Friday, November 19, 2010

PRIDE OF PLACE AWARDS, TRIM, NOVEMBER 2010

The winners of the 8th Co-operation Ireland All-Island Pride of Place Competition were announced on Saturday, 13 November, in the Knightsbrook Hotel. Trim, County Meath. Local TD and Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, announced the winners at the gala ceremony, which was hosted by Meath County Council and part sponsored by Indaver and IPB.  SIGNAL ARTS CENTRE was nominated by the Wicklow County Council  This year the prize eluded us.  However the staff of Signal and the Board members gained in the experience of coming together and working for the award nomination and presentation to the judges for Pride of Place.  It was an honour to be nominated. Board members, Linda Dunne O'Neill, Colum O'Neill, Michelle Fullam and Noel Cleary attended the awards on behalf of Signal Arts Centre.



  

Saturday, November 6, 2010

ILONA DOUFRAIN MADDEN FEATURES IN "RESURGENCE" IN GREYSTONES EXHIBITION

Ilona Doufrain Madden, Signal Arts Society member invites Signal members, staff and friends to the event  "Resurgence""...a group exhibition of the Feeling Arty group.



Feeling Arty visual artists group was set up in 2010  in Greystones to encourage visual artists to overcome blocks to their creativity and break free from isolation.

The key objective of this group is to take away elitism and to encourage creativity.

The Opening of this Show takes place on the 18th Nov from 6.30pm.
The show runs from 19th - 22nd is open from 11am-6pm daily.
Location: Brightlife Gallery, Level 2, Greystones Theatre, Greystones Co Wicklow

Thursday, November 4, 2010

CRITICS PICK FOR ARTNEWS NOVEMBER 2010 MARY KELLY - Dublin Artist

Bray people first saw the work of Mary Kelly when she won the Greenstar Open Submission award at the Mermaid Arts Centre in 2006.  Picking up the November issue of Artnews, an American art publication, there she was, Mary Kelly, Dublin based artist, the critics pick!   Congratulations Mary Kelly.  You can see Mary's artwork on her website http://www.marykelly.ie/

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

YANNY PETTERS 2011 CALENDAR

Yanny Petters has a wonderful calendar on the market.  Each month depicts one of Yanny's superbly detailed botanical artworks.  The calendars are still €20 each including postage and there is a discount if you order 3 or more.  A really nice gift idea.

You can see Yanny's artwork on her website: http://www.yannypetters.net/

Give Yanny a phone call at 01 276 5721 or email yannypetters@gmail.com.

Friday, October 29, 2010

DAVE FLYNN TEACHING AT LUISNE CENTRE IN KILCOOLE, CO. WICKLOW

Dave Flynn is teaching two new art courses coming up at the LUISNE Centre in Kilcoole, County Wicklow,
One course is for people already practicing art on Mondays.
Dave facilitates the group and assists on request.
The other course is for Beginners on Wednesdays.
Both classes kick off at 8pm and finish at 9:30pm. They are five-week courses. Cost for each course: €50 (an absolute steal!). Here are the details:
Monday's Art Group: from Monday 15th November till 13th December.
Wednesday's Beginners Class: from Wednesday 17th November till 15th December.
The number for bookings is:   01 - 201 0001
http://www.luisne.ie/

CONGRATULATIONS TO DAVE FLYNN SIGNAL ARTS SOCIETY MEMBER!

The Royal Ulster Academy has accepted one of Dave Flynn's paintings for their annual show, which opened in Belfast's Ulster Museum on 14th October. It's alongside the Botanic Gardens and is a beautiful venue. The show is  running until 14th November for anyone interested and finding themselves in Belfast. 

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

SOCIAL INCLUSION WEEK AT SIGNAL ARTS CENTRE

More than 30 people, of which a number of  people were new to Signal and many of the Bray community turned out to enjoy the film "Did Anyone Notice Us" produced by Edmund Lynch.  Edmund Lynch regaled the audience with his stories of the making this film.  This screening was sponsored by the Social Inclusion Unit of Wicklow County Council under the auspices of  Patricia Reilly.  The hard work of Eleanor Phillips and Linde Fidorra ensured the success of this event.  On the night along with Eleanor and Linde, Lian Callaghan  made sure that everyone was welcomed and Vincent Rae, Signal's techie took care of the film presentation.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

'The Pointless Pursuit of Shadows' Blog

'The Pointless Pursuit of Shadows', an exhibition by Orla Barry, Jason Deans, Michelle Hall, Tracy Hanna, Sarah Quigley and Jenny Spain opens in Signal on November 23rd.

