Laois to celebrate International Women's Day with powerful events

This International Women's Day, Laois will celebrate it's women across the county through an array of powerful events.

The Laois Arthouse in Stradbally is delighted to present the exhibition, 'Ó Mhná –Celebrating Women who Make a Difference', an exhibition of poems and images by poet Denise Curtin.

This exhibition emerged from a discussion between poet Denise Curtin and Muireann Ni Chonaill, Arts Officer, Laois County Council, about a series of poems that Denise was working on, focusing on women who have inspired her in big and small ways.

Denise has created a series of beautiful poem portraits and dedication poems, including verse and imagery, which celebrate women known to her. Women she has met in familial and transitory circumstances.

"We have all encountered and know women in our lives who are at once ordinary and extraordinary," Ms Curtin said.

"Whether it concerns knitting wraps for babies in conflict zones, creating a tiny museum in a community hospital, working as an inspirational teacher or a volunteer with the homeless, this exhibition celebrates the difference these women have made to the lives of others," she said.

Denise dedicates the exhibition to her Great-Grandmother Catherine O’Brien-Delaney (1889 – 1969) who lived in Stradbally, Co. Laois.

Pictured: Denise Curtin

Laois County Council Arts Office are proud to present this exhibition, on such a noteworthy day for women, and to celebrate the women of Laois.

Monica Flynn, Assistant Arts Officer, will host the opening - with welcome address by Councillor, Padraig Fleming, Cathaoirelach of Laois County Council, and official launch by Radio Presenter and Documentary Maker Ann Marie Kelly.

The afternoon will include readings by Denise and a short talk on her work. All are welcome to the event and refreshments will be served.

Ms Curtin will facilitate a writing workshop at Stradbally Library on Saturday March 15 from 11:00pm to 1:00pm.

‘New’ and ‘not so new’ writers, are welcome to join Ms Curtin for this workshop exploring the theme of HOME.

Participants are promised an enjoyable morning of discussion, reading sample pieces by famous authors along with
brainstorming and encouragement.

'Ó Mhná' will run from 2:30pm – 5:00pm on Saturday March 8, with the exhibition running until Saturday April 5.