected ‘Frames’ producer David Odlum, will be releasing their debut album in 2009. They have toured throughout the UK and Ireland and site Gerry Anderson (BBC Radio Ulster) and Zane Lowe (BBC Radio 1) as fans. Cormac is a keen instrumentalist playing everything from piano and guitars to glockenspiels and synthesiers! The group will have the opportunity to write their own songs, perform on stage with other group members and record their songs to CD.

Clare Mc Carroll, recognised textile artist and Lecturer of Arts at South West College, will deliver a course in Design and Fashion. Working with handmade felt, rich velvets and transparent fabrics the group will work together on an agreed theme, design costumes and show their creations on the catwalk. With many prestigious public commissions to date, including a three story long textile wall piece, size and scale is no object and Clare’s course is sure to be as exciting as ever.

For those interested in Creative Writing and Drama, Rachael Lennon brings her wealth of experience to An Creagán. Her impressive body of work demonstrates both her acting and directing abilities. Rachael has sat on several Drama society committees including ‘DU Players’ and has recently co-founded the exciting new theatre company ‘No Smoke Without Fire Productions.’ Their debut performance witnesses her take on the one woman show ‘Shirley Valentine.’ Rachael’s classes are very popular and aim to equip each participant with performing skills and also ignite a strong interest in the arts. The group will produce a short play and based on their work express their views of common issues.

Places on the Arts Programme are limited so register now to be sure of a place.

To register, or for more information or a colour brochure please contact:

The Arts Officer
An Creagán Visitor Centre,
028 8076 1112 (Office hours only)
Email: info@an-creagan.com