Showcase of talent and creativity
Exhibition on show in Tuam
AN art exhibition by young adults with intellectual disabilities was opened in the restaurant at SuperValu in Tuam.
The exhibition entitled ‘It’s My Thing’ showcases the work of those attending St Joseph’s Training Centre in Tuam which provides a three-year rehabilitative training programme for young people with intellectual disabilities aged between 18 and 21 years.
Seven young adults brought their own individual ideas to fruition over the last few months supported by the staff along the way.
There was a great variety of pieces. Sean Monaghan, one of the young artists, described how he loves Irish Rugby, and his piece shows him throwing the rugby ball onto a pitch with his favourite players. His love of sport shines through as he told of his upcoming participation in the Special Olympics Ireland Summer games where Sean will compete with his fellow members of Connaught Athletics Team.
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EOIN Judge shows of his painting in SuperValu’s resturant alongside Ann Kelly, Instructor Ability West and Susan Bowman, Centre Manager. RAY RYANImage 2 of 3
SORCHA Canney showing her art work that is part of the exhibition. RAY RYANImage 3 of 3
LORRAINE Nolan, Senior Instructor Ability West, Mike Tierney and Louise Furey, Ability West. RAY RYANAnother artist Sorcha Canny explained her interest in the dark side and witchcraft. She took great pride in explaining her piece named Sisterhood.
Eoin Judge explained how he is a keen farmer and loves farming at home with his dad and also going to his work experience in Tuam Mart. He regularly feeds the horses and Lamas around Tuam and his artwork shows exactly that, Eoin brandishing a huge smile in his piece while feeding the Lamas. “That’s my thing,” explained Eoin.
Jack Henaghan, a first-year student, was very proud showing his two impressive art pieces. He loves to go on holidays with his family and that shines through in his beautiful piece of him and his family looking at the sunset. He’s also crazy about soccer and has been to many Ireland soccer matches. At the exhibition opening he was proudly wearing his Ireland jersey and pointing to his artwork on Irish soccer.
Pieces from other artists include ‘The Best Man’ by Michael Mullin, ‘Life is cruel’ by Aimee Carroll, and two pieces by Michelle Ward called ‘Betty the horse’ and ‘The woman who loved flowers’.
Lorraine Nolan (senior instructor) who organised the event extended special thanks to all the staff at the St Joseph’s Training Centre for their support to the young artists.
“It is a great honour for any artist to have their work displayed in a public place for all to see,” said Lorraine.
Lorraine and the group are thankful to the staff at O’Toole’s SuperValu coffee shop for facilitating the exhibition, which is open until this Thursday, June 11.