Artistic Galway students’ pride in showcasing their creative talents
A number of Galway students were to the fore as a series of visual art exhibitions, and live musical performances marked the culmination of the academic year for Mary Immaculate College Bachelor of Education students undertaking the Visual Arts elective.
The event showcased the work of fourth-year students, highlighting their creativity, collaboration and developing pedagogical practice.
Among them were Alanna Larkin from Portumna and Grace Walsh from Gort, both fourth year B Ed students at MIC.
Students undertaking the Visual Arts elective presented three exhibitions exploring different approaches to art education and creative practice.
Rooted in Data, led by Anne-Marie Morrin, examined the intersection of Art, Design and STEAM, while Art Therapy: The Potential Space, led by Dr Sheila Richardson, explored art as a reflective and therapeutic practice.
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Hidden Stories / Visual Narratives led by Dr Julie Brazil, reimagined works from the Hunt Museum collection through printmaking and curatorial approaches, with selected pieces also exhibited at the museum.
Artworks by students have been selected for exhibition at the Hunt Museum, offering a significant professional opportunity.
Across all exhibitions, students demonstrated a strong engagement with contemporary art practices, combining traditional and modern techniques across a range of media, including print, sculpture, mixed media and digital processes.
This year’s exhibitions reflect a thoughtful and committed engagement with both artistic practice and education
Themes of identity, environment, storytelling and education were explored through both individual and collaborative work.
Musical performances were delivered by third-year Music Education specialism students who worked on self-selected pieces and performed with a strong sense of ensemble.
These performances were directed by Professor Gwen Moore, Professor of Music Education at MIC.
Students were supported throughout their work by MIC lecturers in Visual Arts—Anne-Marie Morrin, Dr Eamonn Mitchell, Dr Tanya Power—as well as Visual Arts Technician, Niall Quinn.
“This year’s exhibitions reflect a thoughtful and committed engagement with both artistic practice and education,” said Anne-Marie Morrin, Lecturer in Visual Arts Education at MIC.
“What stands out is the their willingness to take creative risks and engage deeply with process, which is very evident throughout the exhibitions,” she added.