Exhibitions
5 - 11 August | 1pm-6pm
THE COIFFURED
The Copper Tree Gallery, Birr Castle
Curated by Amanda Jane Graham
In this unique solo exhibition, Amanda brings art history, hairdressing history and her expert knowledge of hairdressing techniques together in the artworks. The art practice is research-led with a sociological lens revealing the hairdressing profession's rich and fantastic history.
The artist explores the significant landmarks in the history of hairdressing, from the headdresses of Egyptian pharaohs to Queen Marie Antoinette and 18th-century Irish parliamentarian Edmund Burke who wrote, 'the occupation of a hairdresser, cannot be a matter of honour to any person.' Thus, her creative approach provokes a revaluation of historical art from the perspective of a hairstylist, acknowledging the collaborative process. Using instantly recognisable equipment and techniques, she highlights the significant contribution of hairstylists to art history and directly places the hairdressing profession within the frame of historical portraiture.
LONGFORD LIGHTS
ON TOUR
Old Cinema, Brendan Street
Artistic Director Tom Meskell
The old cinema will be transformed into a stunning, magical world of animals and illumination. We are thrilled to partner with Longford County Council to bring this immersive experience to Birr, with works created by artists and community groups.
Longford Lights was the biggest lantern festival in Ireland, visited by over 10000 people over 3 nights in February and we are thrilled to bring a selection of this work to Vintage Week, with additional pieces made by local participants.
This event is kindly sponsored by
AT OXMANTOWN NATIONAL SCHOOL
OPEN SUBMISSION
EXHIBITION
Curated by Amanda Jane Graham
Commuovere (ko'mːwɔvere)- to affect, stir, or touch emotionally.
Our Open Submission Exhibition for 2023 has a focus on diversity and inclusion.
Artists have been invited to share their stories to create links between their personal experiences and the audience using the power of visual language to start conversations, establish new connections, understanding and inclusion.
THE PRESS
PHOTOGRAPHERS
ASSOCIATION OF
IRELAND
In association with Birr Theatre & Arts Centre.
The Press Phtotographers Association of Ireland is dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary work produced by its members, comprising the country’s finest exponents of their craft, and to promoting the role of the press photographer in building the nation’s visual historical record.
MEMORIES, SECRETS, DRAWINGS
Sorrel Lambton
TIn 2022, Sorrel’s installation invited the public to contribute memories, secrets and drawings. This exhibition is a response to what was shared.
AT BIRR THEATRE & ARTS CENTRE
ASPECTS
Hazel Greene
Greene's artistic vision is inspired by the concept that our cultural and natural surroundings influence us constantly and her works with reduced observed drawings reflect this idea in a striking and unique way.
This exhibition will feature a diverse range of artwork, including drawings, watercolour and ink paintings, and large collage wall hangings on linen. Each piece of artwork takes visitors on a journey through her imaginative creations, allowing them to experience the cultural and natural influences that shape our daily life in a new and unique way.
AT BIRR TECHNOLOGY CENTRE
SPONTANEOUS PEOPLE/SPONTANEOUS PAINTINGS
Diana Chambers & Seamus Morton
The word ‘spontaneous’ refers to the impulse, instinct and natural feeling that fuels the work of both Chambers and Morton. The works presented in Spontaneous People/Spontaneous Paintings also demonstrate the deep curiosity and expression of two artists dedicated to art practice.
Diana works from the KCAT studio in Callan, Kilkenny. She is a prolific painter who addresses a range of subject matter from portraiture to landscape to everyday scenarios and objects. Seamus Morton works from his studio at Erkina House Rathdowney Co. Laois. He has developed a substantial body of work, including portraiture, landscape, and still life.
ART LINK
COLLECTIVE
The Art Link Collective comprises a group of artists from counties Galway, Roscommon and Offaly.
Their work is diverse and often inspired by a chosen theme to be interpreted and depicted by the individual artists in a collaborative exhibition.
BIRR
CREATIVES
In addition to their own member's work, the Birr Creatives will include craftwork from other cultural backgrounds, reflecting the diversity in today's Ireland.
FOR THE LOVE
OF IT
** UPDATE: THIS WILL NOW BE SCREENED AT THE COURTHOUSE YARD ON WED 9 AUGUST AT 10PM **
A trio of artists present a film about love, in five segments.. Each part deals with a different form of love. Love of the self, family, passion, strangers, and obsession.
The goal was to give the people of Birr something different, to show them new artistic perspectives. It's an eclectic selection of styles forming a unique whole
ANAM BEO
FILMS
Anam Beo Arts in Health works in partnership with Offaly County Council, Dublin Mid-Leinster HSE and many more collaborators and agencies. Since 2005 Anam Beo artists have provided nearly 1,900 arts, music and creative sessions for individuals and groups.
FILMS SCREENING:
Conversations with Clouds
by Rowena Keaveny
SS2017
by Rowena Keaveny and Julie Spollen
Arpillera Quilts
by Jackie Lynch
Ailish Claffey Dance
FLOW
Let it come, Let it go, Let it Flow. Film, art and craft made by participants of the FLOW Youth Programme.
ARTISTS
AT WORK
Visit the Pop-up studio throughout the week, with painters John Gillen, Eamonn Byrne and Katerina Hayden.
BIRR ART
GROUP
With around 17 members, Birr Art Group has been working together for many years under the guidance of Kathleen Gormley.
AT THE COURTHOUSE YARD
THE HORSE BOX
ART GALLERY
Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 August
The Horsebox Art Gallery is coming to Birr for the opening weekend of Vintage Week and will host a group show of work by local artists.
Selected Artists:
Johanna Cooke
Jane Smith
John Kennedy
Shirley Loughney
Amelia McLoughlin
Cintia Roma
Sheila Hough
Rosemarie Langtry
Sarah Keenan
Jean Forristal
Hollie Rose Gilson
PEOPLE &
PLACES
Anam Beo promotes a place for arts and creative endeavours in nurturing safe environments & sustainable communities. As they approach their 20th anniversary, they are celebrating the diverse range of projects that have taken place in care settings and community settings.
UKRAINIAN JOURNEY
Katerina Putintseva
A series of collage prints exploring the culture and traditions of Ukraine
OTHER LOCATIONS
BEATING THE
BOUNDS
Masonic Hall
Presented by The Amusaleum.
Lynne Hoare’s connection to the environment is the inspiration for this exhibition in which she brings a new meaning to each object, providing the viewer with a provocative and engaging experience of every piece.
CAROLAN DUFF
The Space Above, Main Street
4-10 August / 12pm-6pm
In this solo exhibition, Carolan Duff, a young emerging artist brings a childlike joy into her art. Inspiration is taken from the Irish countryside, folklore and fairie tales.
SOMETHING OLD
SOMETHING NEW
Tin Jug Studio, Brendan Street
Out of the old trunks and into Birr’s little art studio and gallery, hidden in a courtyard garden, an ‘old curiosity shop’ mix of things for show and some for sale.
Open after the parade on Sunday afternoon and Monday - Thursday, from 2-5pm (or by appointment 087 668 1783).
THE WALL AT
NEW ORDER DISTRICT
Our opening hours to view our local artists talent is everyday from 12pm-5pm. Please note, we are closed to the public Tuesday 8 August..
LEINSTER REGIMENT
MEMORABILIA EXHIBITION
Birr Library
This exhibition commemorates the colourful history of the Leinster Regiment housed at Crinkle Barracks from 1881 and covers many aspects from this time. Come and view a piece of Birr’s history!
