1st year Art and Visual Communications Students are preparing for an exhibition of their work at Wexford General Hospital, entitled Catching the Light, that will be officially opened tomorrow afternoon (Thurs. 4th Dec.)
The collaboration with Wexford General Hospital will see 20 new works displayed in a new corridor for the Day Surgery Unit (The Slaney Ward) as well as some other areas of the hospital and in one of the hospital gardens. This year’s exhibition is significant, as the students have produced work for an entire new wing of the hospital – the Day Surgery Unit – with each piece newly framed by Artisan Framers who frame work for national collections and the Irish Museum of Modern Art. Catching the Light is expected to make a significant difference to the space and to those recovering from day surgery procedures.
This is the fifth such collaborative project between the hospital and Wexford Campus School of Art and Design that was first initiated by the Community Development Department, Tusla Child & Family Agency Wexford.
Catching the Light explores of a variety of processes and techniques that look at the emotions people experience in a hospital environment and the physical symptoms that may be associated with these emotions. The artworks examine the many ways in which art and other forms of healing, both modern and ancient, can make a huge difference to our wellbeing. The students have explored and experimented with various ways of visually depicting how animals, nature, the planets & stars, or flowers & herbal remedies may help promote healing.
Speaking in advance of the opening, Dr. Ciara Healy Musson, lecturer in art at Wexford Campus School of Art and Design said, "We are immensely proud of our students and the contribution they make to this project. Art can bring about great benefits for people's wellbeing, particularly in challenging environments like a hospital. We are also hugely grateful to the hospital staff and to Edelle Nolan for their on-going support of this project and relationship. IT Carlow Wexford has an excellent track record of delivering socially responsible projects like this to the local community."
Welcoming the exhibition, Dr. Karen Hennessy, Head of Wexford Campus said, “The Wexford Campus IT Carlow is delighted to continue this special collaboration with Wexford Hospital. The benefit of access to art work within a hospital environment is well known for its positive impact on the health and well-being of the patients, their connections and the staff. It also affords the students a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talents. A big thank you and well done to Wexford Hospital and all the staff and students of the Wexford Campus who are involved in this special project”.
Wexford Campus School of Art and Design, part of Wexford Campus IT Carlow, delivers art and design education for Wexford and the South East. Degree Courses are offered at Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Arts Honours levels in Art and Visual Communications & Design. The 1st Year Art and Visual Communications course is based in the heart of the town, at the former Borough Council Buildings in Hill Street. The courses are run by vibrant and dedicated staff, who are active in art and design practice, including public art.
For further information: Contact Brian Garvey or Ciara Healy Musson, programme directors. 053 915800.