Feast of art exhibitions at venues around Offaly town

THERE are a feast of art exhibitions at a variety of venues around birr town for the forthcoming 55th Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival.

ART EXHIBITIONS

August 5th-11th. 1pm-6pm

THE COIFFURED

The Copper Tree Gallery, Birr Castle. Curated by Amanda Jane Graham

In this unique solo exhibition, Amanda brings art history, hairdressing history and her expert knowledge of hairdressing techniques together in the artworks. The art practice is research-led with a sociological lens revealing the hairdressing profession's rich and fantastic history.

The artist explores the significant landmarks in the history of hairdressing, from the headdresses of Egyptian pharaohs to Queen Marie Antoinette and 18th-century Irish parliamentarian Edmund Burke who wrote, “the occupation of a hairdresser, cannot be a matter of honour to any person”. Thus, her creative approach provokes a revaluation of historical art from the perspective of a hairstylist, acknowledging the collaborative process. Using instantly recognisable equipment and techniques, she highlights the significant contribution of hairstylists to art history and directly places the hairdressing profession within the frame of historical portraiture.

LONGFORD LIGHTS ON TOUR

Old [New] Cinema, Brendan Street. Artistic Director Tom Meskell

The old cinema will be transformed into a stunning, magical world of animals and illumination. They are thrilled to partner with Longford County Council to bring this immersive experience to Birr, with works created by artists and community groups.

Longford Lights was the biggest lantern festival in Ireland, visited by over 10,000 people over three nights in February and they are thrilled to bring a selection of this work to Vintage Week, with additional pieces made by local participants.

This event is kindly sponsored by Grant.

OPEN SUBMISSION EXHIBITION. Curated by Amanda Jane Graham

Commuovere (ko'mːwɔvere)- to affect, stir, or touch emotionally.

The Open Submission Exhibition for 2023 has a focus on diversity and inclusion.

Artists have been invited to share their stories to create links between their personal experiences and the audience using the power of visual language to start conversations, establish new connections, understanding and inclusion.

THE PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND

In association with Birr Theatre & Arts Centre.

The Press Photographers Association of Ireland is dedicated to showcasing the extraordinary work produced by its members, comprising the country’s finest exponents of their craft, and to promoting the role of the press photographer in building the nation’s visual historical record.

Other Exhibitions

At Birr Theatre & Arts Centre

Aspects by Hazel Greene

At Oxmantown National School

Memories, Secrets, Drawings by Sorrel Lambton

At the Masonic Hall

Beating the Bounds by The Amusaleum.

At Birr Technology Centre (Enterprise Units)

Spontaneous People/Spontaneous Paintings; Art Link Collective; Birr Creatives; For the Love of It; Anam Beo Films; FLOW; Artists at Work; Birr Art Group.

At The Courthouse Yard

The Horse Box Art Gallery; People & Places; Ukrainian Journey.

The Space Above, Main Street

Carolan Duff

Tin Jug Studio

Something Old, Something New

Open after the parade on Sunday afternoon and Monday-Thursday, from 2-5pm (or by appointment 087 668 1783).

New Order District

Opening hours to view local artists' talent is everyday from 12pm-5pm. Please note, they are closed to the public Tuesday August 8th.