Take a look at their blog here

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Róisín Verdon's Exhibition at The Joinery

Staff Artist Róisín Verdon's Exhibition 'Through the Looking Glass' runs in The Joinery from November 17th to 22nd 2010.

Opening Reception: Wednesday 17th November, 7-9pm.


The Joinery,
6 Rosemount Terrace,
Arbour Hill,
Stoneybatter,
Dublin 7.

Gallery open daily from 12pm-6pm.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

SIGNAL ARTS CENTRE RAISES 3000 EUROS TOWARDS ITS DEVELOPMENT PLAN!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE STAFF AND BOARD AT SIGNAL ARTS CENTRE!
A bumper crowd of former Signal staff artists and employees and enthusiastic supporters at Signal Arts Centre 'Sale of Art' Friday night brought sales of over 3000.00 euros.  Happy Days!  This is another successful milestone that has been reached in our journey towards the goal of owning our building.  It's getting closer!

SIGNAL ARTS CENTRE FORMER STAFF ARTIST SUCCESSFUL IN PUBLIC ART COMMISSIONS!

James Hayes a former staff artist at Signal Arts Centre has been awarded a number of Public Art Commissions over the the last few years.  See the complete list and works on his website http://www.lorjames.com/ 

‘In an attempt to find the right words..’ is a new permanent public art installation by artist James Hayes at The Belmullet Arts Centre, Áras Inis Gluaire, County Mayo. There will be an official launch event to mark and celebrate the new artwork on Friday 22nd October at 1pm at Áras Inis Gluaire which is open to everyone to attend.

‘In an attempt to find the right words..’consists of over 2000 bronze cast pencils which appear to have been launched (dart-like) onto the wall.

Funding for the commission is via the Percent for Art scheme. James’ proposal was chosen because of his unique idea and his willingness to involve many people in the process. He spent time in Belmullet during May, giving talks at local schools and at the arts centre, and held workshops for children at Áras Inis Gluaire

Earlier in the year there was an open invitation to anyone who wanted their own special pencil, which had some significance to them, to donate it to be cast in bronze and included in the final artwork. There was a great response, with many local people donating pencils, also several writers, artists and poets from across the country donated their pencils too.

An exhibition documenting the process of creating the artwork, and the stories behind some of the donated pencils, will be exhibited in the gallery space from the launch date, 22nd October, until 10th November.

There will also be an opportunity to attend a talk from the artist on the morning of the launch event at 11am Friday 22nd October, in the theatre space at Áras Inis Gluaire. Artist James Hayes will talk about his art practice, with specific reference to his project in Belmullet. He and Gaynor Seville, Public Art Co-ordinator with Mayo County Council, will be available for a question and answer session after the talk and will also conduct a tour of the exhibition.The talk at 11am and launch event at 1pm are free and all are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided.

To book a place at the artist’s talk in the theatre at Aras Inis Gluaire on the Friday 22nd October at 11am contact Gaynor Seville. T: 094 904 7561 E:gseville@mayococo.ie

Congratulations to James Hayes!

.

Friday, September 24, 2010

FLEET OF DREAMS CULTURE NIGHT SEPT 24, 2010

"It was a Fairyland" according to one observer of the Fleet of Dreams on the Dargle River in the heart of Bray.  An estimated 600 to700 people watched as Signal Arts Centre Artists and friends lit 1000 floating lanterns (purchased directly from Songlin Shu, Joy Factory, China).  The pictures cannot express the true beauty and feeling as the lanterns, handpainted and drawn on by local school children, artists and friends of Signal floated down the Dargle River. 

Signal Arts Centre Executive Board is to be congratulated on their hard work bringing this project to fruition.  It could not have been done of course without the terric support from the all the Centre's workers and artists from Signal Arts Society who gave so freely of their spare time.

Many groups other than the local schools were involved.  The Bray Community Brass Band who provided the music as the fleet moved down the Dargle and Blue Fever playing at Signal. Active volunteers came from Little Bray Resource Centre, Ballywaltrim Resource Centre, Queen of Peace Canoe Club, Bray Anglers, Bray Sea Scouts.  Support and assistance was provided by members of Bray Town Council,  Bray Chamber of Commerce, and Wicklow County Arts Office.

Photos provided by G. Black



Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Painting Workshops with Yanny Petters

in the Beautiful Victorian Walled Garden at Festina Lente, Old Connaught Ave., Bray, Co. Wicklow.

