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Caffreys In Ardara
June 2007
CAFFREY’S CREATIVITY TO TOUCH THE ‘HEART’ OF ARDARA
Renowned Sligo based artist commissioned to create public art for Ardara
The unique cross-border HEART programme (Heritage, Environment, Art and Rural Tourism) has commissioned leading Sligo based sculptor Elizabeth Caffrey to produce a special sculpture for County Donegal town Ardara as part of its public art scheme.
The HEART programme will eventually see an innovative trail of twelve pieces of public art located in towns and villages throughout the Strabane District Council area and County Donegal.
The artist has already formed a clear connection and affinity to Ardara already. Caffrey’s sculptures are famous for recognising distinguishing local features and key landmarks, and linking these with the heart of a place and its people.
“Ardara is a very particular place – it has a huge sense of wonder. When I first visited a few years ago it was an extraordinary find in terms of a traditional Irish town. When I next visited I could not believe the change in the place due to development,” explained Elizabeth Caffrey.
“The HEART sculpture trail will allow me to spend time getting to know Ardara and learning about its character, thereby understanding the place better.
“My ideas are still in the early stages of development. Initially I found the old stone barns in the rural areas intriguing and unique to the area. However recently my attention has been focused on the town itself, the river and the park area that’s near completion.
“I’ve been carrying out a lot of research into the town’s weaving heritage and it’s place in local history as a hub of the weaving industry. However at the moment my mind is uncluttered and wide open to ideas,” said Elizabeth.
“I’m also looking forward to working with local school children in the autumn. It’s important that they get involved and contribute to its design!”
Elizabeth Caffrey’s public and private artworks art are to be found throughout Ireland. Recent sculptures include:
· “Living Vestiges” which examines the changes the threats to the Irish environment – in this case the native Irish grassland plants and Ireland’s disappearing vernacular architecture (a theme which runs through Caffrey’s creations).
· “Between the known and the unknown” – which explored the relationship between the living landscape and traditions, customs and beliefs and
· “Living Membrane” – a sculpture which uses form and lines to connect with living, biological systems.
Elizabeth Caffrey has exhibited in group and solo exhibitions throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe, was artist in residence in the Portuguese Azores, and has lectured widely on sculpture and ceramics.
Roisin Connolly, manager of the cross-border HEART programme said “HEART is delighted to commission Elizabeth Caffrey as the artist to produce public art for Ardara. She has clearly captured a close affinity and appreciation of the town, and her art is consistently connected to public space and sensitivity to local landscapes.
The public art element of the HEART programme is key to its overall success in developing a sculpture trail throughout the twelve participating towns and villages in Donegal and the Strabane district. When completed next year, Elizabeth Caffrey’s sculpture will form an integral part of the sculpture trail, which will enhance all the local communities involved, and encourage rural tourism throughout the region.
Six artists have now been commissioned - and are currently researching, linking with communities and devising initial concepts, with twelve pieces of new public art expected to be in place by summer 2008.
HEART is funded by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Border Action through Measure 1.1 of the EU’s Interreg IIIA programme, the International Fund for Ireland, Donegal Council, Strabane District Council and the private sector. HEART stands for Heritage, Environment, Art and Rural Tourism.
For further information, contact HEART programme manager Roisin Connolly at Strabane District Council on 028 7138 2204 ext 266 orrconnolly@strabanedc.com
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For further information contact:
Ø HEART programme manager Roisin Connolly at Strabane District Council on 028 7138 2204 ext 266 or rconnolly@strabanedc.com
Ø For media enquiries please contact Julie McCaughan @ Issue Island PR on 028 796 59626 orissue.island@btinternet.com
