Laois Offaly town's art talent gathers in celebration of the Green Hub

During recent roadworks in Portarlington a 17th century channel which created a protective moat around the town was uncovered, and the Grágoyles, the protective spirits of the town were released.

The Grágoyles thought how best they could help to protect the town from the threat of pollution and climate change. Their spirits inhabited the minds of local artists and the Port Art Collective was born.

A collaboration between MyWaste.ie, The Portarlington Art Collective, Sustainable Energy Portarlington, the Brat Bhríde Project, Laois County Council and local businesses created a pilot Green Hub project exploring how to reduce and reuse commercial waste in the town.

Artists from the collective worked with local businesses to create Grágoyles from their waste products. A local dance group created a dance using upcycled clothes for their costumes and a local filmmaker has documented much of the activity for future generations.

Sustainable Energy Portarlington worked with Laois County Council and waste consultant Craig Benton to audit a number of local businesses, suggesting ways in which they could engage in more sustainable waste management. Some were already implementing such good practices that there were no suggestions for them.

At 8pm on FRIDAY, APRIL 21st in SOLAS, Lea Road, Portarlington there will be a celebration of the Green Hub which will include the opening of an exhibition of Grágoyles.

These were created by local artists ADW, Beta França, Geraldine Smyth, Kellyann Hyland, Mary Slevin and Véronique Canning  and the Crafty Dreams Studio. There is also an Origin Story by young artists Tomás Duggan and Susie Gannon. 

A performance of a dance created by local dance group BFAB DANCE CREW, choreographed by Ramakrishnan and Divya in conjunction with clothing upcycler Geea.

The premiere of the short documentary about the Green Hub by local filmmaker Darren Warren.

The organisers thank all the local businesses who came on board and add that the exhibition will be open to the public from Saturday, April 22 which is Earth Day.

About the Artists

ADW studied animation at Ballyfermot College, Dublin, and then moved to Britain and worked in computer games. Back in Ireland, he became disillusioned with a future in computers and returned to his creative roots. A determined creative and social activist, the economic collapse provided the backdrop for much of his art and street-art, earning much acclaim and recognition in the process.

Beta França: Born in Brazil with an Irish heart, Beta has lived in Portarlington since 2001. Mixed-media artist, designer and illustrator, Beta has a preference for working with wood, paper, and with objects in general, which, seen with fresh eyes, can express meanings beyond their conceptual limitations. 

Brat Bhride Group: Bringing communities together to upcycle and customise scarves/shawls. Once you can pick up a needle and thread you can take part. Reuses old scarves and found materials, promoting sustainability in recycling of materials.

Crafty Dreams Studio: Keeping alive old skills of weaving and making the studio, led by Veronique Canning - another hugely successful community initiative in Portarlington.

Darren Warren: Started taking photos and video of ADW’s artworks and is now an in demand Camera and Drone Operator and the Port Art Collective’s in-house documentarian.

Geea: “I am an eco-friendly local designer. I create anything from aprons & bags to full outfits and much more. Self-taught, I have a passion for fashion and sustainability. I designed and created the dancers outfits from a small selection of items, imagination and creativity.”

Geraldine Smyth: Sculptor and weaver of Unique creations using a wide variety of materials both foraged and found. Natural and recycled.

Kellyann Hyland: “I upcycle beads & different components from preloved jewellery. I make earrings, necklaces, bracelets & key chains. I give them a new lease of life.”

Mary Slevin: A visual artist based at Mount Henry Art Studio. “I get great joy in creating, I paint in oil, acrylic and use stitch in my work. I love to explore new materials and tools to enhance my practice which helps me to grow as an artist and a creator. My Grágoyle is mixed media using recycled material.”

Ramakrishnan Rengarajan AKA Bubblelock: Moved to Ireland from India. A dancer for more than 15 years he has won competitions and gained lots of media coverage. He runs dance classes in Portarlington, Tullamore and Dublin. He has developed theatre concepts as a new venture. Divya Jenifer, a dancer based in India worked on the choreography remotely with Bubblelock and his crew.

Tomás Duggan(14) and Susie Gannon(12) are two young artists who live and breathe storytelling and art.