Bright lights of ‘little' city for public viewing

A VERY special ‘little’ exhibition created by the schoolchildren of West Cork is being opened next weekend in the town.

During the year, local students decided to build their our own minature version of a city and children in 14 schools from the general Skibbereen area have been were working hard since last Spring, making tiny buildings out of card and paper.  

‘Even though these young builders lacked a bit in building experience and engineering skills, they were brimming with creativity and ideas and an interest in learning,’ said artist and exhibition co-ordinator Sonia Caldwell. Sonia, who is originally from Dublin, developed the idea after doing similar workshops in the past as part of the Children’s Festival and the Skibbereen Arts Festival.

‘I was  interested in growing the idea into a colaborative community project and the project has being funded by Cork County Council,’ Sonia explained.

 The exhibition will run as part of the eclectic Skibbereen Arts Festival that hosts a broad range of music, drama, film  and art events. 

Sonia worked closely with artist Maeve Clancy from Achill in Mayo, who is also rooted in rural life and was enthusiastic about creating this city with the children. 

‘Maeve specialises in paper cutting and has worked on many fascinating projects including a great fun video with singer Lisa Hannigan,’ said Sonia.

All the buildings are finished and the fitting of the city is currently taking place with Maeve, Sonia and some budding apprentice volunteer builders, road builders and town planners.

‘I’d really like  to thank Cork County Council, The Southern Star, Drinagh Hardware, the Uillin West Cork Art Centre and Lisheens House for helping to make this happen,’ added Sonia. 

The exhibition will open on Saturday July 28th at 5pm in the Old Printworks building behind The Southern Star in Skibbereen, and will be followed by the opening of the rest of the visual arts trail in the Skibbereen arts festival. 

See www.skibbereenartsfestival.com for more.