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
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.
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.”
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