Exploring Watercolours with Yanny Petters.
Every Thursday afternoon, 2pm to 4.30pm.
Attend single session or sign up for 4.
12 weeks in 3 blocks of 4 sessions.
Single session: €35
Set of 4: €120

From 30th September to 16th December

Bookings and further information:
Contact Yanny: 01 2819282
yannypetters@gmail.com or text: 087 3111620

'Tree Man Saw Sedge', A Joint Exhibition by Yanny Petters and Annette Hennessy

A double treat is in store for visitors to Castle Espie Wetland Centre’s Graffan Gallery from Saturday 18th September to Sunday 3rd October, when botanical artist Yanny Petters and bronze sculptor Annette Hennessy bring their joint show and sale to the County Down bird sanctuary.

‘Tree Man Saw Sedge’ is an exhibition of paintings and bronzes inspired by a sense of the natural forces in the environment. Wicklow-based painter, Yanny Petters draws on the rich habitats of fields and wetlands in her detailed studies of wild plants, while Annette Hennessy’s bronze sculptures are small-scale, figurative, one-off pieces that reflect man’s relationship with nature.

Complementing Annette’s three-dimensional statements of habitat, Yanny’s watercolours, oils and ‘painting on glass’, fittingly sourced from grasslands and wetlands, include a number of works inspired by the environment around Castle Espie Wetland Centre.

During the exhibition at Castle Espie, Yanny will offer a demonstration and a workshop in drawing and painting inspired by the plants in the reserve.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

GROUP OF THREE AT SIGNAL ARTS CENTRE EXHIBITION OPENING

Fabulous artwork to be seen at this exhibition of 3 graduate colleagues from DLIADT, Kathryn Ryan, Laura Butler and Jonathan Curran.  Exquisite paintings, sculptures, prints and art books.  The work of the three artists form a cohesive and comprehensive array of artworks.  I loved especially Laura Butler's artbook on aspects of Albert Avenue, the encaustic paintings of Kathryn Ryan and the sculpture of waxed copperplates of Jonathan Curran.














Kathryn Ryan on the right with friend














Laura Butler on right with friends















Jonathan Curran on left with friend














Mairead, Ilona, Evonne,artists and DLIADT friends






















Sunday, August 22, 2010

MERMAID CENTRE, BRAY, 'UNBUILDING' EXHIBITION OPENING

A massive collaboration of artists, architects and artists culminated in a rotating exhibition of 11 artists at the Mermaid Centre in Bray. 
Noel Cleary, Eleanor Phillips and Pat Burnes from Signal Arts Centre were on hand to see the work unveiled.














Familiar faces in the crowd, that I recognised were former staff artist and Maura Ryan, along with Zan O' Loughlin and Dermot McCabe and his lovely wife from The Bray Arts.
Many local artists were there including Siobhan Sherlock, Damien Flood ( his art along with Alan Butler opened this exhibition), Kate Warner, Ed Phillips, also Musician Rocco was there to.  Rocco will accompany the Whimsical Art Tour from the Mermaid to Signal Arts Centre on Culture Night Sept 24.
The co-curators are the Mermaid's Eilís Lavelle, Rosie Lynch and Clíodhna Shaffrey. Congratulations on a  very thought provoking exhibition.
Details of the project are on the website http://www.unbuilding.com/
This project has been initiated by Wicklow County Arts Office and Arts Officer Jenny Sherwin with additional support from ArtLinks and Mermaid Arts Centre.


Eleanor Phillips with Wicklow Arts Offfice Coordinator for Culture Night Ann Nolan



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noel Cleary with artist educator Gary

WICKLOW COUNTY ARTS OFFICE LAUNCH CULTURE NIGHT SEPTEMBER 24 AT KILRUDDERY, BRAY, ON SATURDAY AUGUST 22, 2010

A sunny and warm Saturday afternoon, the directors of Signal Arts Centre arrived at the Orangerie, Kilruddery, Bray.  All there listening to wonderful jazz band in th Orangerie at Kilruddery, Bray were the movers and shakers of the events and celebrations of Irish culture to take place on Friday, September 24,2010.  Wicklow County Cathaorhearlach, Tom Fortune congratulated all the volunteer workers with a special mention of Signal Arts Centre as well the the Wicklow Arts Officer Jenny and PR advisor Ann Nolan on all the work entailed on producing a night of culture that will underpin the economy and tourist industry in County Wicklow County.  Signal Arts Centre featured highly in the events calendar produced for the night.































