An exciting exhibition called “Breaking the Mould” by members of the disABILITY Louth group is currently on show at The Highlanes Gallery Drogheda until 15th April.
‘Breaking the Mould’ was a 16-week art programme rolled out to four groups across Louth ROC Services Drogheda, Irish Wheelchair Association Ardee, The Hub/St. John of Gods Blackrock and Rehab Care Quayside Dundalk which started last September and finished up just before Christmas.
The theme refers to breaking from Covid….those feelings of being alone, isolated and anxious. Breaking out of confinement, returning to a new norm away from restrictions and lockdowns and tearing down barriers to include people with disabilities into an active and inclusive society.
The Art Programme was enjoyed by all the participants in the four groups (34 in total) who worked closely with four Artists Caoimhe O’Dwyer, Goda Sirutyte, Maureen Finn and Nicola Crowe to create individual and group art pieces using different art materials and textures.
Local musician Paul Gantley wrote and sang “Happy While I’m Alive” at the launch and Annette Monaghan of disABILITY Louth thanked Louth County Council for funding this project and to Dara MacGabhann and her team at Louth Local Development for their guidance and support.
She also thanked Aoife Ruane and her colleagues in the Highlanes Gallery, for their enthusiasm and dedication in promoting equal opportunities for everyone”.
Annette congratulated the participants and thanked them for their willingness to open up their lives, time and desire to embark on this programme and the remarkable collection that their family, friends and the wider communities across Louth and Ireland can now view and admire.
She encourages everyone to visit the Gallery over the coming weeks and recommends that you stay awhile and look out for the video on loop, capturing and documenting “Breaking the Mould” commissioned by Patrick McCabe of No Borders Media. The Exhibition is open to the General Public till 15th April 2023.
