Students from Tuam contribute to exhibition
THE artwork of students from St. Jarlath’s College in Tuam forms part of an exhibition on Saturday in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick, celebrating the creativity and strengths of autistic teenagers.
The Picture Voice Art Exhibition runs from 11am to 1pm in the An tSlí Corridor in the Tara Building of Mary Immaculate College. It has been put together by Jarlath Healy, a primary school teacher from Galway city who lives in Cratloe in Clare and was recently appointed as an Autism Advisor for County Limerick by the National Council for Special Education (NCSE).
The theme of the exhibition is ‘Spectrum of Strength’. Students from schools in Galway, Clare, Tipperary and Limerick have contributed artwork via painting, drawing, fabric and other mediums for the exhibition, including a group of students from St. Jarlath’s College.
“The students were supported and guided by their art teacher, Therese Kenny, who worked with a group of autistic students to create a beautiful and diverse collection of artwork,” said Jarlath Healy. students.
“As part of the exhibition, there will also be opportunities for autistic voices to be heard directly. Two autistic guest speakers will share their experiences on the day, and participating students will also be warmly welcomed and encouraged to speak about their artwork, the inspiration behind their pieces, or their own experiences of autism, if they wish to do so.”
“The exhibition is free to attend, and families, educators, community members and anyone interested in autism, inclusion and the arts are warmly invited to attend and experience the incredible artwork created by these talented young people.”
The exhibition began in 2025 as part of research for a Masters that Healy undertook at Mary Immaculate College. The college have agreed to run it as an annual event following the success of last year’s exhibition.
Entries for the Picture Voice Art Exhibition are still being accepted. To enter, students can create their artwork, photograph it and email the image to picturevoiceartexhibition@gmail.com.