SONIA HACCIUS OPENING NIGHT AT SIGNAL ARTS CENTRE

A fabulous summer's night at Signal Arts Centre!  A lighthearted group of friends and art afficianados turned up to celebrate the work of former Signal Arts Centre staffer Sonia. All were impressed with the honesty and impact of the puppet tableaux and women were seen shaking with laughter at Sonia's interpretation of the three Fates showing the three stages of woman. The concept was only equalled by the craftsmanship.  I loved the tableaux but I have to say my favourite drawing was The Cougar, depicting an older woman offering lollipops to a young lad. Truly a unique exhibition not to be missed!


Three Fates - Cougar
























Yanny Peters, well know local artist is caught admiring Love Letters Never Sent.























Bridget O'Brien, local artist and Patricia Doyle, Bray Art admirer, delight in detail and expression of The Fool.














The artist Sonia Haccius with local artist Noel Cleary who gives freely of his spare time as a volunteer director of Signal Arts Centre.
They are standing in front of The Darwin Awards, 'survival of the fittest theory' awarded to individuals doing something unbelievably stupid thereby removing themselves from the gene pool.














Relaxing on the patio with Eleanor Phillips, former Signal staff artist, currently international artist and educator and manages to find time to be volunteer director of Signal Arts Centre.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Happy 20th Birthday Signal Arts Centre!



Well what a PARTYEEEE! Signal Arts Centre looked absolutely marvellous, wonderful bunting and chairs and tables outside. Enough thanks cannot be said to Claire and Signal Arts Centre Staff for the tremendous effort. Claire! What can anybody say, and everybody did say...the food was only fantastic. The elderflower and champagne drinks were a delight! A number of past staff dropped in to say Hello as did a number of Signal Art Society members. David Grant, Cathaoirleach of Bray Town Council dropped in to wish us well.


Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Lanterns on the Dargle

Signal Arts Centre develops process for launching the lanterns in September. On hand were: Yvonne and Martha, Eleanor, Ava, Michelle, Noel and Pat. Preparing to light the candlles at the Maltings.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Author Angela Cook at Signal Arts Centre

What a wonderful evening. Angela Cook regaled the audience with tales of her sojourn in Japan and read from her book ‘An Alien in Japan’.
A good number of people turned out on a busy Friday night and enjoyed tea and cookies with the book club. Angela was delighted with the reception and the fact that all the books she brought with her were sold. Buyers were thrilled to have Angela sign the books.

Time well spent and a big thank you to Denis and Penny who welcomed everyone so warmly. Signal staff spotted in the audience were Róisín Verdon and Christine Power. Great support for an excellent event. Next time we will take photos.

Happy Birthday Claire!!!


Supervisor Claire was presented with a lovely gift of flowers from the staff at Signal Arts Centre and a wonderful caricature by the very talented Greg Murray. Many more wonderful birthdays Claire!

Monday, July 12, 2010

BRAY ARTS AT THE MERMAID, SUNDAY, JULY 18, 8:00PM

Bray Summerfest 'Phantom Galleries' - Monday July 12th 2010

Gallery 1, Main Street, former Palazzo Town Centre Display,
Fiona O'Farrell, artist, Textiles,
with Zan McLoughlin, Bray Arts, Cearbhall O Meadhra, Chair of Bray Arts and noted musician.
Great turnout for the opening. A walking tour and commentary of the art in the six galleries around Bray Town was led by Zan.














Some well-known Bray faces, Georgina Whelan, Signal Art Society member, Ian McGahon,chair of Bray Labour, Sarah McGahon, artist and milliner supreme.














Gallery 3, Main Street, formerly Elvery's Sports,
Sarah McGahon, textile artist and milliner.



























Gallery 2, Florence Road, formerly Browns Carpets,
Eithne Griffin, artist.
Eithne is a member of Signal Art Society also and a great supporter of Signal Arts Centre..














Gallery 4, Main Street, formerly First Active,
Darren Nesbitt, artist.














Gallery 5, Main Street, formerly Ulster Bank,
Aoife Fitzgerald, artist.
Aoife is one of our staff artists and runs the Life Drawing sessions at Signal Arts Centre.

































Gallery 6, Main Street, formerly Chinese Acupuncture,
Roisin Verdon, artist.
Roisin is one of our staff artists and organised and operated the very successful Arts and Crafts on Florence Road at Christmas 2009.














CONGRATULATIONS! to all the artists, the walking tour was well attended and people were very excited to be walking around Bray in the evening, looking at art. The walk ended at the Town Hall where the Flavour of Bray was taking place and the whole lot of us enjoyed the free sampling of the fabulous food and drink to be found around Bray Town. A great night I have to say!! Hope it happens again and again.