Alluring Arts Trail Announced for Clancy Brothers Music and Arts Festival 2011

Local youth create a unique artwork for the Brewery Lane Theatre & Arts Centre with the support of local artist Magueritte Kent (Photograph by Pete Smith)

An exciting Arts Trail Programme has been announced for the 2011 Clancy Brothers Music and Arts Festival which will take place in Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary over the June Bank holiday weekend, 2-6.

The renowned Art Exhibition Trail branch of the festival in Carrick-on-Suir has been expanded with the 2011 Art Trail featuring over 100 new, emerging and established artists, photographers, students and craft workers from all corners of the South East.  The showcase will blend their latest diverse collection of unique artwork in ‘celebration of artistic innovation locally’ and is a great opportunity to acquire an ‘Original’ piece of art created by local talented Artists.

The Art Exhibition Trail commences on Friday, June 3 at nine venues throughout Carrick-on-Suir and will run throughout the festival weekend with many Art Exhibition venues opened on the Bank Holiday Monday June 6.

Commenting on the Arts Trail is Co-ordinator, Linda Fahy, “This year we have added yet more new alluring features to the Art Trail that is sure to tantalize your artistic taste buds! You can start your Art Trail experience at the Ormond Castle and discover the exclusive “River Suir Inspired” art exhibition; where over 30 local artists will be displaying a unique work of art reflecting the mystery and beauty of the River Suir.

A new special highlight to this year’s Art Trail programme is the  induction of local creative youth, come prepared to be inspired by their infusion of chic vibrant artwork displays at various locations around the town and in the Foróige Neighbourhood Youth Project Centre on Kickham Street. Be awed by their fun “art projects in the making” where visitors can experience a live creation of unique artwork over the festival weekend.

Adding yet another captivating dimension to this year’s programme, is a fascinating blend of art mural works around the town breathing new life into vacant retail spaces throughout Carrick on Suir.

Back by popular demand there will be fun free interactive drawing workshops for children of all ages at the Friary Gallery & Community Arts Centre in Carrick Beg, so stop by and watch their imagination grow!

The Art Trail has some beautiful venues showcasing a diverse range of artwork during the festival including Ormond Castle, Brewery Lane Theatre & Arts Centre, Strand Theatre, Friary Gallery and Community Arts Centre, Clancy House Nano Nagle Resource Centre, New Street Art Studios at Galvins, Chapel Street Art Studio, the Presentation National School and Foróige Neighbourhood Youth Project. Also on your Art Trail “must visit” destinations stop by the 2-Day Craft Fair at T. O’Keeffe’s on William Street and uncover a wide range of unique products skilfully designed and handcrafted by dedicated local craft workers and chat with the talented artists who created them.

The Art Trail element of the Clancy Brothers Music and Arts Festival are also announcing an exciting competition for one lucky winner to win a €100 voucher towards the artwork of their choice just by visiting six out of the nine main Art Exhibition Venues along the Trail during the Festival weekend. The competition closes 3pm Mon June 6 and the winner will be announced at 4pm Monday, June 6 at the Friary Gallery. Competition cards can be picked up and dropped off at any of the 9 Art Exhibition Venues. Full details of Exhibition opening times for each venue are on the Festival Programme.

The Clancy Brothers Music and Arts Festival will be held in Carrick-on-Suir from June 2 to 6, 2011 and is generously supported by Failte Ireland, Tipperary County Council, the Arts Council, South Tipperary Enterprise Board, Tipperary Leader Partnership, Tipperary Arts Office and Carrick-on-Suir Business Association.  Tickets can be purchased at Xtra-Vision stores nationwide or on www.ticketgroup.ie and further information can be found on www.clancybrothersfestival.org or by contacting Carrick-on-Suir Heritage Centre 051 640 200